Aligarh: The prolific legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), includes an extensive body of writings, over a thousand articles, and numerous essays produced throughout his 81 years. His letters and speeches also remain vital parts of his intellectual heritage.
During the launch event for “Kulliyat-e Maktubat-e Sir Syed” (The Complete Letters of Sir Syed) held at AMU’s Maulana Azad Library’s Cultural Hall, compiler Dr. Ata Khurshid, head of the Library’s Oriental Studies section, described his work on this six-volume collection. He shared that he gathered over a thousand of Sir Syed’s letters from various sources and included letters addressed to Sir Syed, providing valuable context to his correspondences. The collection features letters in both Urdu and English.
The launch witnessed attendees celebrating this addition to Sir Syed’s bibliography. Notably, Dr. Khurshid had earlier published a thematic bibliography of Sir Syed’s work in 2019, cataloguing nearly a thousand additional writings not covered by previous compilations from Ismail Panipati.
The three volumes of Sir Syed’s speeches in Urdu, previously compiled in 2002, have now been translated into English by AMU alumnus Mr. Arif Ansari. Titled “The Complete Lectures of Sir Syed,” this English collection expands access to Sir Syed’s messages. Mr. Ansari, an engineer by profession and translator by passion, has previously translated several books, including the acclaimed Urdu novel Khwab Sarab (Dream Mirage) by Dr. Anis Ashfaq. He has been residing in the United States for 38 years.
At the launch event, Professor Shan Mohammad, former Director of Sir Syed Academy, extended congratulations to Dr. Khurshid for his dedication in bringing these works to life. Professor Shafey Kidwai, the current Director of Sir Syed Academy, emphasized the importance of these collections for scholars and students, while Professor Masood Anwar Alavi, Principal of AMU Women’s College, reflected on Sir Syed’s contributions and the enduring impact of research on the Aligarh Movement.
Professor Nishat Fatima, University Librarian, expressed her appreciation for the efforts made under the library’s auspices, with Mr. Atif Hanif managing the event proceedings.
