The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) celebrated its centennial year. The grand occasion was celebrated with PM Narendra Modi gracing it via videoconferencing. He addressed the faculties, staff, students and alumni who are spread worldwide. During the celebrations, PM Narendra Modi also released postage stamps marking the centennial celebrations. This is the first stint in over five decades of a prime minister as a chief guest at an AMU event. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank also joined the event via videoconferencing.
The programme comprised of addresses from the University’s chancellor Dr Mufaddal Saifuddin, Vice-Chancellor Dr Tariq Mansoor, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to his government’s slogan of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ as he heaped praise on the University’s contribution to the freedom struggle and overall, the education of the Indian society. The last time a sitting prime minister attended an event at AMU was Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964. Preceding him, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Aligarh Muslim University four times.
Modi was quoted by ANI as saying, “The country is marching onwards on the path where every citizen would get the benefits of development taking place in the country without any type of discrimination. The country is on the path where every citizen should be carefree yet aware of their constitutional rights and their future. The country is on the path where no citizen would be left behind because of their religion, and everyone would get equal opportunities so that everyone can fulfil their dreams. ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ is the mantra behind it.”
Modi heaped praise on Aligarh Muslim University and its role in national movements. “Wherever in the world they go, AMU alumni represent the rich heritage and culture of India… In its 100 years of history, AMU has helped millions of lives, giving them modern and scientific thinking and inspiring them to do something for the society and the nation,” ANI quoted Modi as saying.
Modi lauded Aligarh Muslim University’s contribution to the fight against COVID-19. “The way AMU helped society during COVID-19 pandemic is phenomenal. Conducting free tests, making isolation wards, creating plasma banks and contributing to PM Cares Fund… all this shows the seriousness of fulfilling your obligations towards society,” Modi was quoted as saying by ANI.
Modi highlighted the diversity of Aligarh Muslim University. He was quoted by ANI as saying, “People tell me that the AMU campus is like a city in itself. We see a Mini-India among different departments, dozens of hostels, thousands of teachers and professors. The diversity that we see here is not only the strength of this university but also of the entire nation.”
Modi also talked about the significant decline in the dropout rates of Muslim girls from schools and also about the government’s achievement in legally abolishing the practice of Triple Talaq.
Also mentioning the upcoming benefits of the flexibility of the New Education Policy, Modi talked about the education system in the country, which will see a new dawn in the coming days. Narendra Modi also suggested ideological clashes and politics should be kept aside when it comes to working towards the common greater goal- AatmaNirbhar Bharat.
The event ended with his words, the customary and splendid AMU Tarana followed by the national anthem.
You can watch the recorded version of the event, HERE
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