AMU Convocation: Women take centre stage, bag 122 medals

Aligarh, March 7: 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 the President of India and Visitor of Aligarh Muslim University, Shri Ram Nath Kovind during the 65th Annual Convocation of AMU. He recalled that during his state visit to Ethiopia in 2017, he met with Mrs Roman Tesfaye, wife of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, who was an alumna of AMU.

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 sand sports. He noted that Bharat Ratna awardee Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, anti-apartheid activist Dr Yusuf Mohammad Dadoo, and former President of India Dr Zakir Hussain were students of this university. He also mentioned the contributions of, among others, Dr Syed Zahur Qasim, Professor A. Salahuddin and Dr Shahid Jameel to modern science.

At the Annual Convocation of AMU, female students outshone male counterparts. Out of 218 medal recipients, 122 were female 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. President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind said that it is heartening to see that female 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.

The President further said that progressive women like Ismat Chughtai and Mumtaz Jahan have added to the lustre of Indian society and of AMU. He referred to 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, said the President.

The President was happy to note that AMU’s work in the field of science and technology is responsive to the needs of our society. The Centre for Advanced Research in Electrified Transportation is helping to develop useful technologies. He said that such efforts need to be enhanced in other departments of the university so that knowledge and innovation can keep pace with changes in society. Along with science and technology, enlightened, modern thinking is necessary to ensure every section moves ahead amid equality and fraternity, said the President.

He added that the pursuit of knowledge and the quest for human dignity are inter-connected and the twin goals have been at the centre of the Indian ethos and of our composite civilisation. “They have contributed to our diversity, which is our great strength, as well as our open-minded approach as a people. Mutual respect, learning from each other, sharing with each other, and acceptance of alternative ways of thinking and living are not just slogans in our society, but a natural way of life for India,” said the President adding that these lessons hold true for us as a country, within and between regions of our country and within and between communities of our country. It is important to constantly renew this spirit, he pointed.

The President said that we live in an age of globalisation – of building a world that does not just accommodate but celebrates diversity and that combines the best of modern technology with the traditions and cultures of our society to build the India of our dreams. “Such an India will help every Indian, every boy or girl – irrespective of background or identity – to realise his or her full potential and such an India will be a beacon of hope for a restless world in the early 21st century,” he added.

The President said that in today’s era, students of AMU are expected to take their place as among the best students of not only our country but the world. “This is a period of mobility and we are all part of a global knowledge society and in such a dynamic environment, engaging with teachers and students in other institutions will be helpful in cross-pollination of learning,” he further said.

Rector of the University, Ram Naik (Governor, Uttar Pradesh) said that on the eve of International Women’s Day (March 8), female students have bagged 56 percent 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 Naik.

He added that AMU alumni such as Shri Zakir Hussain, Shri Hamid Ansari, Dhyan Chand and Lala Amarnath have made the nation proud.

“This university is special as it has made a distinct identity in India and abroad,” said Shri Naik adding that AMU students are scattered all over the world and the nation are contributing to the nation.

Chief Guest President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind with second top winner at the 65th annual convocation of AMU

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 Naik. “I pray for AMU students to keep moving on the path of ‘Charaivithi Charaivithi’, which means moving forward for progress.

AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor delivered the welcome address and presented the Annual Report.

“AMU is ranked as the sixth best Indian university by Times Higher Education (UK), second best Indian university by US News and World Report, sixth best Indian university by prestigious Q S World University Rankings and sixth best Indian university by CWTS Leiden Ranking (Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Netherland),”said the Vice Chancellor adding that the National Institutional Ranking Framework, Ministry of Human Resource and Development, Government of India has ranked AMU as the 11th best university in the country.

Prof Mansoor added that AMU is making big progress with the establishment of solar plants, generation of clean electricity, District Early Intervention Centre and Paediatric Cardiology under NHM and cath-labs among other achievements. He further said that the university also has a new Olympic size swimming pool.

Addressing the graduating students, the Vice Chancellor said: “You deserve accolades for hard work and now it is your duty to represent AMU Tehzeeb (Culture) by becoming loving and caring human beings and the best professionals of your fields.

Prof Mansoor urged students to serve the motherland in the best of ways. “Move ahead in life with ideas of nation building and academic excellence,” said the Vice Chancellor.

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 Akhter (Registrar, AMU) conducted the programme.

Nawab Ibne Said Khan of Chattari (Pro Chancellor) and Prof Habibur Rahman Khan (Honorary Treasurer) were present on the occasion. AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Mansoor hosted a high tea at the Sir Syed House to facilitate degree recipients.

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