Sir Syed Day Celebrations 2010

The 193rd birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was celebrated with traditional gaiety at Aligarh Muslim University. A largely attended commemorative meeting, prize distribution of All India Essay Writing Competition, book exhibition, Quran Khwani and floral tribute at the grave of Sir Syed marked the occasion.
Delivering the commemorative address, Nawab Ibne Saeed Khan of Chhatari, former Honorary Treasurer of the University said that AMU is not just an institution but it should provide the affection of a father and caring of a mother to the students. The students need discipline of a father and love and affection of a mother.
He said that democracy provides right to everyone and its demand is also genuine but it also imposes restrictions in public interest. It is true that democracy preaches for the liberty but it also advocates for limitations or it would become an autocracy. If students cross this limit, then the message becomes a subject of criticism.
He pointed out that Sir Syed's mission riveted on two objectives – education and character building but today we see a visible lack of stress on character building. He said that the students are the brand ambassadors of this institution. Wherever the alumni of this great seat of learning have gone, they have laid down the Aligarh’s spirit of establishing associations, colleges and the university and have acquainted the world with the great movement.
Presiding over the commemorative meeting at Kennedy Hall today, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis said that “The creation of two centres has revived the spirit of Aligarh Movement as it enkindles new hope in Muslims who are still mired in educational backwardness. The approval of the Centre is the most befitting tribute to Sir Syed who strove for ameliorating the condition of Muslims”.
Prof. Azis said that the Muslims living in West Bengal and Kerala are exulted and five more states – Assam, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have requested the University to open centres as more and more states want Muslims to take up education on priority basis. Prof. Azis hoped that more centres would eventually emerge as full-fledged universities. By 2020, when AMU celebrates its centenary, it would not be the only university as new centres complement it. The Vice Chancellor declared that the admission to BALLB and MBA at new centres will be notified very soon. It is heartening to note that Sir Syed's dream of spreading education among Muslims across the country has come true after a century.
Paying rich tributes to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis said that Sir Syed judiciously blended modern education with Islamic teachings and set the Muslims on the path of resurgence.
He asked students not to be carried away by any consideration except education that will arrest all pervading sense of deprivation. Cultivation of a sense of belonging will enable students to get associated with nation building, he exhorted. He urged the students to rededicate themselves to the ideals of Sir Syed and brook no suggestion that put their future into jeopardy.
Prof. Ali Mohammad Naqvi, Dean, Faculty of Theology highlighted the five-fold mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. He said that there were great personalities like Raja Rammohan Roy, Keshab Chandra Sen, Vidyasagar but they have not left any institution which may have shaped the history as Sir Syed did.
He said that Sir Syed Mission has reconstruction of religious thought in Islam and revival of its rational spirit.
While paying tribute to Sir Syed, Prof. Qazi Afzal Husain, Dean, Faculty of Arts said that Sir Syed was a symbol of secularism and he himself instituted a medal to non-Muslim students. He said that Sir Syed was a great social reformer of nineteenth century.
In his welcome address, AMU Registrar, Prof. V. K. Abdul Jaleel said that the commencement of AMU’s centres in Murshidabad and Malappuram this year is the greatest tribute our nation is paying to the legendary contributions made by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan for the promotion of education. He said that today we are organizing the founder’s day commemorative meeting in a modest way because of some factors which are beyond our control.
On this occasion, Nawab Ibne Saeed Khan of Chhatari presented the award of All India Essay Writing Competition organized by the Public Relations Office. Mr. Mahmood Alam Siddiqui, Research Scholar of JNU received the first prize of Rs. 25,000/-. Ms. Asma Shahid, student of Raza P. G. College , Rampur and Ms. Farheen M. Junaidi of Karnataka got the second and third prizes of Rupees Fifteen Thousand and Rupees Ten Thousand respectively. The toppers from one dozen states also received prizes.
Dr. Shakeel Samdani, Coordinator, General Education Centre conducted the programme and Prof. Ainul Haq Khan proposed a vote of thanks.

Related Picture
(1) Vice Chancellor Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis laying chadar on Sir Syed's grave

(2) AMU VC Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis inaugurating the book exhibition on Sir Syed

(3) Nawab Ibne Saeed Khan of Chhatari giving away prize to the first prize winner of All India Essay Writing Competition

(4) Nawab of Chhatari Ibne Saeed Khan addressing the commemorative meeting on Sir Syed Day

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