The Mumtaz Foundation organises Education Conclave 2018
New Delhi: To commemorate the bicentenary (2017) of the birth of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan- The founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the Mumtaz Foundation organised Education Conclave 2018 on November 24 at the Govt. Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida that witnessed an assemblage of select speakers from health sciences and education sector. The Mumtaz Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation based out of Delhi. The Conclave had lectures by distinguished invitees like Prof. Rahat Abrar, Director, Urdu Academy, AMU; Dr. (Brig.) Rakesh Gupta, Director, Govt. Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida; Dr. Nagendra Singh, Assitant Professor, School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University and Dr. Kausar Neyaz, Scientist, DSS Imagetech Pvt. Ltd, among others.
In his Inaugural Address, Dr.(Brig.) Rakesh Gupta, Director, GIMS, stressed on the need for more such organisations like The Mumtaz Foundation to come forward and work on philanthropic lines. An Alumnus of JN Medical College, AMU, Brig. Gupta also reviewed the great legacy of AMU and its education. “It is only when we move to other places that we realise the worth and importance of our alma mater. AMU is undoubtedly a great institution”, he said. AMU is an Indian public central university that is serving India for over 100 years. It was originally established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875.
Prof. Rahat Abrar, Director, Urdu Academy, AMU gave a breath-taking account of the history of period around 1857 in India and the incidences that happened in the life of Syed Ahmad Khan around that time. Prof Abrar narrated how mother of Syed Ahmad Khan had to take refuge inside a stable to save her life, where she was found almost unconscious after over a week. The killing and displacement of many relatives of Syed Ahmad khan are certain episodes that would have broken any other soul but on the contrary all these tragedies along with the deplorable state of Muslims in those days made Syed to introspect and peruse the ways and means which could make situation better for his community. His realisation that only modern education based on free enquiry that is based upon scientific principles, and large-hearted approach towards life can bring about some positive change in the life of Muslims in particular and any other human being in general. With this thinking Syed Ahmad Khan, an astute administrator, made educating his community the mission of his life and this led to the creation of Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875. Syed Ahmad Khan worked tirelessly around the time of the revolt of 1857 and saved the lives of many Indians, and some Britishers as well. Probably, considering this and also considering the whole life of Syed Ahmad Khan that was devoted to serve and uplift common man prompted the British rule to confer him with the title of “Sir”, and this is how he became popular as Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
The Conclave was moderated by Basma Hussain, Executive Director, The Mumtaz Foundation. She shared the philosophy behind formation of The Mumtaz Foundation. “We are focused to contribute our bit towards education and health of the needy. The foundation would generate revenues from its activities in research in Life Sciences and allied sectors and would use a major portion of its earnings to support philanthropic activities of the foundation”. Ms. Hussain said.