‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

 

Aligarh : In the continuing series of events to mark the Nation-wide ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and 75 glorious years of Indian independence at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the University Debating and Literary Club (UDLC) in association with Maulana Azad (M A) Library organized a seminar highlighting ‘The Contribution of AMU to the Indian Freedom Movement’.

The Chief Guest, Dr Rahat Abrar (Former Director, Urdu Academy) spoke on ‘Sir Syed’s struggle and how he penned down three books on freedom struggle out of which, Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind is the most popular.

He shed light on the role of AMU students in the freedom struggle.

The Guest of Honour, Prof Sirajuddin Ajmali (Department of Urdu), elaborated the contribution of poet, activist and freedom fighter, Maulana Hasrat Mohani and spoke about how he opened a Swadesi Store to support the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement after joining the MAO College.

Prof F S Sherani (Co-ordinator, Cultural Education Centre) called for showing respect to the great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to free India from colonial rule.

Speaking on the significant visit of Mahatma Gandhi to AMU, Dr Sadaf Fareed (President UDLC) pointed out: “Prominent freedom fighters such as Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Dr Zakir Hussain, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Captain Abbas Ali among others were associated with AMU”.

Aafia Rizvi introduced the guests, while Mohd Shams Khan extended the vote of thanks.

Students produced distinctive pieces of writing, art and creation in various events held to mark the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations at the Girls Residential Hostel, Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall.

Devanshi Saini (MFA) and Bushra Naaz (BFA) won the poster-making contest with Saleena Asim (Diploma in Engineering) securing the second place. Farha Naaz (PhD Chemistry) and Urooj Fatima (BFA) shared the third spot.

Aaisha Praveen (MA) was declared the winner of the creative-writing competition in which Shaista Rehma (PhD) stood second.

In the stone painting contest, Devanshi Saini (MFA) bagged the first prize. Urooj Fatima (BFA) and Hina Fatima (B. Voc) finished second and third respectively.

After the prize distribution, Prof Subuhi Khan (Provost, Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall) pressed for the necessity of developing skills through participation in extracurricular activities.

Dr Fauzia Faridi (Literary and Cultural Warden), Rafeeda Siddiqui (Resident Warden and Programme Organizing Secretary) and Dr Munazza Neyaz spoke about how creativity helps in problem-solving, contributes to satisfaction in life and gives us a sense of purpose.

At the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr Z A Dental College (ZADC); students, faculty members and patients were given National Flags to observe the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaigns.

Prof G S Hashmi (Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) urged all to hoist the National Flags at residences.

Faculty members of the Department of Sociology linked arms and hands, forming a human chain to express their patriotism in the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

“A tree plantation drive and essay, extempore speech and poster competitions were also held to mark the occasion”, said Prof Sheeren Sadiq (Chairperson).

She stressed on the importance of upholding the Constitutional values in a motivating speech.

At the Department of Zoology, Chairman, Prof Mohammad Afzal delivered a lecture on “Struggle faced by the freedom fighters” and highlighted the contribution of well known leaders and revolutionaries who were active against British rule in different parts of the country. He mentioned the role of some famous newspapers and magazines edited by freedom fighters in English and other vernacular languages.

He urged the youth to adopt the values and ideals of the freedom movement and demonstrate the spirit of service and sacrifice for the nation.

The faculty members and staff of the department participated in a plantation drive held to mark the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative. More than thirty-five saplings were planted in different corners of the department.

The postgraduate and undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine participated with great zeal in programmes organized by the Department of Community Medicine to mark the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ programme.

A Nukkad Natak and a skit on the theme, “TB Se Azadi” was played by the PG and MBBS students (2019 and 2020 Batches) at the Humpty Dumpty School, Chandbagh followed by an introductory speech by MBBS student, Md Jargham Qazi. The play highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and adherence to the treatment protocol to check the spread of Tuberculosis.

Dr Chandan Kumar Tiwari (JR-1) talked about the importance of celebrating Independence Day and underscored the relevance of the term Azadi with special reference to freedom from various diseases. He elaborated on the different stages of diabetes and said that a simple change in lifestyle, food habits and regular exercise can make a big difference in preventing diabetes.

MSW, Mrs. Shiba Khan and MBBS students Md Jargham Qazi, Md Mazhar Nasir, Hamza Mujahid Sherwani, Mantasha Ahmad, Md Adil, Talha jawed, Aliya Chauhan, Ayesha Samdani, Saad Hasan, Umar Farooq, Ritik Sharma, Rahul arora, NauseenNevari, Md Suphyan, Imteaz Ansari actively participated in the programme.

At the Department of Urdu, faculty members, staff and students participated in the plantation drive and planted more than 24 saplings of Gul-e-Fanoos, Anwla, Arjun and Jamun. They also raised Tiranga to spread awareness regarding the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Prof Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Chairman, Department of Urdu, along with the chief guests Prof Syed Mohammad Hashim and Prof Mohammad Tahir (Chairman Departmentof Urdu, Shibli National College, Azamgarh) participated in the plantation drive while Prof Mohammad Shahabuddin Saqib delivered a speech highlighting the role of freedom fighters and their sacrifices in getting freedom from the British rule.

Dr Sultan Ahmad, Programme Convener, presented anecdotes of the freedom movement, while Dr Aftab Alam Najmi underlined the significance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

The Urdu Academy also organized the plantation drive and Har Ghar Tiranga awareness programme in which Chief Guest, Prof Tariq Chhatari highlighted the main features of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He also presented his fiction “Apna Ghar”, which elaborates on the pluralistic heritage and syncretic values of the country that transform into the Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb.

Prof Saghir Afrahim presided over a session in which Dr Arif Hasan Khan and Dr Abdul Moid Rasheedi read out patriotic poetry.

Prof Qamrul Huda Faridi (Director, Urdu Academy) welcomed the guest speakers and highlighted the importance of the occasion.

At the Department of Arabic, Prof Mohammad Sami Akhtar Falahi (Chairman) kicked off a seven day celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. In his address, Prof Falahi stressed the importance of personal freedom of every citizen in the overall development of the nation. He said India has made tremendous progress in all spheres and it stands today among the developed countries in the world. And this could be possible only because it ensured maximum personal and individual freedom to its citizens.

Prof Mohammad Sanaullah Nadvi urged people of all hues to remain united and make all efforts to uphold the great ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity.

Prof Abu Sufyan Islahi urged the students to read Sir Syed’s “Asbab-e-Baghavat-e-Hind” and Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Discovery of India” to get acquainted with the different phases and anecdotes of the freedom movement.

Students of the AMU Girls School stirred patriotism by singing thought-provoking, sublime words of the famous song, ‘Jhanda uncha rahe humara, Vijayi vishwa Tiranga pyaara (The conqueror of the world, our Tri-colour, Let our flag always fly high) to observe the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

“School teachers and staff joined the primary section students to sing the famous patriotic song. Teachers later also delivered talks on the Indian Freedom Struggle”, said Amna Malik (School Principal) and Arshi Zafar Khan (Vice Principal).

At the Abdullah School, students of Classes II to V engaged in flag making activity to observe the ‘Har Ghar Jhanda’ campaign and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Later in a motivating speech, Umra Zaheer (School Superintendent) encouraged students to do their best for the Nation.

“The journey of 75 years after independence is a reflection of how proud we are of our democratic traditions and the great freedom fighters who made enormous sacrifices for independence”, she said.

Students of the AMU ABK High School-Girls also participated in a series of events to mark the ‘Har Ghar Jhanda’ campaign and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“The celebrations included a Calligraphy contest for students of classes VI to X, speech competition on ‘National Flag, the Symbol of our Freedom’ for classes IX and X and an essay contest on ‘History of Indian Tricolour’ for classes VI to VIII”, said Dr Saba Hasan (Vice Principal).

She added: U N Naznin was the Guest of Honour and Mahtab Ahmed was the competition judge.

Students and teachers of the AMU ABK High School-Boys marched from the school to the Emadul Mulk Road with patriotic banners and National Flags to mark the ‘Har Ghar Jhanda’ campaign and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

“A speech competition on ‘‘National Flag, the Symbol of our Freedom’ was also held at the school in which Mohd Shahzeb (Class X) stood first, Arsalan Ahmad (Class IX) finished second Ahmad Faraz secured the third place. Mohd Jameel and Farha Najm were the competition judges”, said Dr Samina (Principal).

Schools teachers Rais Ahmad, Nida Usmani and Afzal Ahmad urged students and school staff to hoist National flags at their homes.

The STS School organised a series of events celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence. Students of different classes enthusiastically participated in category based various events including the Prabhat Pheri, Craft Activity, Painting and Poster making competition, Essay Writing competition, Poem Writing competition and Singing and Recitation competition.

Mr Faisal Nafees, Principal, STS School informed that a lecture on ‘Importance of Freedom Struggle faced by Freedom Fighters’ was delivered by Professor Perwez Nazir (Department of History, AMU).