Aligarh — Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) commemorated a momentous occasion with the 150th Foundation Day celebration of Madarsat-ul-Uloom, the institution founded by visionary reformer Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875. The event, held at the Sir Syed Academy, served as a tribute to the foundational legacy that ultimately led to the establishment of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1877 and the birth of AMU in 1920.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, IAS, Director General of Civil Aviation and a distinguished AMU alumnus, delivered a powerful keynote address. He underscored the transformative journey from a humble madrasa to a prestigious university, crediting the foresight and resilience of Sir Syed and early reformers.
“We often forget that this remarkable journey began with a small but bold step—Madarsat-ul-Uloom. Without that initiative, neither MAO College nor AMU would exist today,” said Mr. Kidwai.
Mr. Kidwai also highlighted the global academic standards achieved by MAO College, noting that its inclusive culture attracted scholars from Oxford and Cambridge. He praised Sir Syed’s holistic vision, which went beyond educational reform to address post-1857 socio-political challenges, including the loss of administrative roles for Muslims and the erosion of traditional knowledge systems.
Referencing Sir Syed’s influential publications like Loyal Mohammedan of India, Aligarh Institute Gazette, and Tehzibul Akhlaq, Mr. Kidwai praised the founder’s relentless pursuit of community upliftment and national integration through intellectual awakening.
“The secular and inclusive educational spirit of Aligarh prepares us to face complex societal challenges,” Mr. Kidwai noted, drawing parallels between educational leadership and aviation—both fields requiring foresight, discipline, and compassion.
AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon, who presided over the event, described the foundation of Madarsat-ul-Uloom as a courageous response to the social upheaval post-1857. She emphasized Sir Syed’s vision of blending Eastern wisdom with Western rationality and called the madrasa’s transformation a renaissance for the Muslim community in India.
“Education was not just a personal pursuit for Sir Syed—it was a moral, civic, and national responsibility,” she said. She also announced that a series of commemorative events will take place throughout the year in honor of the 150th anniversary.
Prof. Khatoon extended heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Scheherazade Masood and Ms. Shahernaz Masood, descendants of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, for donating rare personal belongings of the founder to the university’s archives.
Guest of Honour, Prof. Mohammad Mohsin Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of AMU, hailed the adaptability of Madarsat-ul-Uloom in keeping pace with global changes, while Prof. Zakia Siddiqui acknowledged the historical role of women scholars in shaping AMU’s legacy.
In his welcome address, Prof. Shafey Kidwai, Director of the Sir Syed Academy, traced the journey from the modest madrasa to a globally recognized university and reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to preserving Sir Syed’s intellectual heritage.
Dr. Mohammad Shahid, Deputy Director, delivered the vote of thanks, and a commemorative monograph titled “Sir Syed in Agra” by Mr. Firoz Naqvi was also unveiled.
The event was conducted by Mr. Syed Hussain Haider.
