Frank Islam says Sir Syed, Pandit Malviya shared vision for communally harmonious, pluralistic India

Dr Frank Islam waving at students and guests at the Sir Syed Day function at AMU, Aligarh where he was the chief guest on Thursday.

Oct 17, 2019

Aligarh: Eminent Indian American and AMU alumnus Dr Frank Islam today paid glowing tribute to Sir Syed on his 202nd birth anniversay here, recalling his vision for a collegial and compassionate view of peaceful co-existence, collaboration and communal harmony in a pluralistic society.

” Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University, shared Sir Syed’s ecumenical perspective and his vision,” said Dr Islam, an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, civic leader, and head of the FI Investment Group, USA.

His remarks came while delivering the Sir Syed Day commemoration address on the occasion of Sir Syed Day at Aligarh Muslim University’s Athletic Ground on Thursday.

He pointed out that Pandit Malaviya was quoted saying that the country can gain strength and develop when its people live in mutual good will and harmony and that India belongs to people of all faiths. There is no doubt that Sir Syed and Pandit Malaviya shared a spiritual bond. Sir Syed once said that he regarded both Hindus and Muslims as his two eyes, he added.

“Sir Syed went on to say, ‘Would that I had only one eye.’ He used that phrase to indicate that he loved both Hindus and Muslims equally,” said Dr Islam adding that these words explain Sir Syed’s thought system and that he recognised more than just one ultimate principle.

“This day commemorates the unrivalled accomplishments of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder, Sir Syed and the legacy he left for all of us who have graduated from this marvellous institution.

Dr Islam stressed, “Sir Syed believed that education and shared educational experiences are pillars for achieving peaceful co-existence, collaboration, communal harmony and national progress.”

“Sir Syed founded the Mahommedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College which later became AMU with a focus on advancing educational interests and competencies of people. He also ensured that from its establishment the College was not the province of any religion,” highlighted Dr Islam.

“I must stress that Sir Syed’s vision was embraced by people of all religious communities as many wealthy Hindus were major benefactors of MAO College,” said Dr Islam.

Drawing attention to what Sir Syed said at the founding of MAO College, Dr Islam emphasised, “Sir Syed then said that the sons and daughters of this institution will go forth throughout the length and breadth of the land to preach the gospel of free inquiry, large-hearted toleration, and pure morality.”

“MAO College became a university and today AMU offers over 350 full-time courses in fields like agriculture, medicine, science and engineering among other streams and draws students from all corners of India and from countries around the world,” he said adding that AMU graduates are spread all over India and around the world, making significant contributions.

“There are currently almost 20,000 AMU alumni in 100 countries world-wide. I am one of them,” pointed Dr Islam.

“When Sir Syed was nearing the end of his life, he lost eyesight, but not his vision and determination. He built the MAO College, now AMU so that students carry its light far and wide to eliminate darkness,” said Dr Islam.

He pointed out that the Entrepreneurship Center in the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex can make a difference by promoting ideas, innovation and implementation for cultivating entrepreneurial leaders; while the Frank and Debbie Islam Auditorium in the Department of Mass Communication will be a place for students to discuss all things related to our Country’s democracy and press.

Quoting Sir Syed ”All human beings are our brothers and sisters and working for the welfare is obligatory for Muslims,’ Dr Islam urged students to build on his legacy of love, learning and light.

In the welcome address, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said, “In view Sir Syed’s vision; the University has started number of courses in emerging areas such as M Tech (Biomedical Engineering), M Tech (Solar and Renewable Energy), MBA (Hospital Administration), MBA (Islamic Banking and Finance) and a PG Diploma course in Muslim Chaplaincy.”

Starting of the Centre for Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence has been initiated, said the Vice Chancellor adding that many PG Diploma seats have been converted into MD/MS seats.

The Trauma Centre costing Rs 15 crores is fully operational and construction work for the Paramedical College and Nursing College has began, said Prof Mansoor.

He announced that the UGC has sanctioned a grant of Rs 19 crores for equipment and infrastructure development, 160 smart class rooms are now functional and a 1500 bedded hostel for girls, the Begum Azizun Nisa Hall is operational.

The Vice Chancellor emphasised that since the University is committed to the cause of physically challenged, four percent reservation in admission and employment has been implemented.

On AMU’s commitment to environment protection, Prof Mansoor said that solar energy generation has been enhanced to 6.5 megawatt in University. He added that AMU is also partnering in the environmental protection of the Taj Mahal through the Department of Civil Engineering. The University is also collaborating for the smart-city projects of Agra, Aligarh and Bareilly.

He further announced that Rs 67 crores have been sanctioned by Ministry of Minority Affairs for 250 bedded boys and girls hostel at the Murshidabad and Malappurram Centres; NHM has sanctioned Rs 28 crores for 100 bedded MCH wing and Rs four crores for Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; an amount of Rs 5.5 crores has been given by the Maulana Azad Foundation for the Community College; UGC has sanctioned Rs 13 crores additional amount for equipment and up gradation of infrastructure for the 2019-20 session and Rs 1.6 crores was released as the first instalment by ICAR for Faculty of Agriculture Sciences.

Later, VC Prof Tariq Mansoor announced that teaching will remain suspended on Friday.

Dr Islam and Professor Mansoor honoured The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy with the International and National Sir Syed Excellence Awards respectively. IANS