Aligarh
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) today celebrated the Republic Day with vigor and gaiety at the Strechy Hall, to mark the anniversary of the day the country’s Constitution was adopted in 1950.
“We owe to our Motherland the duty of nation building and the road to making a prosperous India calls for dedication, integrity and seriousness of purpose,” said AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor while addressing the gathering at 69th Republic Day celebrations at the campus.
After a customary parade by NCC cadets and unfurling of the Tricolour, Vice Chancellor Prof Mansoor said that let us pledge to strengthen our nation.
He added that the young have tremendous potential and idealism which results in the emergence of a prosperous, successful and a happy nation. “You, our young students, wedded to the goals of social justice, equality and fraternity can and should play meaningful and constructive roles,” said Prof Mansoor.
“Since independence, we have, no doubt, achieved much in many domains,” said the Vice Chancellor adding that India is a self-reliant, fast developing economy and we are increasingly recognised across the globe as an economic powerhouse. He said that India’s greatest strength lays in its pluralism, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
“Shri Pranab Mukherjee, former India President rightly said that our tradition has celebrated the argumentative Indian and not the intolerant Indian,” said the Vice Chancellor.
He pointed out that the dream is of a better India, a united India, a country founded on harmony and brotherhood with large-hearted tolerance. “This was the dream of AMU founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and of the heroes who struggled valiantly in the freedom struggle,” said Professor Mansoor stating that this was also the dream of Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr B R Ambedkar.
Prof Mansoor pointed out that we (AMU) as an institution of national importance as enshrined in the constitution are very fortunate to have resources and avenues for nation building.
He emphasised that AMU is committed to democratic principles, equality and justice. “We must carry forward our traditions, conventions and the Aligarh Tehzeeb (Culture) to all parts of India and the world,” said Prof Mansoor.
The Vice Chancellor urged the AMU community (Teachers, students and staff) to work together as a team to improve academic and residential life and to move the university on the path of development and academic excellence.
“Let AMU be the catalyst for educational needs of weaker sections of society and let us carry forward the message of our founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan with renewed vigour and enthusiasm,” said Prof Mansoor..
AMU students Ms Madhiha Noman (BA Communicative English) and Mr Asif Saud (BSc Industrial Chemistry) also delivered speeches.
The Vice Chancellor later distributed prizes to the winners of ‘Run for Unity and Peace’ organised by the Athletics Club, Games Committee. Rahul K Yadav, M Salman and Danish stood 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in Men’s category. Yasir Husain Khan, M Zeeshan and M Sajid received prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in the Boys’ category. In the Women’s’ category Mumtaz, Pranshi and Nabila were given prizes for finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Alka Singh and Himani Sharma bagged 1st and 2nd prizes in the Girls’ category.
Students of Ahmadi School for Visually Challenged, who won the ‘Half Marathon Race for Unity’ in the Girl’s and Boy’s events, also received prizes. Manju and Sagar Chaudhary won the Girl’s and Boy’s events respectively. While, Preeti Kumari and Shazia finished second and third in the Girl’s category, Irshad Ahmad Lone and Riaz Ahmad stood second and third in the Boy’s marathon.
The Vice Chancellor also flagged off the ‘Eco Fox Run’ aimed at creating awareness about environment and energy. The event was organised by the University’s Eco Club.
On the occasion, Prof Mansoor with his wife, Dr Hamida Tariq (Renowned pediatrician) visited students admitted in the University Health Service (UHS) to inquire about their health. They distributed fruits to the admitted students. Meanwhile, Dr Hamida also inaugurated the newly renovated Female-Ward at the UHS.
Mr Mashkoor Usmani (President, Aligarh Muslim University Students Union—AMUSU) announced that soon a 200 metre long Indian national flag will be hoisted at the Duck Point of the university as a part of Sir Syed’s bicentennial birth anniversary celebrations. Mr Usmani has appealed the AMU community to help in raising funds for flag hoisting.
Prof Javed Akhtar (Registrar) conducted the programme.
Earlier in the day, a Prabhat Pheri programme was organised by STS School. The university also witnessed celebrations in all offices, faculties, college, departments and schools.
