Books released to mark Republic Day, Centenary celebrations

Aligarh: Four books, carrying exquisite portrayals of inspiring people who left colossal impacts on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) were released by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor to mark the Republic Day and eventful centenary year in an event organised by the Sir Syed Academy.

These are ‘Aligarh Muslim University: A Short Introduction’, ‘Col. Bashir Hussain Zaidi’ by Prof Vibha Sharma (Dept of English), ‘Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum’ by Dr Sadaf Fareed (Women’s College), ‘Raja Jai Kishan Das’ by Sunij Kumar Sharma (Dept of English) and ‘Sir Ross Masood’ by Raza Abbas (Women’s College).

In the presidential address, Vice Chancellor, Prof Mansoor said that these books narrate a big portion of AMU’s history in the most quintessential ways.

Prof Mansoor highlighted the crucial role of the Academy in the digitization of books and important documents and thanked the entire AMU fraternity for the efforts and dedication to the development and advancement of the university.

Sharing thoughts on ‘Sir Ross Masood’ by Raza Abbas; Prof Hakim Syed Zillur Rehman (Hony Treasurer) spoke on how Sir Ross Masood introduced courses, upgraded the syllabi and established laboratories for various science subjects.

The book provides the readers with a riveting narrative on the persona of Sir Ross Masood, who also served as the AMU Vice Chancellor, said Prof Zillur Rehman.

“After higher education from UK, Col. Bashir Hussain Zaidi assumed the job of the Headmaster at STS School (Minto Circle). He was later elected as the Vice Chancellor,” said Dr Farhatullah Khan (Professor Emeritus, Department of English).

He was giving views on Col. Bashir Hussain Zaidi by Prof Vibha Sharma.

Prof Farhatullah applauded the author’s efforts in bringing out details of Col. Bashir’s life and works and his passion in construction of buildings, for which he was known as Shah Jahan of AMU.

Prof Naima Khatoon (Principal, Women’s College) elaborated endowments of Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, an epitome of Women Empowerment and the first AMU Chancellor and appreciated efforts Dr Sadaf Fareed for presenting details on the towering personality of Sultan Jahan Begum.

Prof ShakeelSamdani (Dean, Faculty of Law) highlighted the contributions of Raja Jai Kishan Das to the Aligarh Movement while speaking on the book, Raja Jai Kishan Das by Sunij Kumar Sharma.

He spoke on how Sir Syed’s close companion, Raja Jai Kishan Das remained dedicated to the Aligarh Movement till his last breath.

Speaking on Aligarh Muslim University: A Short Introduction; Dr Muhammad Shahid (Deputy Director, Sir Syed Academy) showed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for suggesting the short history book on AMU.

This short book will be widely circulated among the students and staff members of the University, he added.

Dr Shahid also extended the vote of thanks.

In the welcome address, Prof Ali Muhammad Naqvi (Director, Sir Syed Academy) informed that the Sir Syed Academy has recently published more than 20 primary books and monographs on Aligarh Movement and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan which were not available.

Dr Syed Hussain Haider conducted the program.