Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually created history by becoming the first executive head since Lal Bahadur Shastri in over 50 years to address the Aligarh Muslim University here on Tuesday.
Modi’s theme was placing AMU in Indian and global context, the fact that its a learning hub for Islamic scholars from around the world; its contribution since before Independence and the generosity it exhibited in alleviating troubles of society during the Coronavirus pandemic. The overarching message from the prime minister was that ideology and differences could wait but not the development and need of the poor.
The glorious event becomes more historic as it was for the first time in five decades that a prime minister participated in any event organized by AMU. PM Modi was invited as the chief guest. The last time a prime minister attended an event at AMU was Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964.
AMU chancellor Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and union education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank also attended the event via video conferencing.
Lauding the university’s heritage and likening the campus of the university to a city, he called AMU a “mini-India”, stating that this diversity should never be forgotten or weakened by anyone.
“We see a mini-India among different departments, dozens of hostels, thousands of teachers, and professors. The diversity which we see here is not only the strength of this university but also of the entire nation. History of education attached to AMU buildings is India’s valuable heritage.”
Highlighting that in the past 100 years, AMU has worked to strengthen India’s relation with many countries, Prime Minister Modi showered praise on the university and its history of education. PM Modi said the research done here in Arabic, Urdu, and Persian languages, as well as on Islamic literature, has given new energy to India’s cultural communication with Islamic countries. He also added that AMU is looked upon as the center of excellent Islamic research and thus it becomes its “responsibility to spread the core values of India to the world”
“The history of education attached to AMU buildings is India’s valuable heritage…I often meet AMU alumni during my foreign visits, who very proudly say that they’ve studied from AMU,” the PM added further.
He also stressed the fact that parties should not see these developments from their political lenses as “Politics can wait but development cannot.”
“We must realize that politics is an important part of society, but there are many other issues in society besides politics… For a new India, the core is that welfare must not be seen from the prism of politics. Some elements may have an issue with this. They can be found in all countries. They will spread negativity. But these people will be sidelined if we work for the betterment of the country keeping politics aside. Politics can wait, society can wait, (but) the country can’t wait for development, the poor and disadvantaged can’t wait for development. “The vision of a ‘New India’ refers to an India where we don’t look at development through a political lens.”
Another crucial remark from PM’s address comes when he stated that irrespective of religion, everyone in the country will get an equal opportunity to grow and when it comes to the progress of India, ideological differences take the last position. PM Modi also urged everyone to find a common ground, just like the freedom fighters did during India’s battle for independence.
“The country is marching forward on the path where every citizen would get the benefits of development happening in the country without any discrimination …Whatever religion you are born in, it is important to blend one’s aspirations with national goals. When it comes to the nation, there cannot be any ideological differences. AMU has produced many freedom fighters, who set aside their ideological differences and fought together.”
PM also spoke about the women empowerment and education of girls. He said that “School dropout rate among Muslim girls was more than 70 percent and this situation persisted for 70 years. After the Swachh Bharat Mission built toilets in villages and toilets for school-going girls, this rate has fallen to nearly 30 percent.” He added, “The female enrolment rate of AMU has increased to 35 percent which is commendable.”
He also praised the work done by the university during the covid-19 crisis, the PM said, “Not just in academics, but your contributions in other ways have also been extremely valuable to the nation. the PM said the institution conducted free tests, made isolation wards, and created plasma banks. The PM also hailed the university’s contribution to the PM Cares Fund. “All this shows the seriousness of fulfilling your obligations towards society.”
Pitching for a self-reliant India, the PM said,” I believe we can fulfill the dream of self-reliant India… and I would love to hear from you all at Aligarh Muslim University on how to make India self-reliant and how to work on successfully taking ‘local to global’. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome and greatly valued. I want you all to think about how we can build an Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
He also urged hostel students of AMU to take up an “extra-curricular task”, of researching and bringing to the spotlight unknown freedom fighters to mark 75 years of Independence next year.
Prime Minister Modi also released a postal stamp as part of the centenary celebrations of the University.
Applauding the PM’s address, Mohsin Raza, the minority welfare minister of Uttar Pradesh remarked, “It’s a matter of pride that PM Modi will be virtually addressing students, teachers & administration of Aligarh Muslim University on its 100th anniversary today. Also, it’s a matter of shame for those, who never looked at AMU for 50 years”.
