Governor of Uttarakhand, Dr. Aziz Qureshi said Muslims in India are lagging behind in comparison to other minorities of the country and they should work in collective manner for their development.
He was addressing the commemorative meeting on 196th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of the Aligarh Muslim University at AMU. Governor said the greatest tribute to Sir Syed will be that we make efforts to eradicate the darkness of ignorance and
illiteracy in India in general and among Muslims in particular. "He considered this university as a great centre of excellence and its students and teachers have an obligation to develop it into an ideal university which remains far from strikes, chaos and lawlessness. AMU community should cooperate with the Vice Chancellor, lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, who is committed to make it the number one university of India," he added.
He lambasted the ill designs terming Madrasas as the centre of terroristic activities. He said that Madarsas have contributed a lot to the freedom struggle of India by leading several important movements and worked for the development of the country. "Madarsas should not be doubted on their credibility, instead, their students be provided with all facilities and rights to gain higher education and participate in the national mainstreams," he added.
Vice Chancellor, AMU, lt Gen (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah said he wanted to invite eminent teachers produced by this university to serve their alma mater and become an active partner in its development. Sir Ross Masood took the initiative, which proved highly fruitful. "He wanted teachers to remain available in departments to provide guidance to students," he addedVC said he was busy in preparing the "Vision 2020" plan for the university as it would be celebrating its centenary in 2020. AMU was the last hope for the community and it is our duty to preserve it for our forthcoming generations. All efforts will be made for its development and he will seek support from its alumni.
later, Governor of Uttarakhand, Dr Aziz Qureshi gave away certificates and cheques of prize money to the winners of All India Essay Writing Competition held by the University on "Sir Syed’s vision and efforts towards female education".Earlier in the morning, a Quran reading session (Quran Khwani) was held at the University mosque after Morning Prayer and a floral tribute was paid at the Mazar of Sir Syed. later, VC inaugurated an exhibition of books and photographs of Sir Syed at the Sir Syed Academy.