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Sir Syed Ahmad Khan : Oct 17 Birth Anniversary

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Hindu-Muslim Unity Is Real Tribute To AMU Founder

Mohd Naushad Khan

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New Delhi | Thursday | 17 October 2024

Today Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students, teachers, and alumni around the world celebrate Sir Syed Day with enthusiasm and pride. The day honours Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of AMU, and his contributions to education and social reform. In 2017, AMU marked the 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a historic occasion that remains fresh in the memories of many and is celebrated with renewed enthusiasm each year.

While Sir Syed Day is a time of joy and celebration, it also serves as a moment for reflection and introspection. It’s essential to ask ourselves how much of Sir Syed's vision has been realized. Have we fully embraced his values and dreams, and what challenges still lie ahead? The celebration should encourage AMU to review its progress, understand what has been accomplished, and identify the gaps that remain. Opportunities for growth are abundant, but they require dedication, a positive mindset, and a willingness to overcome obstacles.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s vision was rooted in his belief in education as a powerful tool for empowerment. He once shared his vision, saying, “From the seed which we sow today, there may spring up a mighty tree, whose branches, like those of the banyan of the soil, shall in their turn strike firm roots into the earth, and themselves send forth new and vigorous saplings.” Indeed, the seed he planted has grown into a flourishing tree, symbolizing AMU’s far-reaching influence in the field of education. AMU now has the responsibility to further strengthen its role and become a national model in education.

Article at a Glance
On October 17, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) commemorates Sir Syed Day, celebrating the legacy of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and his pivotal role in education and social reform.
While this day is marked by pride and joy, it also invites reflection on how well his vision has been realized and the challenges that remain. Sir Syed believed education was a powerful tool for empowerment, aiming to uplift communities and foster national progress.
Discussions among AMU leaders emphasize the need for modern education accessible to all, improved Hindu-Muslim relations, and a commitment to societal contributions by alumni.
This year’s theme focuses on “peace and communal harmony,” urging the AMU community to strive for unity and respect among diverse groups. Sir Syed Day serves as a call to action to continue his mission of education, inclusivity, and progress, ensuring his ideals remain relevant in today’s society.

Sir Syed’s vision extended beyond academics; it was about uplifting the community and giving them social, political, and economic freedom through education. This empowerment would enable them to actively participate in national progress. AMU's expansion through new branches across India has opened up new opportunities, helping to spread education to a wider audience. Former AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen (Retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, took significant steps to establish English-medium Intermediate Colleges in each district of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aimed to embody the true spirit of the Aligarh Movement, which seeks to enlighten and empower the community.

During my discussions with notable AMU figures like Lt. Gen Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd), Frank Islam, Chairman and CEO of FI Investment Group, LLC, and Prof. Faizan Mustafa, former Vice Chancellor of NALSAR Law University Hyderabad, I sought their thoughts on what would be a fitting tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. They shared valuable insights into how AMU can continue to uphold Sir Syed’s legacy.

Lt. Gen Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd) emphasized the importance of spreading modern scientific education, particularly among the Muslim community. He stressed the need for quality schools with affordable fees so that even families with limited financial resources can access education. He also highlighted the importance of fostering good relations with the Hindu community, saying that even if efforts for better ties don’t always succeed, it is crucial to avoid worsening relations. His message was clear: we must remain true to the ideals of unity and progress.

Frank Islam, a distinguished AMU alumnus, emphasized that the true tribute to Sir Syed should not be limited to one day of celebration. Instead, it should be demonstrated through the daily lives of AMU graduates around the world. He explained that AMU alumni serve as living proof of Sir Syed’s vision to modernize Islam and make educated Muslims leaders not only in India but globally. According to him, those who have benefited from AMU's education should give back to society by helping others access similar opportunities. For him, actions speak louder than words, and they are the best tribute to Sir Syed’s legacy.

Prof. Faizan Mustafa highlighted the importance of improving Hindu-Muslim relations as a tribute to Sir Syed, especially in today’s climate of intolerance. He noted that Sir Syed’s ideology aligns with modern multiculturalism, which values integration over assimilation. Citing Sir Syed's speech in Patna in 1883, Mustafa reiterated the importance of unity between Hindus and Muslims for the progress of India. He recalled Sir Syed’s words: “My friends! This India of ours is populated by two famous communities, the Hindus and the Muslims. These two communities stand in the same relation to India in which the head and the heart stand in relation to the human body.”

Sir Syed believed deeply in the unity of India’s diverse communities. In a speech in Gurdaspur in 1884, he questioned, “Do you belong to a country other than India? Do not you live on this soil and are not buried under it or cremated on its ghats? If you live and die on this land, then, bear in mind, that… all the Hindus, Muslims, and Christians who live in this country are one nation.” He believed that the shared experiences of living together had created a unique cultural blend, evident in the Urdu language, which evolved as a result of this interaction.

The theme of this year’s Sir Syed Day should focus on “peace and communal harmony.” It is a reminder for the AMU community to renew its commitment to fostering harmony and building a peaceful society where mutual respect prevails. This would be a true realization of Sir Syed’s vision for India. He once said, “The first requisite for the progress of a nation is the brotherhood and unity amongst sections of the society.” This statement resonates even today as a call to create a united and peaceful India.

In essence, Sir Syed Day is not just about remembering a great leader; it’s about continuing his mission. It is a day to commit to the values he stood for—education, unity, and progress. By working towards these goals, AMU can continue to honor its founder's legacy and make a positive impact on society. Sir Syed's ideals remain relevant, offering a guide for AMU and the nation to build a future rooted in knowledge, harmony, and inclusivity.

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