Aligarh: The Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor, Prof Naima Khatoon on Tuesday inaugurated a two-day book fair at the Maulana Azad Library, the central library of the university, marking the Constitution Day, which is observed on November 26 to promote the values enshrined in the Constitution of India.
Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Prof Khatoon said that the nation is thriving with the hard-earned independence and with the great foundation of values enshrined in the Constitution, our country has brought about remarkable changes in the life of the people in a short period.
She stressed the need to foster a vibrant literary culture on the university campus by promoting the joy of reading and intellectual exchange and upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution of India.
She also took a round of the fair and interacted with the participants of the boom fair highlighting the importance of reading, shaping young minds to strengthen democratic values and developing an informed and responsible citizenry.
The guest of honour, AMU Registrar, Mr Mohammad Imran (IPS) stressed that this kind of event is a must-visit for book enthusiasts and knowledge seekers.
The University Librarian and organizer of the Book Fair, Prof. Nishat Fatima hoped that the fair would not only enrich the academic environment of the university but also highlight the role of libraries as hubs of knowledge and community engagement. She added that at the book fair, a special collection has been dedicated to the books on constitutional law, history and governance, reflecting the theme of the occasion.
She said that a copy of the Constitution of India has been displayed in the Central Hall of the library and copies of its Preamble in Hindi, Urdu and English have been placed at a prominent place for the attention of the visitors. In addition, a digital display of the important events of Constitution Day is being displayed on the screen.
Dr. Habibur Rahman Khan, Deputy Librarian and Coordinator of the Book Fair, informed that 52 stalls of prominent and empanelled publishers and vendors from across the country have been put up in the fair and a large number of books have been put on display on a plethora of topics, including with fiction and non-fiction contents.
He said the book fair will remain open until 6 pm on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a number of departments of studies, colleges, and schools maintained by the university, celebrated the Constitution Day with several programmes organized by them over the last one week.
The Faculty of Law organised a one-day national seminar on “Changing Dimensions of the Indian Constitution”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Syed Mohammad Yawar, Seminar Incharge spoke on the importance of Constitution Day and highlighted the historical background and salient features of the constitution of India.
The organising secretary, Dr. Saddam Husain expressed his views on “The Role of the Constitution in shaping India’s democracy,” and emphasized the significance of the Indian Constitution as a foundation of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, fostering the world’s largest democracy.
Mr Fazal-ur-Rahman Niazi spoke on ‘Historical Background: About everything in the history of Indian Constitution’ while Mehak Ayaz, a first-year BALLB student presented his views on “Significance and role of citizens in upholding constitutional values.”
Ayush Mudgal, a fourth-year BALLB student spoke on “Constitutional Legitimacy”, and Arisha Malik, a first-year BALLB student argued that “Justice, equality and freedom are not gifts bestowed by Constitution. They are responsibilities preserved by us.” Maria Khan, a fourth-year BALLB student delved into the “future aspects of constitutional development”, while Kushagra Kumar Srivastava, a first-year BALLB student presented his views on “Indian Constitution: A living document”. Sahar Mujtaba, a second-year LL.M. student presented spoke on “Major developments in and around the Constitution of India’.
Prof Ishrat Hussain delivered a lecture on the ‘Meaning and Nature of the Constitution’ and Prof Syed Ali Nawaz Zaidi spoke on the “Values of the Constitution”.
In his concluding remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof M.Z.M. Nomani emphasized the unique values enshrined in the constitution, which give a reason to celebrate Constitution Day.
An activity, “Read the Preamble” was also organized with Dr. Syed Mohammad Yawar reading it in English and Hindi.
Krati Rathi, a final year BALLB student extended a vote of thanks.
The Department of Philosophy celebrated Constitution Day and Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with the students and faculty members reading out the Preamble of the Constitution and paying tribute to the great tribal leader, Bhagwan Birsa Munda and other heroes of the freedom struggle.
A vibrant discussion was also held on the contributions of tribal communities, with Dr Hina Mushtaq opening the discourse with an engaging account of Helen Lepcha, also known as Sabitri Devi, who played a significant role in India’s independence movement.
Dr Diwan Taskheer Khan made a commentary on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the Indian Constitution, while Dr Shahidul Hoque delved into the historical and cultural significance of tribal communities. Mr. Bodhendra Kumar presented a perspective on the indispensable role of philosophy in understanding societal issues and described the Indian Constitution as a philosophical and social treaty.
A research scholar, Mr. Sajid Raza and a postgraduate student, Nayeem Ahmad Malik shed light on the environmental laws and their relevance in today’s ecological context.
Dr. Aquil Ahmad, Chairperson of the department, elaborated on the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and his call for Ulgulan (Rebellion) against the colonisers and oppressors. He also outlined the Constitution’s vision of inclusivity, which acknowledges and preserves the contributions of minority communities and tribes.
Dr. Mohammad Azad conducted the programme and Dr. Hina Mushtaq, Organizing Secretary extended a vote of thanks.
The 1 UP Engr. Coy. NCC at Aligarh Muslim University organized a special seminar in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, on the “History of Constitution Day”.
Delivering the keynote address, Major Danish Farooqui, Officer Incharge of the Armed Forces Tribunal, discussed the vision enshrined in the Preamble and various sections of the constitution.
Prof. M. M. Sufyan Beg, Principal, Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology, with the help of Col R. P. Singh, Commanding Officer, 1 UP Engr Coy NCC supervised the programme.
Mr Mohd Danish, Assistant Professor, University Polytechnic and Mohd Imran, Assistant Professor, ZHCET were the coordinators.
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Dr. Z. A. Dental College celebrated the day with the reading of the Preamble followed by a Quiz competition. Seven teams participated in the competition and the Principal of the College, Prof. R. K. Tewari distributed cash prizes and certificates to the winners.
Dr. Sajjad Abdur Rahman, Chairperson, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery led the Preamble reading session, which was coordinated by Dr. Tabishur Rahman and Dr. Anupriya L.
The Centre of Continuing and Adult Education and Extension (CCAEE) organized a lecture on Constitution Day by Prof. Mohammad Mohibul Haque, Department of Political Science who discussed the various aspects of the Constitution.
Dr Shamim Akhtar, Director, CCAEE urged the learners of the centre to protect and promote the constitutional values and strengthen the largest democracy of the world.
At the Centre for Professional Development of Urdu Teachers (Urdu Academy), a seminar was held to commemorate the Constitution Day, which was presided over by the Director of the centre, Prof Quamrul Hooda Faridi. He welcomed the participants and highlighted the salient features and strengths of the Indian Constitution.
The guest speaker, former Director of the Centre, Dr. Rahat Abrar highlighted the importance and the growing relevance of the constitutional principles.
Another guest speaker, Mr. Johny Foster said that to address the evolving requirements of society, we need to strengthen the constitution.
A research scholar, Samia Abedin expressed her views on “Constitutional Rights and Our Responsibilities” and Hina Tabbasum spoke on the “Role of the Constitution of India”.
Dr Mushtque Sadaf expressed his views on the significance of the Indian Constitution and also conducted the programme.
Dr. Rafiuddin spoke on the “Importance of the Indian Constitution” and extended a vote of thanks.
The Ahmadi School for the Visually Challenged observed Constitution Day with a series of engaging activities, promoting awareness and understanding of the Indian Constitution among students and staff. Bharti Yadav delivered a speech in English while Gulam Hussain Khan spoke in Hindi, emphasizing the Constitution’s crucial role in safeguarding citizens’ rights and duties.
A quiz competition was also held to enrich students’ knowledge about the constitutional provisions and their significance, while several students participated in an essay competition on the “Importance of the Indian Constitution in our lives”.
The School Principal, Dr. Naila Rashid led the students and teachers in reading out the Preamble of the Constitution at a special assembly.
At the Abdullah School, the day was observed with the holding up of events, including Quiz, Essay writing and Poster-making competitions. Later at a special assembly, students gave speeches in English, Hindi and Urdu highlighting the significance of the day.
The Superintendent of the school, Ms. Umra Zaheet, read out the Preamble of the Constitution and urged all to develop a sense of patriotism and work for the betterment of the country in whatever field they chose to make a career.
Ms. Sarah Siddiqui and Ms. Arshiya Aftab were the in-charges of the programme.
