Addressing at the inauguration function of the “Professor K.A. Nizami Centre for Quranic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh” on Monday, he has said that the emphasis needs to be on what comes by right, rather than through concessions and largesse.
He said that this occasion brings to mind two aspects of the Aligarh Muslim University that need to be recalled. It is, in the first place, a university or a place of higher learning in the fullest meaning of the term. It has, secondly, a specific association with the study of the civilisation of Islam. Neither is possible without acquisition of knowledge. It also demands quality in the world of today wherein standards are perforce global.
Mr Ansari said that ‘our gratitude to Sir Syed is often a ritualistic exercise’. Some, but not many, remember the three distinct yet interconnected aspects of his work. He established an institution of modern education, he initiated a scientific society to help educate his compatriots into the achievements of modern sciences, and he called for a deepening of the understanding of faith in the context of our times. Each required hard work, an open mind and the attainment of excellence. Aligarh contributed to it in good measure but could have done more.
The Vice President opined that when we introspect, we need to be candid. Did we slacken in our quest for quality? Have we kept pace with the changing requirements, nationally and internationally?
“Some years back when I had the honour of heading this great institution, a casual conversation took place with a group of students who had come out of the University mosque after the Friday prayers. There are three things, I said, done by anyone coming for prayers: Wuzu (cleanliness), punctuality, and lining up in discipline. I enquired why these practices were not observed daily life outside the mosque. The answers, I am sorry to say, were evasive.
All of us need to think about this dichotomy and its implications for the work we undertake in this institution. Do we measure up to the required’ standards in terms of inputs’ and outputs? How can we improve our performance? Our task today is to give a practical shape to the ideals and aspirations expressed in the Tarana sung by us here and in all corners of the world”, observed the Vice President.
Presiding over the function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah said that this Centre would promote the study of Indo-Muslim civilization and culture. He hoped this Centre would be a bench mark in the University.
General Shah said that the Quranic Centre would provide an ICT facility and complete online network and its own website with equipped laboratory.
Referring to the remarks of Dr. Zakir Husain, general Shah said that “future of the nation would largely depend on the treatment India metes out to Aligarh”.
In his welcome address, Professor Ahtisham Ahmad Nizami, Director of the Quranic Centre said that the centre has been named after Prof. K. A. Nizami who served this University for over four decades in different capacities. He authored more than fifty books.
He said that the Centre will have links with other institutions of Islamic learning and forging cooperation and bounds all around that will lead to better understanding of the Islamic thought and shall contribute to tolerance, peace, coexistence and friendship which is global concern today.
AMU Registrar, Group Captain Shahrukh Shamshad proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Shariq Aqeel conducted the programme.