Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 22nd of December, participated in the centenary celebration of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU.)
Mr. Modi participated through video conferencing and praised the heritage of the University, completing 100 years of its foundation.
Mr. Modi said, the AMU represents “mini-India” and has 100 glorious years of excellence in education.
During the University’s centenary celebrations of the glorious 100 years, PM Modi said, “We must realise that politics is an important part of society, but there are many other issues in society besides politics… For a new India, the core is that welfare must not be seen from the prism of politics. There are some elements who may have an issue with this. They can be found in all countries. They will spread negativity. But these people will be sidelined if we work for the betterment of the country keeping politics aside. Politics can wait, society can wait, (but) the country can’t wait for development, the poor and disadvantaged can’t wait for development.”
Addressing the students, teachers and staff of the AMU, Mr. Modi said, “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. History of education attached to AMU buildings is India’s valuable heritage.”
During the virtual event, Mr. Modi said he often meets AMU alumni during foreign visits “who very proudly say they’ve studied from (the) AMU. Wherever in the world they go, AMU alumni represent the rich heritage and culture of India…In its 100 years of history, AMU has crafted and polished millions of lives, giving them modern and scientific thinking and inspiring them to do something for the society and the nation.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the idea of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of AMU, who believed that the growth of the Country was above people’s caste and religion.
Reflecting the same in his speech, Mr. Modi said, “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 be rest assured about 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.” He further said, “Whatever religion you are born in, it is important to blend one’s aspirations with national goals. When it comes to the nation, there cannot be any ideological differences. AMU has produced many freedom fighters, who set aside their ideological differences and fought together. In the last century, a lot of time has been wasted due to differences, but now we need to work together as there is no time for differences… In the next 27 years, you must think of the country’s betterment. I believe we can fulfil the dream of self-reliant India.”
Another major reason Mr. Modi spoke during the event was the drop out rate of Muslim girls and importance of education for them.
Mr. Modi said, “The school dropout rate among Muslim girls was more than 70 % and this situation persisted for 70 years. In these circumstances, the government started Swachh Bharat Mission, built toilets in villages and toilets for school going girls. Now, this (dropout) rate has fallen to nearly 30 %.”
Mr. Modi also praised the authority of the AMU for their contributions during the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. The AMU authority conducted free tests, made isolation wards and created plasma banks for enhancing the COVID-19 situation.
Besides this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also released a postal stamp as part of the centenary celebrations of the University.
The AMU Chancellor Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and Union Education Minister Ramesh “Nishank’ Pokhriyal were also present at the event.
The Aligarh Muslim University completed 100 years as a university on the 14th of September .
The AMU became a university in 1920 through an act of Indian Legislative Council and completed 100 years of heritage in 2020.
