The Raleigh Literary Society begins its activities with the start of the new academic session

ALIGARH : The Raleigh Literary Society, one of the oldest literary societies at the Aligarh Muslim University, organized its inaugural ceremony for the academic session 2024-2025 at the Arts Faculty lounge, with more than 150 students from various departments and faculties attending the programme.

In his inaugural address as the chief guest of the programme, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Arif Nazeer said that knowledge makes one humble, humility begets worthiness, worthiness creates wealth and enrichment, enrichment leads to right conduct and right conduct brings contentment. He emphasized the importance of cultivating literary skills in students and how being truly cultured requires an outlet for creative expression.

The guest of honour, Prof. Asif Shuja, former Chairperson of the department, informed the gathering about the historical significance of the Department of English and noted that several British teachers played a prominent role in shaping the course of English studies at Aligarh and in India. She urged the students to uphold the legacy of “this prestigious platform” by following the footsteps of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Sir Walter Alexander Raleigh.

Speaking as another guest of honour, Prof. Syeda Nuzhat Zeba, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, reminisced about her time as a young student participating in various literary activities organized by the Society under the chairmanship of Prof. Asloob Ahmad Ansari.

She recalled the contributions of Prof. Zahida Zaidi, “the first female faculty member appointed in the department,” who kindled a passion in students for reading, writing, reciting and performing during the 1960s and 1970s.

Earlier, presenting a short introduction to the Society, Prof. Shaheena Tarannum, Chairperson of the department, said that the Society is named after Sir Walter Alexander Raleigh, the first Head of the Department of English from 1885 to 1887, who joined Aligarh to teach English and Philosophy on the invitation of the founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Prof. Raleigh later became the first holder of the Chair of English Literature at Oxford University.

She assured the students of support from the department to the literary and academic endeavors of the students.

Dr. Raihan Raza, Advisor, Raleigh Literary Society, guided the preparation of a short documentary on the history of the Raleigh Literary Society, which was played during the event. The video featured photographs and clips of the society’s activities as early as the 1960s.

Earlier, Prof. Shahla Ghauri, the Teacher-in-Charge of the Society, welcomed the guests, while Mr. Mohd. Shams Uddoha Khan, Secretary of the Society hoped that his team will try to uphold the legacy and rich heritage of this historic literary fraternity. He recalled how the society had helped shape his overall personality since joining it in August 2021 as an undergraduate student. He urged the junior members to contribute to fostering the fervor of “literariness” among their peers.

The Executive Members of the Society, Mr Nishant Dikshit, Ms Aiman Fatima, Mr Aftab Ahmad and Mr Yusuf Khan, under the supervision of Dr Rabeya and Dr Sunij K Sharma, Teachers-in-Charge of the RLS, managed the hospitality for the entire programme.

Ms Atiya Faridi, Executive Member, along with the postgraduate students Ms Asna Masood and Ms Afra Naaz, engaged the audience with their monologues and poetry recitations, with themes ranging from new beginnings to Alexander Pope and women’s empowerment.

Ms Aliza Javed, Treasurer and Ms Khadija Iffat, Executive Member of the Society, conducted the programme, while Mr Mofazzal Husain recited verses from the Holy Quran.

Ms Wafiya Amir, Joint Secretary and Ms Zainab Khan, Executive Member proposed the vote of thanks.

Prof Mohd Rizwan Khan and Prof Mohd Asim Siddiqui, former Chairpersons of the Department, Mr Danish Iqbal, former Teacher-in-Charge of the Society, Dr Murad Ahmad Khan, Member Executive Council, AMU, Dr Elif Gulbas (Istanbul University), Prof Vibha Sharma, Prof Nazia Hasan, President, UDLC, Dr Sadaf Fareed, Former President UDLC, and other faculty members of the department and Women’s College attended the programme.