Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) plays a special role in India’s development and AMU students have made their mark not only in India but also in the other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, said President of India and Visitor of Aligarh Muslim University Ram Nath Kovind during the 65th Annual Convocation of Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh on Wednesday. He recalled that during his State visit to Ethiopia in 2017, he met Roman Tesfaye, wife of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, who was an alumna of AMU.
Speaking on the occasion, Kovind said Aligarh Muslim University has played a special role in India’s development and noted that it is going to complete 100 years of its establishment as a university in 2020. The President said students of AMU have made their mark not only in India but also in the other parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. He recalled that during his State visit to Ethiopia in 2017, he was happy to learn that the wife of the Ethiopian Prime Minister was an AMU alumna.
The President said that there is a very long list of distinguished students of AMU. They have excelled in politics, administration, education, law, science and technology, literature, arts and sports. He noted that Bharat Ratna awardee Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, anti-apartheid activist Yusuf Mohammad Dadu, and former President of India Zakir Hussain were students of this university. He also mentioned the contributions of, among others, Syed Zahur Qasim, Professor A Salahuddin and Shahid Jameel to modern science.
The President said progressive women like Ismat Chughtai and Mumtaz Jahan have added to the lustre of Indian society and of AMU. He pointed to the commendable example of Khushboo Mirza, a former student of AMU who has played a key role as a scientist in ISRO’s Chandrayaan Mission. Achievers like her are role models for women in the 21st century.
At the Annual Convocation of AMU, woman students outshone male counterparts. Out of 218 medal recipients, 122 were woman students while 96 were males. A total of 5,381 degrees were awarded to 2891 graduates, 2094 postgraduates, 25 M Phil students and 371 PhD candidates.
Kovind said it is heartening to see that women students are leading the medals tally in AMU. He added that these students will take the country forward to the path of progress and their voice is a modern India.
“AMU students, who are awarded degrees today and the students, who will be awarded degrees in future, are Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, and they will take India to new heights with contributions in nation building,” said the President.
Rector of the University, Ram Naik Governor of Uttar Pradesh said that on the eve of International Women’s Day (March 8), women students have bagged 56 per cent of medals for their academic excellence.
He further said that today women are making their marks in all aspects of life. “Women are part of all professions including the elite Air Force and other defence services,” said the Ram Naik.
He urged students to work hard for success.
“There are no short cuts to success and it is equally important to appreciate good work and avoid belittling others,” said Ram Naik.
AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor delivered the welcome address and presented the Annual Report. The deans of AMU faculties received undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees of students.
Harsha Gupta, B Tech Mechanical Engineering (five medals) and Sana Saud, BUMS (four medals) also delivered speeches.
Mr Mujeeb Ullah Zuberi (Controller of Examinations, AMU) and Prof Javaid Akhtar (Registrar, AMU) conducted the programme.
Nawab Ibne Said Khan of Chattari (Pro Chancellor), Prof Habibur Rahman Khan (Honorary Treasurer), AMU Court Members Prof Humayun Murad, Khurshid A Khan, Ex Principal ZHCET Razaullah Khan, MIC PRO Shafey Kidwai were present on the occasion.