100 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
ACENTENNIAL is a momentous occasion for an educational institution as it becomes, by then, synonymous with continuity, excellence, cherished traditions, an established brand name, and much more. On 14th September 2020, the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), one of India’s premier central varsities, located in the Uttar Pradesh city of Aligarh, completed 100 years of its existence as a university. This makes it one of the oldest functioning universities in India.
For the alumni of the university across the world, including in Qatar, it’s a time to reiterate the values and goals of education, especially higher education, as it holds the key to producing enlightened citizens and torchbearers of the cherished human values.
The AMU was established as the Muhammadan AngloOriental College in 18 5 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a visionary, and started functioning on 24th May 18 5. The movement associated with Sir Syed and the college came to be known as the ‘Aligarh Movement’, which stressed the need for establishing a modern education system for the Indian Muslim populace.
The alumni of AMU are spread all across the world, just as Sir Syed prophesied when the foundation stone of the MAO College was being laid: “The small plant will one day turn into a mighty tree whose branches will spread all over the world”.
The AMU Old Boys Association is the alumni network of the university which was established in the year 1898 and has statutory recognition under the AMU Act 1920.
The first ‘AMU Old Boys Association’ was founded more than 100 years ago in Aligarh itself during Sir Syed’s lifetime with his consent “to serve as a catalyst for the Aligarh movement”. With the passage of time, its offshoots spread far and wide not only in the Subcontinent but across the globe and enjoyed the status of independent entities as Aligarh Alumni Associations.
For ‘Aligs’ (as the alumni like to call themselves), wherever they are, the alumni associations are their living links with their alma mater, and of course, a reminder of their most fruitful years. The number of AMU Alumni Associations has grown rapidly across the globe in the last decade thanks to better communication tools.
When it comes to expatriates, It’s not uncommon to see newcomers feeling very lonely when they arrive in a foreign land. However, as they meet fellow alumni, they feel a sense of belonging. Over the years, hundreds of students have benefited from the scholarship programs of AMU alumni associations. These apolitical organisations have contributed not only to their alma mater but also to societies where they are based in.
The AMU Association is a non-profit and socio-cultural organisation. It’s a non-political organisation based on secular and pluralistic principles. It is profoundly committed to promoting a sense of brotherhood and fostering a spirit of community wellness. It seeks to profess and propagate the vision and educational ideals of
AMU and its founder, Sir Syed.
The story of Sir Syed and his Aligarh Movement, which resulted in the establishment of a unique institution, is a re ection of how a person of great integrity and clear thoughts, by making immense sacrifices, could change the tide of history for the betterment of fellow citizens.
The AMU has been maintaining its national and international character as an institution of excellence. It draws students from all states in India and from different countries, especially Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia.
The university is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion and gender.
A special feature of the university is its residential character with most of the staff and students residing on the campus. There are 19 halls of residence for students with 80 hostels currently.