AMU celebrates 202nd birth anniversary of its founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

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AMU celebrates 202nd birth anniversary of its founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

There are currently about 20,000 AMU alumni in 100 countries world-wide, says Frank Islam, Chief Guest at Sir Syed Day 2019 function

Thursday October 17, 2019 11:35 PM, ummid.com News Network

[Frank Islam and Debbie Frank Islam with AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor on their way to Sir Syed Day function.]

Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Thursday October 17, 2019 celebrated 202nd birth anniversary of its founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. AMU alumnus and head of the FI Investment Group, USA, Dr Frank Islam was th Chief Guest on the occasion.

"Sir Syed had a collegial and compassionate view of peaceful co-existence, collaboration and communal harmony in a pluralistic society. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University BHU), shared Sir Syed's ecumenical perspective and his vision," said Frank Islam while delivering the Sir Syed Day commemoration address.

Frank Islam pointed out that Pandit Malaviya was used to say that the country can gain strength and develop when our people live in mutual good-will and harmony, and that India belongs to people of all faiths.

"There is no doubt that Sir Syed and Pandit Malaviya shared a spiritual bond. Sir Syed once said that he regarded both Hindus and Muslims as his two eyes", Frank Islam said.

"Sir Syed went on to say, 'Would that I had only one eye.' He used that phrase to indicate that he loved both Hindus and Muslims equally," said Dr Frank Islam adding that these words explain Sir Syed's thought system and that he recognised more than just one ultimate principle.

"This day commemorates the unrivalled accomplishments of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder, Sir Syed and the legacy he left for all of us who have graduated from this marvellous institution.

"Sir Syed believed that education and shared educational experiences are pillars for achieving peaceful co-existence, collaboration, communal harmony and national progress", Dr Frank Islam said.

"Sir Syed founded the Mahommedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College which later became AMU with focus on advancing educational interests and competencies of people. He also ensured that from its establishment the College was not the province of any religion," he said.

"I must stress that Sir Syed's vision was embraced by people of all religious communities as many wealthy Hindus were major benefactors of MAO College," said Dr Frank Islam.

Drawing attention to what Sir Syed said at the founding of MAO College, Dr Frank Islam emphasised, "Sir Syed then said that the sons and daughters of this institution will go forth throughout the length and breadth of the land to preach the gospel of free inquiry, large-hearted toleration, and pure morality."

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

"MAO College became a university and today AMU offers over 350 full-time courses in fields like agriculture, medicine, science and engineering among other streams and draws students from all corners of India and from countries around the world," he said adding that AMU graduates are spread all over India and around the world, making significant contributions.

"There are currently about 20,000 AMU alumni in 100 countries world-wide. I am one of them," pointed Dr Frank Islam.

"When Sir Syed was nearing the end of his life, he lost eyesight, but not his vision and determination. He built the MAO College, now AMU so that students carry its light far and wide to eliminate darkness," said Dr Frank Islam.

He pointed out that the Entrepreneurship Center in the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex can make a difference by promoting ideas, innovation and implementation for cultivating entrepreneurial leaders; while the Frank and Debbie Islam Auditorium in the Department of Mass Communication will be a place for students to discuss all things related to our Country's democracy and press.

Quoting Sir Syed, 'All human beings are our brothers and sisters and working for the welfare is obligatory for Muslims,' Dr Frank Islam urged the students to build on Sir Syed's legacy of love, learning and light.

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