German delegation visits AMU
Aligarh : Dr Jürgen G Nagel, Professor of Non-European history and the Dean, Faculty of Cultural and Social Sciences, Fern Universität in Hagen, Germany harked back to knowledge exchange that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) shared with German scholars in the pre-independent India and called for exploring collaboration opportunities and exchanging best practices in his interaction with the faculty members and students of the Departments of Foreign Languages and History at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
He was leading a delegation of 28 German professors and students for research in cultural exchange and historical significance in a trip that was organised in association with an AMU alumnus who had studied the German language.
“Since India-Germany ties are poised for further growth ahead and the education ecosystem in the both countries is thriving with top-tier institutions, it is high time that we work together to regain the lost historical vigour of AMU-German relationship”, said Prof Nagel in a special interactive session at the Department of Foreign Languages.
He also suggested ideas for academic exchange between the AMU and German universities.
Prof Jawaid Iqbal (Chairman, Department of Foreign Languages and Dean, Faculty of International Studies) pointed out that this will indeed be a great opportunity and morale boosting experience for AMU students of German language to interact with native speakers through joint collaborative activities.
“The step will expand AMU’s engagement with German universities and cultivate a culture of globally capable and engaged students”, he added.
Dr Shiv Prakash Yadav delivered the opening and closing remarks, while Syed Salman Abbas chaired the session.
AMU Foreign Language students, Mohammad Intizar and Hamad spoke on the life and message of Sir Syed and the historic AMU-Germany connection.
Meanwhile in the interactive session at the Centre of Advanced Studies, Department of History, Prof Gulfishan Khan (Chairperson and Coordinator, Department of History) spoke about AMU founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s connection with German scholars.
“Aloys Sprenger (1813-93), a leading orientalist of the 19th Century and Principal of the Delhi College who was later appointed as a professor at the Bern University helped Sir Syed in establishing intellectual connections and exchanges between India and Germany”, she said.
Prof Gulfishan also spoke about the published works of Sprenger and said that he left India many rare Arabic, Persian and Urdu manuscripts which are archived in the Berlin State Library.
Discussing contributions of Christian W Troll, German scholar who is a pioneer in the study of Sir Syed’s life and ideology, she said emphasised: “Books of Troll like ‘Syed Ahmed Khan: A Reinterpretation of Muslim Theology’ and ‘The Gospel according to Sayyid Ahmed Khan, 1817-1898’ have reinforce the scholarly ideals of Sir Syed”.
She also gave a presentation on the history of AMU and life of Sir Syed and displayed rare photographs of Sir Syed and several historical AMU buildings and structures such as the Bab-e-Syed, Strachey Hall, University Mosque, Maulana Azad Library, Meston Swimming Pool, Abdullah Girls College, Kennedy Hall Auditorium, Musa Dakri Museum, Moinuddin Picture Art Gallery and the Students Union Hall.
Mohammad Shahid (Deputy Director, Sir Syed Academy) presented works of Christian W Troll to Prof Nagel.
Faculty members also arranged a university tour for the delegates and took them to the Archaeology Section of the Department of History, Sir Syed House, Strachey Hall, Victoria Gate, University Mosque and the Musa Dakri Museum among other places.
Dr Md Nazrul Bari delivered the welcome address and extended the vote of thanks.