AMU remembers its founder Sir Syed, sending out message against hate, intolerance

Aligarh: At a time when hate speeches and increasing intolerance were causing concern among all sections of the society in the country, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) today sent out a message of communal harmony while remembering Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, its founder and a great architect and social reformer of modern India, one of whose famous advices to Muslims was to give up cow slaughter if it hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

”And this advice given in 19th century did not come from a man who was afraid of anyone, and I am also not quoting him out of any fear,” former chief justice of Patna High Court Iqbal Ahmad Ansari said while speaking as guest of honour at the Sir Syed Day function held at AMU to mark the birth anniversary of . Sir Syed who was born in 1817.

”And this advice is still relevant. There is no other option for the people of this country except to live in harmony.” he said.

Prof Tahir Mehmood, while speaking as chief guest highlighted Sir Syed’s message against communalism, sectarianism and religious orthodoxy by quoting from the famous poem of great poet Allama Iqbal which he wrote after visiting the grave of Sir Syed in Aligarh. ”One should not indulge in communalism and avoid words that would hurt the feeling of others, and while following one’s religion, one should not renounce this world, Prof Mehmood said while giving English translation of Iqbal’s lines. Through these lines, Allama Iqbal is giving a sense of Sir Syed’s teachings/

The main function was held at the sprawling Gulistan-e-Syed. The other guest of honour was Director General of National Archives of India Chandan Sinha who in his speech sought to underline that Sir Syed spoke for all Indians, not just Muslims, and his great emphasis was on inculcation of scientific spirit among Indians.

AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor, in his welcome address, said that AMU’s endeavour has always been to function in a way that reflects the teachings and ideals of Sir Syed who was all for unity, communal harmony, consensus and free enquiry.

On this occasion, Sir Syed International Award was presented to professor emeritus of history at the University of California Barbara Daly Metcalf , who joined the function online from the US, and Sir Syed National Award was given to Maulana Azad Educational Society.

During the two day celebrations that started on October 16, a number of events were organised to pay tribute to the AMU founder.

An exhibition on the writings of Sir Syed was also inaugurated at the Siry Syed House.

Earlier on Sunday, World Alumni Meet was organised in which several distinguished alumni of AMU participated. The function was presided over by Prof Tariq Mansoor.

AMU came into being over a 100 years ago on Dec 1, 2020. It was on September 9, 1920, that the then Viceroy Lord Chelmsford got a bill passed for upgrading of the existing Muhammadan Anglo Oriental (MAO) College to the status of a university. The university came into being technically on December 1, 1920 after it was notified by the government gazetteer. However, the inaugural function of the university was held on December 17, 1920.

Siry Syed, who was born in 1817, had started his career as a civil servant. The 1857 war of Independence was a turning point in his life as he came firmly to the view that modern education was the only way for Indians, especially Muslims, to improve their lot and join the mainstream of the society. He also set up the Scientific Society in 1863 to instill a scientific temperament in the community.

—-INDIA NEWS STREAM