A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. (John F. Kennedy)
These words perfectly represent India’s one of the largest and oldest universities. AMU was a result of an idea, a dream. AMU is not just a university, it’s a holy seat of learning. AMU depicts an image of the victory of the truth over falsehood; a picture of dedication; an epitome of pride and honour. AMU was established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. It was a dream that was made to come true by constant, selfless and dedicated efforts by a bunch of legends who rendered their selfless service for the betterment of society and that’s what contribution is all about. I got a chance to spend a week at this auspicious university to participate in a debate on the topic “Politics of identity has outlived its utility in India”. The debate was conducted in March 2011. I had a memorable chance to represent my University along with another student. I was participating in favour of the topic. Various facts were highlighted in this debate which was almost a week-long programme. Facts, both hidden and obvious, were brought to the forefront and debated professionally. Those who were speaking in favour of the topic spoke at length and put their facts to back their opinion while as those who were speaking against highlighted the other side of the statement. The debate was conducted in three languages: Urdu, Hindi and English. I participated in English. I too prepared a five-minute draft after week-long thorough research and analysis. Fortunately, I got second prize in this All India Debate. The prize was given to me by the famous historian, Abrar Hassan. The contestants came from renowned universities like JNU, BHU, JMI, Pune University, Central University of Rajasthan, Delhi University, etc, etc. It was really a memorable event. That’s what prompted me to share my experiences of the event with you. The event started with a flag-march around the campus. The debate took place in the historical Kennedy Hall of AMU. The Hall stands out amongst other auditoriums in that it was the largest auditorium in the any central university of India. Named after the charismatic leader and 35th President of America, John F Kennedy, this hall carries a seating capacity of more than 1350 persons. The event started with some of the introductory speeches describing the contributions of Sir Syed and AMU. The historical importance of the university was excellently explained. The participants delivered their respective speeches on a magnificently built stage with a line of judges sitting in front and observing every move of the participants—from content to presentation, everything was being observed. The first day was full of excitement and experience. I got my chance to perform on the second day. I still remember the anchor’s words when she announced my name, “I now invite a participant who comes from the beautiful Valley of Kashmir surrounded by Pir Panjal mountains.” I believe it’s worth mentioning that Kashmir and Kashmiris enjoy a very respected and exalted image at AMU. I understood this fact when the students and other audience welcomed me with cheers, honour and respect which was clearly distinct. My confidence level hit its highest level. I felt at home. I felt as if I was a student of AMU. They were so excited to hear that I was a Kashmiri. I was nervous but I put my hundred per cent into the job and brought all my debating skills into the action. The response was quite encouraging. Everybody came to me and talked to me at length. The students of AMU and the other participants all talked nicely. They discovered about the Kashmir issue and the prevailing situation from me. I talked about the real situation and they were surprised to know how the Indian media misrepresents the actual situation.
A foundation laid by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and its Tarana written by Majaz Lakhnawi, adds unmatched grace and glory to AMU. There’s an interesting story associated with the university-song of AMU.
The university had done our stay arrangements at one of the finest Guest Houses of the University. A number of foreign delegates were also present there. The student representatives took good care of us. They were present at our service during the day as well as the night. It’s worth mentioning that the debate namely “Sir Syed Memorial All India Debate” was organised by the Students Union of AMU. I was surprised to see the role and power of the Students Union of AMU. They have their posts and workers. AMU Student Union plays a role in the political affairs of Aligarh. Sometimes, the fate of the politicians is decided by this Union. How powerful and valuable this Union is, can be understood by the fact that their representative students were there among the guests in the event. They sat next to the guests on the stage and they too were among the dignitaries who gave prizes to the winning contestants. Their President also delivered a speech at the end of the event. I later came to know from the students and teachers of AMU that AMU suffers from internal politics. This politics has definitely left a blemish on the face of AMU. This internal politics has led to many unfavourable events in past too. Spread over 467.6 hectares (1,155 acres) in the city of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, the campus of AMU has a variety of architectural influences ranging from Islamic architecture to contemporary. AMU is such a large university that I was not able to explore it fully during my seven-day stay at the university. AMU has 12 faculties with 98 academic departments which offer varied courses. The University has 15 Centres, 3 Institutes and 3 Academies. These Centres, Institutes and Academies have specialized study programs offering courses in various interdisciplinary and emerging areas. It has more than 80 hostels and more than two dozen Masjids inside its campus. Prominent among them is the SS Masjid beside Strachey Hall. The sight-seeing day was also on the programme. We visited many important buildings of AMU during that visit. Prominent among them are The Victoria House, The Kennedy House, Bab-e-Syed, the gateway to AMU. The main historical building was a small apartment where the first classes were conducted. Fascinating architecture, excellent craft masterpieces all have one address and that’s AMU. A unique uniform: Black Sherwani and white pyjamas for boys, historical and beautiful buildings and architecture, world-class curriculum, all make AMU stand out among all other universities. Standard education system matched with historical importance makes this university one of the significant centres of learning for students from all corners of India as well as students from abroad. A foundation laid by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and its Tarana written by Majaz Lakhnawi, adds unmatched grace and glory to AMU. There’s an interesting story associated with the university-song of AMU. When Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru visited AMU and inquired of the university-song, there was no answer. He expressed his surprise. A student namely Majaz Lakhnawi began to think about it. Overnight, he had come up with this masterpiece that was adopted as the university-song of AMU. I conclude with a few lines of that song that go like this:
Ye meraa chaman hai meraa chaman, main apne chaman ka bulbul hun
Jo taaq-e-haram mein roshan hai, vo shamma yahaan bhi jalti hai
Iss dasht ke goshe goshe se, ek juu-e-hayaat ubalti hai
Ye dasht-e-junoo deewano ka, ye bazm-e-vafaa parvaano ki
Ye shahr-e-tarab ruumaano kaa, ye Khuld-e-bareen armaano ki
Fitrat ne sikhayi hai ham ko, uftaad yahan parvaaz yahan
Gaaye hain wafaa ke geet yahan, chedaa hai junoo kaa saaz yahan
(The author, an MBA, NET & IBPS, is Manager Scale II at a reputed PSU. His views are personal.)[email protected]