Indian leaders stress education for Muslim progress

JUBAIL: India's Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni observed Sir Syed Day at the Hadeed beach camp recently to pay tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the university's founder.
Several important guests from India were conspicuous by their presence on the occasion. India's former Minister of State for Home, Communication and IT, and a senior Congress leader, Shakeel Ahmad was the chief guest, who noted that Indian Muslims should exercise their franchise with diligence and caution.
Referring to AMU's initiatives in opening Sir Syed public schools, Mairaj Uddin Ahmad, a former UP minister, urged AMU old boys to respond to the call by opening such public schools in their districts, states and cities.
“Empowerment through education can be our only savior in these difficult times,” Ahmad said.
Spread over 467.6 hectares, the premier educational institution is in Aligarh, a city located 130 km from Delhi, in Uttar Pradesh province. Students from all over India and abroad, especially Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia study more than 300 courses that the university offers in traditional and modern branches of education.
The university has more than 28,000 students, 1,342 teachers and some 5,610 non-teaching staff on its rolls. The university now has 12 faculties comprising 98 teaching departments, 3 academies and 15 centers and institution. A special feature of the university is its residential character with most of the staff and students residing on the campus.
Educational Excellence Award was presented to Saadia Siddiqui, officiating vice principal girls of IIS Jubail, for her community services.
IIS Jubail's toppers, Heba Nasar, Atia Akram and Anam Sharaf, were awarded trophies for their academic excellence.
Those who spoke or were present on the occasion included Khalid Hadi Khan, who presided over the function, Anis Bakhsh, Meraj A. Ansari, Mukarram Ali Khan and former IISD Principal Capt. Anwar, Syed Hilal Uddin Khan and Qaisar Hussain.
Syed Baqar Naqvi conducted the event and Shujat Ali Mirza presented the vote of thanks.