by admin | May 25, 2021 | Corporate, News
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addresses the Centenary Celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), through video conference, in New Delhi on December 22, 2020.
Aligarh: (Press Release)”Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) represents a ‘mini India’. Its 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 which we see here is not only the strength of this university but also of the entire nation,” said the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
He was delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest of Centenary celebrations at the University via videoconferencing. AMU, set up in 1920, has completed 100 years of existence as a centre of higher learning. The Prime Minister also released a special commemorative postal stamp in the event which was also joined by the Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as the Guest of Honour.
Prime Minister, Shri Modi Ji hailed the contribution of AMU in nation-building and in elevating India’s position internationally through the extensive researches conducted in the university.
He pointed out that at AMU, if students receive education in Urdu, so can they in Hindi and if on one side students study Arabic at the University, they also study and research in Sanskrit.
“It is engrossing to see religious scriptures of Hindus, Muslims and other faiths shelved together at the Maulana Azad Library of the university. This is what India is all about, and AMU functions every day on this principle,” said Prime Minister Modi.
He elaborated: “Sir Syed Ahmed Khan said that when you receive education and come into the work sphere, you must work towards all, without any discrimination, without seeing caste or creed or religion. That is a thought that we must always carry with us.”
The Prime Minister further said: We must not forget this power of diversity, nor let it get weakened. We should work together to ensure that spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ grows stronger day by day in the campus of Aligarh Muslim University.
He also pointed out that AMU has crafted and polished millions of lives, giving people modern and scientific thinking and inspiring them to do something for the society and the Nation,” said Prime Minister Modi.
Acknowledging the role of the university in country’s fight against Covid-19, the Prime Minister said: “During this tough time, the way AMU helped out society is phenomenal. Getting people tested, creating isolation wards and contributing a big amount to PM-CARES, show how people related to AMU are committed to the Nation.”
He stated: The school dropout rate among Muslim girls was more than 70 per cent and this situation persisted in India for 70 years. In these circumstances, the government started Swachh Bharat Mission, built toilets in villages and toilets for school-going girls. Now this rate has fallen to nearly 30 per cent.
“At AMU, the research done in Urdu, Arabic and Persian language is commendable. Especially the research conducted in Islamic history elevates the position of India in the Islamic world and gives new energy to India’s relation with them,” he said.
PM Narendra Modi emphasised, “AMU alumni represent the rich heritage and the culture of India wherever they go.”
“It is fascinating to see how the history of education attached to AMU buildings is India’s valuable heritage. I often meet AMU alumni during my foreign visits, who very proudly say that they have studied at AMU,” said the Prime Minister.
He further pointed out that the country is marching forward on the path where every citizen would get the benefits of development happening in the country without any discrimination.
The country is on the path where every citizen should rest assured about their constitutional rights and their future, said the Prime Minister.
I assure you that no citizen irrespective of religion, cast and creed would be left behind on the path of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, said the Prime Minister adding that everyone will get equal opportunities to fulfil their dreams.
The Prime Minister invited suggestions from students of AMU to achieve the goal of ‘Vocal for Local’, New India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He also said that alumni of AMU had actively contributed to the freedom struggle of India.
The Guest of Honour, Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that AMU has come a long way since its establishment as a university in 1920.
“AMU has emerged as one of the premier most Indian institutes of the Nation producing Bharat Ratnas like the Frontier Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Dr Zakir Husain. The success story includes seminal contributions of its students and faculty members to various areas of knowledge,” said the Education Minister adding that scientist alumni from AMU have brought laurels to the nation.
He pointed out that AMU had Begum Sultan Jahan as its first Chancellor in 1920 and this was a unique example of women empowerment at a time, when women had very little space in public services.
Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal said that India has a strong leadership and the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will transform the Country.
“NEP 2020 will bring integration of academic, professional and vocational education; while revamping curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and student support for enhanced student experiences,” he said adding that the policy attempts to bring into focus the notion of knowledge of many arts or liberal arts from the country’s historical education system to 21st Century education system.
For the successful implementation and execution of NEP 2020, we have a huge expectation from our higher educational institutions like AMU and we are looking forward to their constant support, said the Education Minister.
Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal emphasised that India is becoming a Vishwa Guru (World Leader) and it is the responsibility of our educational institutions to lead in the realm of education and ideas and to deepen the understanding of our intellectual heritage. The light of education coming out of AMU will lead the path for Naya Bharat (New India).
Welcoming the Prime Minister, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said, “Today is a historical day as our University not only completes 100 glorious years from its inception, but it is after a gap of 56 years, an incumbent Prime Minister of the country is taking part in the University celebrations. ”
He added: “Today, as per official figures, the Muslims are at the lowest rung of the education and socio-economic ladder. They need the support of the Government of India and various other agencies for the upliftment. AMU offers unstinted support in achieving this goal in accordance with Section 5 (2) c of the AMU Act. AMU is also at the forefront in the struggle to achieve Womens’ Empowerment through Education. ”
The Vice Chancellor said that Shri Narendra Modi is a visionary leader who has dedicated his entire life to the service of our country and has provided India and all Indians a bold and lofty vision.
“The presence of the Prime Minister has ignited possibility and hope among all of us. For centuries despite diversities, we are living as a people in oneness and this is what makes Bharat unique and this is a message to the whole world,” he emphasised.
“Prime Minister’s life story is an inspiration to every Indian as it is full of exemplary work ethics, dedication, rising by overcoming hardship and obstacles. He played a pivotal role in elevating India’s image globally and with his vision and farsightedness, India has taken a firm stand against expansionist policies in our neighbourhood, and this has been appreciated much, the world over,” pointed out Prof Mansoor.
He furher said: “Under the astute leadership of Shri Modi, India has been able to strengthen its traditional and historical ties with the West Asian countries as well as other world powers. The welfare of the economically poor is always the foremost priority of the Prime Minister and we have witnessed this in various schemes launched during his tenure.”
Prof Mansoor also pointed out that by committing to ‘Sabka Sath SabkaVikas’, the Prime Minister has voiced his concern for the economic and social upliftment of India’s poorest.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Education Minister for the New Education Policy, which will transform the education system in India. The Education Minister has provided able leadership in the field of education in the time of Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Prof Mansoor.
He added, “On this historic event, thousands of alumni, like me, feel an overwhelming sense of pride and love for our founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was a patriot of the soil. The guiding principle of Sir Syed’s life is described in one of his famous quotes ‘The first requisite for the progress of a nation, is the brotherhood and unity among all sections of the society’.
Sir Syed was a champion of Hindu Muslim Unity, he practically demonstrated how to achieve communal harmony and brotherhood among people of all faiths, the Vice Chancellor said.
“Besides being a great seat of learning in traditional fields, AMU today is also at the forefront in imparting modern and scientific education,” he emphasised.
The Vice Chancellor said that AMU which is an institution of National importance needs continued support to maintain its historic, special and constitutional character for the good of the nation.
“AMU has contributed immensely in the country’s struggle for independence, and nation building, throughout its history. This institution has changed the lives and destinies of innumerable families, majority of who, belong to the economically weaker sections of the society,” said Prof Mansoor.
AMU Chancellor, His Holiness, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin said that AMU has not only established itself as the Premier Indian centre of learning, but it has also raised the bar of Indian education system in the international community.
He added that the Islamic faith lays stress on gaining knowledge and implementing and extending to others. It is the duty of the Muslims to benefit the society and the Nation with their knowledge.
He praised Prime Minister, Shri Modi for his exemplary work and prayed for his long life and good health.
Speaking on the achievements of AMU in the past century, Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi (Director, Sir Syed Academy) said that the list of AMU’s illustrious alumni comprise heads of states, Supreme Court judges, eminent scientists, writers, poets and freedom fighters.
He added that AMU has hosted nobel laureates including Dr C V Raman, Dalai Lama and Prof Tajaki Kajita.
Prof Naima Khatoon (Principal, Women’s College) said that the fact that the first AMU Chancellor was a woman is a testimony to of the vision of women empowerment at AMU since its establishment.
She spoke on how the Women’s College, Women’s Polytechnic and a dedicated Advanced Centre for Women Studies at AMU are immensely contributing to empower women.
AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Zaheerudddin and Pro Chancellor, Nawab Ibne Saeed Khan of Chhatari also attended the online programme.
AMU Registrar, Mr Abdul Hamid (IPS) extended the vote of thanks. Dr Faiza Abbasi conducted the programme.
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Business Summit, Events, News, Social Round-up
Dr. Zahir Kazi President Anjuman-I-Islam addressing on the occasion of Sir Syed Excellence National Award from AMU
Mumbai : Prominent educational institution Anjuman-I-Islam was conferred upon the prestigious Sir Syed Excellence National Award by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Saturday 17th October 2020. The Anjuman-I-Islam is awarded for its exemplary efforts and contribution in the field of education among the Muslims and marginalized sections of the society, on the occasion of Sir Syed Day at a virtual ceremony.
While thanking Aligarh Muslim University and its management for conferring this honour, Dr. Zahir Kazi said, “We are proud to receive this award from a University that was established at around the same time as Anjuman I Islam, with similar objectives of providing quality education to the masses, so as to bring them out from economic backwardness. Both the organisations have grown over the last 145+ years on the lines of the dreams and vision of their founders”.
Anjuman-I-Islam, Mumbai is the largest minority Educational and Social Trust focusing on marginalized sections of the society and empowerment of women, an organization of inclusive mindset. The Trust through its 97 institutions provides education to the students from their formative years of primary and preprimary education to post graduation and research subjects, and at any one time has approximately one lakh students studying in these institutions, with teaching and non-teaching staff of 3000 dedicated to providing quality education to these students at lowest possible cost. Professional institutions cover the diverse disciplines of Engineering, Unani medicine, Architecture, Pharmacy, Hospitality, Catering and Hotel Management, Law, Business Administration, Home Science, Teachers’ training Institutes and Other Skill development programs. Over 40% students of Anjuman I Islam are Girl children and majority of teaching faculty are women.
The Alumni of Anjuman I Islam, are recognized leaders across many countries, in diverse fields of Business, Technology, Arts, Sports, Media, Medical Sciences, Politics and allied fields. To name just a few, Mr. M. A. Pathan, ex-Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company, Former CM of Maharashtra Mr. A. R. Antulay, Late Mr. Ismael Merchantof Merchant Ivory Production, Thespian and Padma Vibhushan Mr. Dilip Kumar (Yusuf Khan), Padma Shri Ms. Fatima Zakaria, ex Deputy Editor of Illustrated Weekly, and ex editor of Mumbai Mirror and Sunday Times, Famous Cricketers Salim Durrani, Ghulam Parkar, Wassim Jaffer, Advocate and Member of Rajya Sabha Mr. Majeed Memon, etc.
Over the last 10 years, under the leadership of senior radiologist Dr. Zahir I. Kazi the organization has rapidly expanded and huge infrastructure at Panvel, near Mumbai was created for establishing an integrated Campus comprising Colleges of Engineering, Pharmacy and Architecture and added a College of Law. Over this period, Post graduate courses and Research Centers in Engineering, Pharmacy, and the like were established. Major modernization projects at Institute of Hotel Management and Catering, historic Karimi Library and Sobani Hostel, CST Campus in Mumbai, Public School, Panchgani, Kalsekar Hospital, Versova, Schools at Kurla,Ahmed Sailor School, Nagpada, etc., have been completed. Capacities in several institutes were enhanced for greater intake to meet the rising demand. There are plans on anvil for a Medical Campus comprising Allopathy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, a new wing for postgraduate and research studies at Saboo Siddique Engineering College, and a campus in Sholapur.
Anjuman also runs two girls’ orphanages and a well known ‘Sahara Sponsorship’ program for educational aid for the poor and the needy and for supporting destitute women. The motto at the girls’ orphanages is ‘BetiBachao, BetiPadhao, BetiBasao’ and the girls are nurtured, educated, settled and monitored even after marriage for several years.
Anjuman I Islam has two main principles “Providing quality education at lowest possible cost” and “Ensuring that no student is turned away for lack of finance”.
Established in 1874 by some prominent public service minded residents of Mumbai, led by Justice Badruddin Tyabji, first Indian Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and the third President of Indian National Congress following in the footsteps of Sir Dadabhoy Naoroji, Anjuman-I-Islam caters to the educational requirements of the most underprivileged sections of the Society, most of whom otherwise would not have had access to quality education, most of them being first generation learners.
Anjuman-I-Islam is a Nationalistic Organisation which participated in the freedom struggle of India. Many of its iconic members were jailed as freedom fighters and many strategic meetings for freedom struggle were held in its premise. In line with these ideals, whenever the need arises, Anjuman is in the forefront for any National cause.
Anjuman is one year older to AMU as it was founded in 1874 while Madarsat-ul-Uloom which later became Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College was founded in 1875. MAO College was converted into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920.
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Opinions
Remarks
Frank F. Islam On Purposeful Philanthropy for a Purpose-Driven Education For
Sir Syed Global Leadership Award 2108 in Dubai December 2018
Good Evening
Distinguished Guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you very much for that kind introduction.
Thank you for your warm welcome and your hospitality.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Pushkin Agha for inviting me to speak on this special occasion. Let us give him a big round of applause.
Thank you, Prof. Mansoor and Vice President Ansari and other distinguished guests, for joining us this evening. I want to thank the Vice Chancellor Mansoor for his vision of the kind of Aligarh we can build together. He provides the broad shoulder upon which we can stand.
Let me say a few words about Vice President Ansari. I want to thank him for being the guiding light and for helping and advocating to create a unified and just environment where people of different creeds and different faiths can all work together to help shape a better future for India and the world. I admire and respect his strong belief in embracing hope over fears and in building the most diverse, inclusive, and fair vision of India. His firm belief that we cannot be pulled apart and we need to stand together and we need to build bridges and to promote dialogue of understanding and a shared sense of community because we are Indian, bonds that binds us together. Mr. Vice President, we are here to help lighten your load.
It is truly an honor and humbling for me to be here will all of you Aligarh alums this evening. I feel a personal connection with all of you as we are linked by common cause, common goals, common vison and values, and common commitment. I also feel a common bond through shared history, shared heritage, shared background, and shared belief.
It is an honor because I come before you as a son of Aligarh and a brother to each of you. Like you I am part of the Aligarh family tree. I am here this evening because I have stood on the shoulders of giants. These giants have been the faculty, students, and the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University.
I am honored to receive the Sir Syed Global Philanthropist Excellence Award for 2018. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is my hero. He was one of the greatest leaders in the history of AMU. We have been enriched and empowered by Sir Syed’s educational initiatives.
I accept this award with humility, not for me, but in recognition of all those Aligarh giants, who have made a difference in society through their leadership, education, and public service.
To be given any award named after Sir Syed is special. To be given an award that relates to philanthropy is even more so because it relates directly to the vision that Sir Syed had when he founded Aligarh Muslim University in 1875.
Sir Syed established AMU to provide its graduates with what I call a “purpose-driven education.” At the founding of Aligarh, Sir Syed said,
…from the seeds which we sow today there may spring up a mighty tree whose branches, like those of banyan of the soil shall in their turn strike firm roots into the earth, and themselves send forth new and vigorous saplings; that this College may expand into a University, whose sons shall go forth throughout the length and breadth of the land to preach the gospel of free inquiry, of large-hearted toleration, and of pure morality.
We are convened here in Dubai as the manifestation of and living testimony to the realization of Sir Syed’s vision.
We are seeds from the Aligarh family tree. We have gone around the world. In the process, we have planted new trees and helped make the world a better place.
We were able to do that because our Aligarh education gave us a strong knowledge base. It instilled in us a strong sense of values. It provided us a bridge to the future.
In a phrase, Aligarh gave all of us a “purpose driven education.” We are gathered here at a time when a “purpose-driven” education such as that we received has never been more important.
Over the years, men and women from Aligarh have made significant contributions in all walks of life – educators, politicians, poets, scientists, engineers. Their paths have been different but the common and transcendent bond that has united them has been a belief in and a commitment to equal justice and a shared humanity.
This combination of technical expertise and moral rectitude has enabled the graduates of Aligarh to make their mark in the world and to serve as positive role models for others. One of the ways that we can amplify that mark is through what I call “purposeful philanthropy.”
Let me elaborate on that concept. After that, I will make the connection between purposeful philanthropy and a purpose-driven education.
Philanthropy takes many forms. The philanthropy that is of pivotal importance, in my opinion, is purposeful philanthropy.
Purposeful philanthropy is making investments directed at creating a difference in pivot point areas that matter to the future of society. The returns on those investments are changes to problematic conditions and/or the creation of individuals who will become change agents to address those conditions.
There is a distinction between purposeful philanthropy and charity. The distinction is a critical one.
The focus in charity is to provide a handout. The focus in purposeful philanthropy is to provide a hand-up – to enable and empower people by giving them a helping hand.
There certainly must be charitable support and assistance to address the needs of the socially and economically disadvantaged and natural disasters.
Charity as the sole means of philanthropy, however, has serious limitations. It does not get at the root cause nor change the underlying reason for the need for the charity.
By contrast, purposeful philanthropy concentrates on improving circumstances and conditions. This hand-up approach can take a wide range of forms, ranging from eliminating contaminated water that poisons those who drink or bathe in it; to enhancing the safety of working conditions; to developing the requisite knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and behaviors for a person to be successful in life.
The pivot point areas — areas that can be leveraged and effectively addressed to effectuate change and achieve positive outcomes — for purposeful philanthropy are virtually endless. My personal priority philanthropic areas are education, arts, world peace and civic engagement.
I have chosen those areas because they are important to me and because I know that improvement in them can make a meaningful and substantial difference. Let me tell you a little bit about my investments in education at AMU.
Education is bridge to the future and an opportunity creator. It moves people up the ladder and to help others climb the ladder with them. It is a powerful equalizer for opening doors to lift people out of poverty. It is a gift that keeps on giving and demand that we give back in return.
In the educational arena, I have supported many scholarships at colleges in the United States and India. My wife Debbie and I have provided considerable financial support to build Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex at AMU and have endowed an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. We also have provided financial support to build Frank and Debbie Islam Auditorium at AMU Mass Communications Department.
Let me say few words as to why we made investment to AMU. It is because AMU helped to make me who I am and for that I am deeply grateful. It provided me the basic building blocks to become a successful entrepreneur, to assume responsibilities, and to become a passionate leader. I have strong connection and bond to the past and the future of AMU. It shaped my story and determined my destiny. Its principles have always guided me during the time of calm or crisis. What is best in me, I owe it to AMU. I would not be the person I am if it was not Aligarh education. Aligarh students have always been our best hope. My investment is my way of saying Thank you and keeping the hope alive and well.
I have described my four pivot point areas – education, arts, world peace and civic engagement – for purposeful philanthropy for illustration purposes only.
Each of us must choose the area or areas that matter for our philanthropy. The essential thing is to make that choice and to invest.
The size of that investment isn’t what counts. The act of investment does.
Having said that, as I conclude my presentation, I would like to make one request of you. That is for you to consider making one of your purposeful philanthropic investments to support a purpose-driven education. Let me be more specific and ask you to consider making a philanthropic investment in AMU.
As I said earlier, I have provided support and continue to invest in AMU. In February of last year, I went to India to dedicate the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex at AMU. At the dedication of that Complex I said, “While the bricks and mortar are important, far more important is what will go on in this setting. It will be a place for sharing of information and imparting and development of knowledge. It will be a place where faculty and students can collaborate on innovative projects. It will be an educational empowerment zone.” I went on to predict, “From this Management Complex will come the future leaders who will make the world a better place.”
In this dedication remarks, I was sharing my perspective on purposeful philanthropy and my absolute and total belief in the role that AMU plays as a leader internationally in providing a purpose driven education.
As you all know, we are living in troubled and turbulent times. We are living in divisive and self-centered times.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that students receive an education that prepares them to be “servant-leaders”: Leaders who understand that working with others to solve problems and that what one gives back is more important than what one accomplishes individually.
An Aligarh education meets that test and more. You know that. I know that. We know that. And, that is why we need to ensure that as many students as possible can become Aligarians.
In closing, let me leave you with one final thought from Sir Syed. Near the end of his life, he said:
“You have reached a particular stage and remember one thing that when I undertook this task, there were criticism all around against me, life has become so difficult for me that I aged before my age, I lost my hair, my eyesight, but not my vision. My vision never dimmed, and my determination never failed, I built this institution for you and I am sure, you will carry the light of this institution far and wide, darkness will disappear from all around.”
There is still much darkness all around and that is why we, as the seeds of the Aligarh family tree, must continue to deliver on Sir Syed’s vision by keeping Aligarh’s light burning “brightly”.
Thanks for listening to me and for your consideration of my thoughts and request.
It is great to be here with all of you. I look forward to getting to talk with many of you during the course of this wonderful event.
I wish you all the best
God bless you all
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Opinions
By Frank F. Islam,
“Recent events in India have damaged the country’s image as a vibrant, plural and successful democracy.” That is the opening line of former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran’s recent article in which he expresses his “growing concern over the rising polarisation and communalism of our social and political discourse”. Saran pointed out: “We pride ourselves in being the most tolerant of people, celebrating our diversity of faith, culture and tradition, ways of life and language. Diversity thrives on sharing; it becomes poison when it becomes an instrument for separating ‘us’ from ‘them’. One cannot construct an over-arching Hindu identity on the basis of creating a binary Hindu-Muslim divide.”
Indeed, we do not need a divide. We need instead to find our spiritual common ground. We cannot find that common ground by accident. It must be a consequence created through strong beliefs and a concerted and sustained effort over time. It must be an outcome that overcomes religious, regional and racial boundaries.
How do we reach that ideal state? We begin with where we are, find our shared values, leverage our strengths and then chart a path to where we want to be.
As an example of discovering our shared values, let me draw upon the teachings of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University.
These men were visionaries who saw the world not though religious blinders but through an expansive view of what strong and inclusive faiths can do to unite rather than divide us.
Pandit Malviya instructed us: “India is not a country of the Hindus only. It is a country of the Muslims, the Christians and the Parsees too. The country can gain strength and develop itself only when the people of India live in mutual good will and harmony.”
Sir Syed expressed a similar philosophy, stating that the graduates of Aligarh “…shall go forth through the length and breadth of the land to preach the gospel of free inquiry, of large hearted toleration, and of pure morality.”
While there was not a religious bond between Malviya and Sir Syed, there was undoubtedly a spiritual one. It might be said they were soulmates.
They understood that spirituality is transcendent. They knew that spirit is the invisible force that brings us together regardless of our particular predispositions. They recognised that India would be best as one nation under God.
One nation under God. What would create such a nation? That God would not be a Hindu God, a Muslim God, or a Christian God. That God would be ecumenical and non-denominational. That God would be welcoming to all. That God would not discriminate nor encourage discrimination.
We can do that not by looking to the heavens and to the gods whom we worship. But by looking at the earth and the people and the family that we are. We all have a role to play in that pursuit. Some people have special contributions to make.
Religious leaders can promote interfaith dialogue. They can bring together followers of different persuasions for meaningful conversations. They can promote a dialogue of understanding and a shared sense of community with other faiths. They can call attention to the fact that an attack on one religion is an attack on all religions.
Political leaders can promote a framework of unity and civility. They can ensure that all laws are fair and fairly enforced. They can take affirmative actions to promote an atmosphere of communal peace and harmony. They can promote hope not fear.
Citizen leaders can promote collaboration. They can toil together transcending their creeds to plant the seeds for doing good deeds. They can invest in programmes that cut across and eliminate racial, religious and socio-economic divides. They can help shape a stronger and fairer India.
As the United States diminishes its role as a world leader for democracy under President Donald Trump’s leadership, there is a vacuum to be filled. By finding its spiritual common ground and becoming one nation under God, India can achieve its full potential as a country and become a world leader to fill that vacuum.
(Frank F. Islam is an entrepreneur, civic and thought leader based in Washington, D.C. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at ffislam@verizon.net)
—IANS
by admin | May 25, 2021 | News
Lucknow : The Uttar Pradesh Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission has asked the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to explain why there is no provision for reservation in admission for the SC/ST community in the university.
Observing that the AMU is not a minority institution, the panel issued the notice to it, seeking a response by August 8.
Talking to reporters in the state capital, Chairman of the panel and former DGP of state Brij Lal said that in the notice issued by him, he has asked the varsity officials to explain why the SC/ST people have been deprived of the reservation facilities when the Constitution mandates it.
“The Supreme Court has not yet passed any order in which AMU was prevented to provide reservation benefits. The AMU is like any other central university set up under a central Act and runs on its funds. It has to give due reservation to the SC/ST,” he said.
Brij Lal also said that in case of the AMU authorities’ failure to respond within the stipulated time, the Commission will, under its powers, issue summons in pursuance of its earlier notice.
He also said that way back in 1989, the University court had passed a resolution to provide 50 per cent reservation to Muslims in admission and sent the same to the President, who is also the Visitor of the university.
The President in its reply had said providing 50 per cent reservation to Muslims is unconstitutional. The high court also termed it unconstitutional and said that the AMU is not a minority institution.
“In light of the high court and the Supreme Court decisions, it is established that AMU is not a minority institution,” Brij Lal said.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Ramshankar Katheria had on Tuesday asked the varsity officials to explain its stand on the reservations.
—IANS
