Aligarh: If you are an Aligarh Muslim University student, faculty member, alumnus, or alumna; you likely know the story of ‘Aligarh Movement’— the struggles, the triumphs, and the successes that led up to the establishment of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College which later became AMU. But just because you already know a story doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be re-told.

That is what ‘Sir Syed’, the AMU Drama Club play, written by Prof FS Sherani, Coordinator, Cultural Education Centre, and directed by Muzammil Hayat Bhawani does.

‘Sir Syed’, the play which opened at the Kennedy Hall Auditorium, engaged reminder of how the post-1857 adverse conditions left a profound impact on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life, propelling him to work on the establishment of MAO College and providing hope in the time of despair.

Enacted by Prof FS Sherani, Talha Thakur, ShahZaib Khan, Zaid Ahmad Khan, Adnan Khurram, Rizwan Khan, Aniza Akhtar, and Mariya Ansari; the play brings in historical personalities ranging from Mirza Ghalib to Mohisul Mulk.

Meanwhile, various AMU departments, residential halls, and schools also celebrated Sir Syed Day to mark the 205th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

A symposium on ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Life and Legacy’ was held at the Department of Political Science in which faculty members pressed the need for a deep focus on Sir Syed’s thoughts, teachings, philosophy, work, and mission.

In the presidential address, Prof Iqbalur Rehman, Chairman of the Department of Political Science, called the AMU community to spread Sir Syed’s rationality and modernity across the country and globe. 

Prof Arshi Khan discussed ‘Sir Syed’s Mission of Modern Education and Its Relevance in Contemporary Times’, Prof Mohammad Muhibul Haque delineated ‘Sir Syed’s Political Ideas and their Relevance Today’, Dr. Naghma Farooqui spoke on ‘Women Education in Aligarh Muslim University: In Historical and Contemporary Perspective’, Dr. Fasih Raghib Gauhar talked about ‘Sir Syed and Allama Iqbal: A Comparative Analysis, Dr. M Rahat Hasan delivered a talk on ‘Sir Syed and his Companions’ and Dr. Irfan ul Haq discussed ‘Sir Syed and Indian Mutiny’.

Dr. Mosaib Ahmad conducted the programme and Pervez Alam extended the vote of thanks. 

IPL Cricketer, Imtiyaz Ahmad, an IAS Officer, and Amit Aasery, Municipal Commissioner of Aligarh, were the Chief Guests of the Sir Syed Day celebrations at the Non-Resident Students Centre where Dr. Siraj Uddin Hashmi, Chairman, Hashmi Group of Education, IAS Officer Atul Vats and Mohd Bilal, Deputy Director, Air Force Station of Faridabad, were the Guests of Honour.