Aligarh: The Zoological Society, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, organised a grand felicitation programme to honour students for their outstanding achievements in national-level competitive examinations, research presentations, and academic engagement.
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Qudsia Tahseen, Chairperson, Department of Zoology, expressed appreciation for the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Omar Farooq, Director, Research and Development; Prof. Abid Ali Khan, Director, IQAC; Prof. Anwar Shahzad, MIC Land and Garden; Prof. Izhaar Farooqi, University Engineer; Prof. Salman Hameed, MIC Electricity; Mr. Afzaal Usmani, a distinguished AMU alumnus; and retired professor and former Chairperson of the department, Prof. Mohammad Hayat.
Prof. Tahseen highlighted the department’s steady strides in academic excellence, infrastructure enhancement, and institutional contribution. She noted the construction of the Central Instrumentation Facility and the procurement of critical scientific equipment through development grants, reflecting the department’s commitment to fostering advanced research and learning environments.
Delivering the Presidential Address, Prof. Nafees Ahmad, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, congratulated the students and commended the faculty for upholding high academic standards and nurturing a culture of merit and motivation.
The felicitation segment of the event celebrated the success of 11 Ph.D. scholars who qualified the CSIR-UGC NET, one for DBT-JRF, and six for GATE. Additionally, nine M.Sc. students qualified GATE, three qualified CSIR-UGC NET, one secured CSIR-JRF, and one qualified BET. Among undergraduates, two B.Sc. students were recognised for qualifying GATE, JAM, and JIPMER.
To encourage research presentation and communication, Best Poster Awards were presented in thematic sections. In Genetics, Ruksaar Parveen won first prize, followed by Tanishka, Insha Chaman, and Abdullah. In Parasitology, Hamida Moidu topped the category, with Mohd. Sufiyan, Faria Alam, and Aaliya Ishtiyaq receiving second and third prizes. In Nematology, Nida Afreen secured first position, while Ayesha Khan, Bhupendra Singh, and Sonali Sagar followed. Entomology winners included Mohd Sharuk Khan, Talib Siddique, Ayesha Tarannum, Mahima Diwvedi, and Sadaf Islam. In the section of Fishery Science and Aquaculture, Arjumand won first prize, with Fatimah Ashifa A.P., Yasir Hassan Khan, Amna Naqeeb, and Hina Khan securing other awards.
In recognition of their valuable service, non-teaching staff members Mr. Amjad Hasan, Mr. Nadeem, Mr. Shaboo Khan, Mr. Shafeeq, Mr. Suresh, Mr. Sunder, and Mr. Sarfaraz were felicitated. Additionally, consistent contributors to the department’s Journal Club Presentations – Mr. Irfan, Mr. Muzzammil Liyaqat Mir, Shiba Lubna, Shigufta Ali, Ishfaq Ahmed, and Maryam – were acknowledged for their academic dedication.
The programme was efficiently coordinated under the leadership of Prof. G.G.H.A. Shadab, MIC, Zoological Society, while Ms. Iqra Subhan and Ms. Aiman Hafeez Khan conducted the proceedings.
