Webinar on AMU Alumni and COVID-19
Aligarh: The Alumni Affairs Committee of Aligarh Muslim University organized a Webinar on “How Can AMU Alumni Contribute in the Times of COVID-19” on 08.08.2020 to connect with the Alumni across the globe. A total of 1855 alumni had registered for the webinar online. Besides this, the proceedings were also shared on Live Stream over YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0GF5SmEKxNI)
The session by Guest Speaker Prof DP Agrawal (former chairman of UPSC and a distinguished alumnus of AMU) was impressive and it was reassuring in these divisive times. In his talk he emphasised the sense of belongingness that alumni have for AMU is amazing.
He advised important points to think about and to work upon. He also suggested means of improving the ranking of AMU. He urged everyone to contribute in making AMU the No. 1 University in India first and then in the world subsequently. Towards this end, he emphasized the importance of quality research. He even coined the slogan “AMU Cares for Humanity”. He urged to attain autonomy by A.M.U. in generating resources, carrying out quality research, better employability, and service to humanity and creating citizens for future by preserving the diversity.
In the Presidential address, Prof Tariq Mansoor, Vice-Chancellor of AMU, highlighted the contributions of the JN Medical College, in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 60,000 COVID-19 tests have already been carried out in the Microbiology Lab of the University. Around 1000 tests are being done every day and the capacity is being increased to 2000 per day. A 100-bed isolation ward is in place with a dedicated operation theatre, labor room and the Dialysis Unit for the COVID-19 patients. A Plasma Therapy Bank has also been established with a couple of patients receiving the treatment already. An amount of Rs. 10 Crores has been spent by the University towards fighting the pandemic.
This information from the Vice-Chancellor will go a long way in improving the perception of the University in the outside world. The Vice-Chancellor requested the alumni to help the weaker students with the gadgets and internet connectivity required for receiving online lectures. He highlighted the fact that the New Education Policy has emphasized the importance of digital education very much.
The Vice-Chancellor also appealed to all the alumni across the world to create awareness about the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. He personally thanked the guest speaker for a lucid and informative lecture, and the Alumni Affairs Committee for having organized one.
In his opening remarks, Prof MM Sufyan Beg, Chairman Alumni Affairs Committee, extended a warm welcome to the Guest Speaker and the Alumni from all over the world. He also introduced the Guest Speaker, Prof DP Agrawal. Prof Beg informed that Prof DP Agrawal graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the ZH College of Engineering and Technology, 1970. His batch will be coming to their Alma Mater this year for their Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice- Chairman Alumni Affairs Committee proposed the formal vote of thanks.