Lecture to mark Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s 205th birth anniversary
Aligarh : Padma Shri, Prof Akhtarul Wasey emphasised that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan realised the importance of modern education and urged the masses to achieve development, peace, harmony and political stability through education.
He was delivering the commemorative lecture of the University Debating and Literary Club (UDLC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to mark Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s 205th birth anniversary celebrations.
The Chief Guest, Prof Akhtarul Wasey who is also a distinguished AMU alumnus and a Professor Emeritus at the Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia spoke about the inception of AMU and the conversation Sir Syed shared with Maulvi Shibli Nomani on the construction of the Strachey Hall in the university.
“Sir Syed was one of the biggest reformists and progressive thinkers who firmly believed in multiculturalism and equal status to all communities. He stood for an all-inclusive education system and stressed on the importance of free speech and critical thinking”, he said while speaking on Sir Syed’s revolutionary ideas and emphasis on modern scientific education.
Attending the programme as the Guest of Honour, IPS Officer, Mr Mohammad Imran (Registrar, AMU) motivated the students to strive hard for excellence in all fields.
He said that Sir Syed left an indelible mark on India and his life-long journey as a reformer and educationist is a testament to his dedication.
Dr Sadaf Fareed (Faculty member, Women’s College and UDLC President) highlighted how Sir Syed advocated communal harmony and unity.
She spoke about Sir Syed led ‘Aligarh Movement’ aimed at reforming the social, political and educational aspects of masses.
Dr Sadaf also called for replicating Sir Syed in our behaviours.
Md Sabeeh Ahmad (UDLC Secretary) delivered the welcome address.
Ramsha Rafat Ali extended the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour also distributed prizes to the winners of the quiz and debate contests held to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
The team of STS School, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) comprising Mohammad Rayyan Asif, Fazil Javid and Shubham Kumar won the quiz competition of the University Debating and Literary Club (UDLC) held on October 28.
Maria Sadaf Mehdi, Zehra Fatima and Simra Hasan from AMU Girls School received the second prize with ABK School team consisting Afeefa Kaleem, Gunjan, and Ilma Khan finishing third.
Alamgir Sultan was declared the winner in the English Language category of the debate on, ‘This house believes that advancements in EdTech will create new barriers of class systems’. Aliya Hassan and Mariyam Hameeda stood second and third respectively.
Tafseer Kauser won the debate in the Hindi category with Fateen Raza on the second spot. Bilal Ahmad won the first prize in the Urdu category.
The judges of the debate contest, Prof Samina Khan and Dr Aftab Alam said that participation in debates provide students with the opportunity to explore real-world topics and issues and to learn from their peers.
Speaking on the importance of debate competitions, Dr Sadaf Fareed said: “These contests enhance knowledge and critical thinking skills, build confidence and develop personalities”.
Sabeeh Ahmad (Secretary, UDLC) delivered the opening remarks before the quiz competition and Juveria Rahman, Ayesha Tanveer and Sarim Mustafa Khan conducted the programme.
Amna Asim Khan extended the vote of thanks after the debate contest.