Aligarh: AMU celebrated Republic Day with great enthusiasm and joy, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.

"As we celebrate Republic Day, we must ask ourselves, How can AMU contribute more rigorously to our nation's progress and prosperity? The answer lies in our collective will to innovate, inspire and include," said the Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University Prof Naima Khatoon, while addressing a large gathering of faculty members, students and staff at Strachey Hall on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day of India.

Following the traditional parade by NCC cadets and the unfurling of the Tricolour, Prof Khatoon remarked, "Education is the cornerstone of progress, and as Dr BR Ambedkar rightly said, 'Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.' Our responsibility goes beyond academics, we must nurture a generation of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also principled, compassionate, and socially responsible."

She emphasized that AMU must continue to be a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is championed, and justice is upheld.

AMU students Syeda Zainab Rais and Shahan Usmani also delivered speeches during the event. The program was conducted by AMU Registrar Mohd Imran.

The VC later distributed prizes to the winners of the Mini-Marathons organized by the University Games Committee and Ahmadi School for the Visually Challenged.

In the Men's category, Mohd Qamar Abedeen, Haider Abbas, and Krishna Singh secured first, second and third places, respectively. In the Women's category, Purnima Sharma, Vanshika Raj, and Sarika Sharma secured the first, second and third places.

Earlier in the day, a Prabhat Pheri program was organized at STS School and Abdullah Hall. Celebrations were also held across various university offices, faculties, colleges, departments, and schools.