Symposium held on Sir Syed and his works
ALIGARH : The Centre for Professional Development of Urdu Teachers (CPDUT or the Urdu Academy), Aligarh Muslim University organized a symposium on “Sir Syed and his Works” under the lecture series marking the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
The chief guest, an eminent Sir Syed scholar and political scientist, Prof. Shan Mohammad, highlighted significant works of Sir Syed and discussed his contribution to reforming society through his periodicals and lectures. He said Sir Syed had a great passion for learning and he worked to promote knowledge and spread awareness till his last breath.
The guest of honour, former Director of the Urdu Academy, Dr Rahat Abrar remembered Sir Syed as one of the tallest figures of the 19th century, who relentlessly worked for the educational empowerment of the Indian masses.
He said Sir Syed believed that the only way to progress for the 1857 revolt-wrecked Indian people was to gain modern education and elevate themselves to the level of their European counterparts, who were at least a century ahead of them in science and technology.
He said a good person is always remembered for his deeds and virtues, and it is this aspect of Sir Syed’s personality that we are still discussing and remembering him 125 years after his death.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Mohammad Quamrul Huda Faridi, Director of the centre, stated that the objective of this symposium is to raise awareness among students about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his contributions. He said that the students of this university in particular have a greater responsibility to carry forward the baton of educational uplift of the masses and build a society that is based on wisdom, reason and justice.
Dr. Zubair Shadab Khan, Deputy Director, conducted the programme and introduced the guest speakers.
Dr Rafiuddin, Dr. Henna Yasmeen, Saba Bano, Gulistan Riyaz, Saba Munavvar, Dr. Mohd. Maroof, Dr Irfan Ahmad and Hina Tabassum presented papers on various topics related to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Prof Faridi extended a vote of thanks.