Convocation Address delivered by Dr. APK Abdul Kalam, former President of India at ‏ 58th Annual Convocation‏ (June 18, 2008)

I am indeed delighted to participate in the 58th Annual Convocation of Aligarh Muslim University. I consider it as a great honor to me for being awarded the Honorary D.Sc. Degree by the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University, whose core values are innovation, creativity and collaborative team work. I take this opportunity to congratulate the University students for their excellent academic performance. I greet the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Members of AMU Court, Academic Council, Executive Council, Professors, teachers and staff for shaping the young minds and preparing them to contribute to the nation in multiple fields. Dear graduates, when you complete your education in this university, the learning and in turn the empowerment will certainly assist you to meet the challenges in life. My best wishes to all of you.

Establishment of Aligarh Muslim University by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was part of India's intellectual and social renaissance in the 20th century. Many distinguished personalities like Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, Dr. Zakir Hussain were some of the illustrious alumni of this University. I pay my tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his successors for nurturing AMU against many challenges and odds and transforming it as an institution of excellence for higher education. When I am in the University environment, I would like to talk on the topic "Power of the Youth".

Ambience Ascent Phase
In Indian history, very rarely has our nation come across a situation, all at a time, an ascending economic trajectory, continuously rising foreign exchange reserves, reduced rate of inflation, global recognition of our technological competence, energy of 540 million youth, umbilical connectivities of 25 million people of Indian origin in various parts of the planet, with the potential sharing capacity of knowledge and resources and interest shown by many developed countries to invest in our engineers and scientists including setting up of new Research & Development Centers. The distinction between public and the private sectors and the illusory primacy of one over the other is vanishing. India as the largest democracy in the world has a reputation for its democracy and for providing leadership to one billion people with multi-cultural, multi-language and multi-religious backgrounds. Our technological competence and value systems with civilizational heritage are also highly respected. Foreign Institutional Investors are finding investing in India attractive. We need to accelerate this process through hassle free single window system of clearance for investment proposals. Our industrialists are also investing abroad and opening new business ventures. The Indian economy is growing with an average annual GDP growth rate of over 8 to 9%. Very soon, we will be reaching the target of 10% GDP growth rate.

In this context, now let me describe my visualization of the distinctive profile of India by 2020.

Distinctive Profile of India by 2020
1. A Nation where the rural and urban divide has reduced to a thin line.
2. A Nation where there is an equitable distribution and adequate access to energy and quality water.
3. A Nation where agriculture, industry and service sector work together in symphony.
4. A Nation where education with value system is not denied to any meritorious candidates because of societal or economic discrimination.
5. A Nation, which is the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientists, and investors.
6. A Nation where the best of health care is available to all.
7. A Nation where the governance is responsive, transparent and corruption free.
8. A Nation where poverty has been totally eradicated, illiteracy removed and crimes against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.
9. A Nation that is prosperous, healthy, secure, devoid of terrorism, peaceful and happy and continues with a sustainable growth path.
10. A Nation that is one of the best places to live in and is proud of its leadership.

Integrated Action for developed India
To achieve the distinctive profile of India, we have the mission of transforming India into a developed nation. We have identified five areas where India has a core competence for integrated action: (1) Agriculture and food processing (2) Reliable and Quality Electric power, Surface transport and Infrastructure for all parts of the country. (3) Education and Healthcare (4) Information and Communication Technology (5) Self-reliance in critical technologies. These five areas are closely inter-related and if progressed in a coordinated way, will lead to food, economic and national security. The major mission is the development of infrastructure for bringing rural prosperity are through Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) through creation of three connectivities namely physical, electronic, knowledge leading to economic connectivity. The number of PURA for the whole country is estimated to be 7000. Educational institutions can participate in evolving road map for development of PURAs in their region. I have come across such example: in Periyar PURA at Vallam in Tamil Nadu, where students and teachers of Periyar Maniammai College of Engineering and Technology are working in the planning and development of a cluster of sixty five villages involving one lakh population. In order to achieve Vision 2020 from the present ambience, the role of educational institutions like Aligarh Muslim University is to generate quality human resource backed with value systems derived from our civilizational heritage.

Righteousness in the heart
Friends, let me share with you a beautiful experience when I visited Greece in April 2007. I was negotiating and climbing towards Acropolis mountain top in Athens and came across a group of 150 Greek students. They threw a spontaneous smile on me; the teachers came forward and introduced the students. They said, they were very happy to see the Indian president and that the children would like to hear from him few words. My mind at that time was thinking about the great personalities, the land of Greece had given to the world: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The words of Plato were ringing in my mind when I saw the young students. Plato brings out that "Our aim in founding the State was not the disproportionate happiness of any one class, but the greatest happiness of the whole", 2400 years ago.

Similarly, around the same period Tamil poet Saint Thiruvalluvar said,
That is, "the important elements that constitute a nation are: being disease free; high earning capacity; high productivity; harmonious living and strong defense". We have to find how we can provide all these elements to the citizens of every nation on an equitable basis for happiness for all.
With these thoughts, I made up my mind, of what to say to the students and the youth of Greece. I slowly repeated line by line, a hymn which I normally hear in Indian spiritual centers.

Righteousness
Where there is righteousness in the heart
There is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
There is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home.
There is an order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.

When the students and the youth repeated with me, the tourists around at the Acropolis also repeated and there was all round ovations. Then I realized how people from multiple nations, young and experienced were influenced by the thought of righteousness in the heart irrespective of their nationality. You can see how the righteousness in the heart generates beauty in the character in the human beings and beauty in the character leads to harmony in the home. Harmony in the home in an integrated way generates order in the nation. Of course the order in the nation finally blossoms peace in the world. The righteousness in the heart is the starting point for great individual, great family and great nation and ultimately great planet earth.

Now the question is: How do we inculcate the righteousness in the heart. In my opinion, there are three sources which can build a youth with righteousness in the heart. One is mother, second is father and the third and the most important is the teacher, particularly primary school teacher. Also to provide righteousness in the heart to the young minds, we should have an environment of great education and a spiritual way of life and spiritual environment.

Youth Power
I would like to put forth to the members of AMU that the ignited minds of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth. I am convinced that the youth power, if properly directed and controlled, could bring about transformational changes in humanity for its progress, meeting its challenges and bring peace and prosperity. Let us now consider two major problems the world faces: one is, out of 6.6 billion people, two thirds of the population lives below poverty line, 50% of the population do not have access to safe drinking water, above all many do not have access to quality education. What can the youth of AMU contribute to face the situation? Can every one of the educated spread literacy at least to five in their life? Can the youth spread the message of water conservation? Can the youth come with "out of box solutions" for solving water scarcity? I have started a movement called "Lead India 2020 movement". It is indeed a youth movement, with the mission for young students based on the 10 point oath which I have specially designed.

The ten point oath given to the youth by me conveys that the youth can make difference to the society where they are living in the areas of literacy, environment, social justice, minimizing rural urban divide, and work for the national development, while working hard for an individual goal. I insist that small aim is a crime. I see the youth development has multiple dimensions: The youth working hard improving his knowledge with a career goal, can serve the family, can serve the society, can serve the nation to which he or she belongs and can serve the humanity as a whole. All are uniquely connected. Keeping this in view, I have designed a ten point oath for the Students of AMU. We will jointly take the oath shortly.

Dear friends, I would like to share with you five unique events that have inspired millions of lives.

1. Save or better someone life
While talking about good deeds, I am reminded of the advice given to Mahatma Gandhiji by his mother. She says,
"Son, in your entire life time, if you can save or better someone's life, your birth as a human being and your life is a success. You have the blessing of the Almighty God".
This advice has made a deep impact in the mind of Gandhiji, which made him to work for the humanity throughout his life.

2. Remove "I" and "Me"
During the year 2003, when I was visiting Arunachal Pradesh, I visited a Buddhist monastery at Tawang 3500 m. altitude. I was in the Monastery nearly for a day. I observed a unique situation in all the nearby villages, where young and experienced radiating happiness in spite of severe winter environment. Then, I visited the 400 year old Tawang monastery and there I saw monks of all age groups in a state of serenity. I was asking myself what is the unique feature of Tawang and surrounding villages which makes people and monks to be at peace with themselves. When the time came, I asked the Chief Monk, how in Tawang villages and monastery, I am experiencing peace and happiness being radiated by everyone. There was a pause, the chief monk smiled. He said, "You are the President of India. You will know all about us and the whole nation." Again, I said, "it is very important for me, please give me your thoughtful analysis".

There was a beautiful golden image of Lord Buddha radiating smile and peace. The Chief Monk assembled nearly 100 young and experienced monks. The Chief Monk and myself were sitting amidst them. The Chief Monk gave a short discourse, which I would like to share with you. Chief Monk said, "In the present world, we have a problem of distrust, unhappiness transforming into violence. This monastery spreads: when you remove "I" and "Me" from your mind, you will eliminate ego; if you get rid of ego, hatred towards fellow human beings will vanish; if the hatred goes out of our mind, the violence in thinking and action will disappear; if violence in our mind is taken away, peace springs in human minds. Then peace and peace and peace alone will blossom in the society". I realized the meaning of beautiful equation for peaceful life, but difficult mission for the individual is how to remove the ethos of "I" and "ME". For this, we need the education inculcated in the young age as propagated by ancient philosophers.

2 (a) Forgiveness
In my search for evolving a peaceful and prosperous society, I got a part answer. My search for real truth continues. I visited an ancient Christian monastery in Bulgaria, where I had a discussion with highly experienced monks on the message of Tawang. The Monk added that forgiveness is also the foundation of good life.

2 (b) Giving a trait of happiness
Similarly, I had a memorable experience in the birth place of Swami Vivekananda, a youth monk of India who could keep the audience spell bound in eastern and western society with his inspirational messages of spirituality and practical life, I explained the Tawang experience to the disciples and they too felt the Tawang experience indeed is beautiful and they added "Trait of Giving " will add to peace and happiness.

2 (c) Good deed results in good actions
When I visited Ajmeer Sharif where I participated in the Friday Namaz. Here, the Sufi expert told me that Almighty's creation, the man, has been challenged with another powerful creation of Shaitan. Only good deeds lead to good thinking, good thinking results into actions radiating love as commanded by Almighty.

The message from all these and other spiritual thinkers is that there are many ideas and spiritual thoughts which transcend religions, geographies and time. If only we could bridge the spirituality among religions and nations, many of the problems like the gaps between haves and have nots, deprivation causing unrest leading to extremism, the remnants of past animosities and war and several other road blocks to peace and prosperity can be tackled. I am sure the AMU students will be able to work on this theme.

3. Together we will Win

Friends, I would like to share with you an inspirational experience, which I came across. At a Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 meter race. At the starting signal, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, others except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one of them. One girl with Down's syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better" Then all nine linked their arms together and walked together and finally reached the destination. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. I would say that, you do not have to slow down. Rather by helping difficult areas, the feed back will make you go faster. If you pass this on, we may be able to change our hearts as well as someone else's. "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle".

4. Human Indomitable spirit has a blessing of Almighty
Imam Ghazali was a saint teacher who lived in the 12th Century. My father narrated me a scene when Imam Ghazali has been tested by Shaitan, the transgressed Angel. One day Imam Ghazali was unfolding his prayer mat for Magrib Namaz. At that time, the Shaitan appears in front of him and said, "Respected Imam Sahib, I am just now coming from heaven where there was a discussion about great human beings and you have been judged as the best human being living on Earth. As recognition of your great stature, you have been exempted from the trouble of performing Namaz in future. Imam Ghazali was restless as the Namaz time was approaching. So he looked at Shaitan and said, "Shaitan Sahib, first of all performing Namaz is not a trouble at all and when even Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), was not exempted from performing Namaz five times a day, how can a poor Imam like me be exempted?. Thank you. He went on to perform the Namaz. When he completed the Namaz, Imam Ghazali still saw Shaitan was standing. Imam Sahib asked him what he was waiting for. Shaitan said, "O Imam you have excelled even the most favored Prophet Adam, who could not win over my deception and I made him to eat the forbidden fruit. Realizing that Shaitan was flattering Imam Sahib prayed to Allah, Oh almighty, help me and save me from the deception of the flattery making the disappointed Shaitan finally disappear. His mission failed. But one of the great human being succeeded. Friends, what is the message? When you are studying in this campus of AMU or when you are take up your job, no Shaitan and no devil in all your lifetime should deceive you with flattery. You will certainly defeat the Shaitan and succeed in your missions in life by your integrity.

5. Dialogue of Cultures
I would like to recall one incident which commonly occurs in many parts of my country. I have witnessed this event when I was a young boy (10 yrs). In our house, periodically I used to see three different unique personalities meet. Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal, who was the head priest of the famous Rameshwaram temple and a Vedic scholar, Rev Father Bodal, who built the first church in Rameswaram Island and my father who was an Imam in the mosque. All three of them used to sit and discuss the islands problems and find solutions. In addition they built several religious connectivities with compassion. These connectivities quietly spread to others in the island like the fragrance from the flowers. This sight always comes to my mind whenever, I discuss with people on Dialogue of religions. India has had this advantage of integration of minds for thousands of years. Throughout the world, the need to have a frank dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations has been felt now more than ever.

Science, Sports, music and arts – integrators of youth
We have seen how the launching of the sputnik by Russians or the Neil Armstrong's stepping on the moon have electrified the entire youth of the world. When an Indian origin Astronaut along with her colleagues was returning to earth after a major space mission, the entire world was praying for their safe return. India on 28 April 2008 launched the ten satellites in one go with its Polar satellite launch vehicle carrying the heaviest payload and put into orbit an Indian Mini Satellite and eight foreign nano satellites besides the Cartosat-2A remote sensing satellite. This space feat was an important event in the world.

Cricket is a common wealth theme, Soccer is a European inspiration, and they represent intense competition and admiration across borders. Recently, we had a unique cricket tournament called Indian Premier League (IPL). In this tournament, eight teams participated and each team consisted of players from different countries. First time in the world, such integration of international players in every team has taken place. It had a large number of viewers. For example, on the day of the finals over 24 million viewers watched this programme. This was an example of how individuals can play the role nationally and globally. Similarly, I have seen many instances of how art and music integrate the minds of the youth. This brings me to the point, "Can the youth of AMU create development themes for the entire humanity for the youth to contribute?"

Conclusion:
Now I would like to administer an oath for the youth since the planet Earth is facing many conflicts both natural and man-made. As a youth, all of you have a responsibility to work for universal harmony by ironing out all the causes of conflicts. Are you ready to repeat with me?

Oath for the Global Youth
1. I will have a goal and work hard to achieve that goal. I realize that small aim is a crime.
2. I will always be righteous in the heart which leads to beauty in the character; beauty in the character brings harmony in the home, harmony in the home leads to order in the nation and order in the nation leads to peace in the world.
3. I will work with integrity and succeed with integrity.
4. I will be a good citizen, a good member of my family, a good member of the society, a good member of the nation and hence a good member of the world.
5. I will always try to save or better someone's life. Wherever I am, a thought will always come to my mind. That is "What can I give?"
6. I will always protect and enhance the dignity of every human life.
7. I will always remember that "Let not my winged days, be spent in vain".
8. I will always work for clean planet Earth and clean energy.
9. As a youth of the Globe, I will work and work with courage to achieve success in all my tasks and enjoy the success of others.
10. I will be a rain bearing cloud arising out of AMU which will give the rain of knowledge to every part of the planet earth.

Once again, let me congratulate all the graduating students. My best wishes to all the members of Aligarh Muslim University for success in their mission of developing quality human resource required for transforming India into a developed nation before 2020.

May God Bless you.

Annual Report by the Vice Chancellor Prof P.K. Abdul Azis at 58th Annual Convocation‏ (June 18, 2008)

Hon'ble Chancellor Justice A.M. Ahmadi Saheb, Hon'ble Pro-Chancellor Nawab Rahmatullah Khan Sherwani Saheb, Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Distinguished Scientist and Former President of India; Mr. Azim Premji, Entrepreneur-cum-Business Icon; Dr. Mahfooz Ahmad, Honorary Treasurer; Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Abdul Jaleel, Registrar, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Irfan, Controller of Examinations; Esteemed members of the Court, Executive Council, Academic Council, Deans of Faculties, Chairmen of Departments, Principals of Colleges and Schools, recipients of degrees, ladies and gentlemen.

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah-e-Wabarakatuhu! Good Morning to all

1. Introduction:
It is my proud privilege to extend a very warm welcome to every one of you, on the occasion of the 58th Annual Convocation of the Aligarh Muslim University. Each convocation of the university is a joyous and memorable occasion, but this year, it is very special. Very special, because we have today in our midst two icons of this great country, who rose from humble beginning and attained almost unassailable heights in their respective areas. One is scientist, par excellence, the "Missile Man of India" who succeeded not only in his endeavors to "Ignite Indian minds", to unleash the power of the country, but also inspired the people of India to be creative, courageous and claim their rightful place in a globalized environment. The other is a personality, revered by all software professionals and a role model to the aspiring youth of the country, Shri Azim Premji, who never ceased to inspire young entrepreneurs and whose stewardship never failed to deliver its best, be it as a CEO of a modest cooking oil company or as a software giant. Ladies and gentlemen, ordinarily universities honour their graduates by awarding them degrees, but, by conferring degrees on icons like Dr. Abdul Kalam and Shri Azim Premji, Aligarh Muslim University is adding laurels to it own glorious past.

2. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's Legacy:
I pay my respectful homage to the Founder of this great seat of learning, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Sir Syed was one of those early pioneers who recognized the critical role of education for the empowerment of the poor and the backward Muslim community along with his countrymen. In more than one ways, Sir Syed was one of the greatest social reformers India has ever seen. He laid the foundation for modern education with focus on the education of Muslims. He prepared a road map for the formation of a Muslim University by starting schools. He established a Scientific Society in 1863 to cultivate scientific temperament among the Muslims and to make the Western knowledge available to Indians in their own language. In 1866, he started the Journal "The Aligarh Institute Gazette", as an organ of the Scientific Society and created a stir in the minds of Muslims of India. In 1877, Sir Syed founded the Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College modeled on the Oxford and Cambridge universities. His objective was to build a college in tune with the British education system but without compromising the Islamic values. He wanted this College to act as a bridge between the old and the new, the East and the West. Sir Syed's life strikingly illustrated one of the best phases of modern history and he is undoubtedly regarded as one of the most shining renaissance leaders of Modern India.

3. Tryst with destiny:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I would like to place on record my profound sense of gratitude for the historic endorsement that you have given me while approving the panel for the Vice-Chancellorship of the Aligarh Muslim University. It is a reflection of the emotional and intellectual integration that the people of India have been able to achieve in a secular democratic environment. For me, it is a tryst with destiny. Aligarh is synonymous to Aligarh Muslim University and it is vice-versa. Aligarh Muslim University is a gem left in the hands of the people of Aligarh. Over the last one year, I have experienced their immense warmth, hospitality and goodwill. I thank the citizens of Aligarh and staff and students of this great University for the splendid sense of maturity and wisdom they displayed when the University had to pass through its most turbulent period in its history, during January-September, 2007, when the University had to be closed sine die. I am extremely proud and happy to extend my heartiest thanks to the teachers who displayed their sense of dutifulness in the onerous task of completing the classes by foregoing vacation and by performing extra-duty to compensate the loss suffered due to dine die. The students also showed their remarkable sense of discipline and love for a peaceful and tranquil campus contributing to zero loss of class during the current session. It all symbolized the resolution and indomitable spirit of the academic community that the campus should remain peaceful and the University should regain the academic aura that was badly needed for creating higher achievers. This year our students have done extremely well in campus selection. Notable was the performance made by the students from Z.H.C.E.T. Dept. of Mass Communication, Management, Computer Science, Law and Social Work. Let us do everything possible to nurture talents to serve this nation and the community.

4. University in a nut shell:
Besides, being one of the oldest universities of the country, AMU has the rare distinction of finding a mention in the seventh schedule of the Constitution of India. It is one of the very few universities of the country that offer education from the nursery level to that at Ph.D. Currently AMU has 89 Departments, spread over 12 Faculties and an impressive enrolment of nearly 21, 000 students representing 21 States. The current convocation witnesses the award of 190 Ph.D. degrees which itself bears testimony to the massive amount of research carried out in this great seat of learning, 1406 postgraduate degrees and 2926 graduate degrees are also being awarded this year. Fifteen students hailing from Iran, Mauritius, Thailand, Yemen and Bangladesh have been awarded the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy during this year. Over 250 students are enrolled for M.Phil. and 1350 for the Ph.D. programs. To boost advanced research activities in all Faculties, the University has granted registration to nearly 360 new research scholars to work for their doctoral programs in various Departments. This is the largest number of admission granted in the University in recent years designed to strengthened the foundations of advanced research. There are over 300 foreign students from 19 countries. The current faculty strength is nearly 1400. Since AMU was conceived as a residential University, accommodation is provided to majority of boys and girls in various Halls of residence on the campus. There are 15 Halls of residence providing accommodation to 11,000 students. It is a highly inclusive environment nurturing the diversity of India. Two more Halls will be added in the next academic session. In addition, over 10,000 students live in private accommodations and are members of the Non-Resident Student Center (NRSC). There is dire need for more hostels in the University, both for boys and girls.

5. Recognitions and awards:
Academic endeavors of a large number of Faculty members have been recognized by various prestigious National and International agencies that have conferred awards and honors on them. Prof. Maria Bilquis of the Department of Persian has been awarded the Certificate of Honor by the President of India in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Persian Studies. Dr. M. Owais, of the Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit received the prestigious National Bio-Science Award for Career Development for his pioneering work in the area of Drug Delivery and Nanobiotechnology, bestowed upon by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Prof. Jamal Ahmad of the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine has been nominated as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London. Prof. Zubair Ahmad of the Department of TB and Chest Diseases has been nominated as a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. Prof. Anwar Jahan Zuberi of the Department of Education was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calicut by the Government of Kerala. Prof. Azarmi Dukht Safvi, Director of Persian Research and Prof. Ali Mohammed Naqvi of the Department of Theology were conferred with Iranian Government awards by the Vice-President of Iran for their respective contributions to "Persian Language and Literature and Promotion of Indo-Iranian relations" and "Theological Studies". Dr. Qudsia Tahseen of the Department of Zoology received several young Scientist Awards including one from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). 11 young scholars have been awarded Fast Track Research Projects by the Department of Science and Technology for innovative research. Together they have brought around Rs. 2 crores as funding to the University. Besides these, a large number of faculty members have received both national and international recognition, awards and honors in recognition of their research works published in journals of repute.

Students passing out of AMU are competing successfully in increasing numbers in National Entrance Tests for the award of UGC-CSIR, ICMR, and DBT JRFs. The performance of the students of Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit continue to remain best in this regard followed by those of students from Faculty of Science and Social Sciences. More and more students are also opting for short term training programmes during the period of their study. One student from the Department of Biochemistry and one from the Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit were selected to spend two years at the University of Wisconsin under the Khorana Program. One student of B.A. (Hons.) Sociology has been selected for the Summer-2008 study of the United States Institutes.

6. New Initiatives:
The committee headed by noted scientist Prof. M. Saleemuddin has submitted a road map for academic revival of this University and for creating a new brand image at the national and international levels. A committee headed by noted educationist Prof. R.P. Singh has submitted a report on the reorganization of the AMU school system in order to reposition them so that it continues to remain the academic backbone of the AMU. An Expert Committee is working on preparing a master plan for the restoration of the heritage buildings in the AMU campus. The University has decided to establish the Sir Syed International Prize with prize money of Rs. 5 lakhs and has requested the University Grants Commission to establish a Sir Syed Chair in the AMU. The University has plans to reorganize the Sir Syed Academy as a prestigious study centre for nurturing the ideals of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a perpetual entity to disseminate the legacy of the Aligarh Movement. Noted Historian Prof. Irfan Habib has been appointed as Professor Emeritus bestowing on him the long overdue recognition in the University. The University is highly thankful to the Government of India for releasing a special postage stamp in March, 2008 commemorating the noted Urdu Poet Israrul Haq 'Majaaz' who wrote the University Tarana.

The MHRD has identified the Z.H. College of Engineering and Technology as one of the seven institutions for up gradation to the level of IITs. The decision was based on stringent benchmarks for parameters such as academic performance, research quality, qualifications of the faculty, infrastructure, etc. The first installment of Rs. 7 crore was released for the purpose in 2006-2007, which was utilized effectively for creation of facilities for research, purchase of equipment, infrastructure, building, etc. The second installment of 7 crores was sanctioned in February, 2008 and it is expected that UGC visiting committee will make assessment of the remaining requirements and release appropriate additional grants for the purpose.

The proposal for the up gradation of the Endocrinology Unit of J.N. Medical College to a Center of Diabetes and Endocrinology has received the approval of statutory bodies of the university. Construction work of the building, with an estimated cost of about 7 crores is already in progress. The center is expected to initiate DM/DNB courses in Endocrinology, besides undertaking community oriented programmes and interdisciplinary research in basic and molecular endocrinology.

7. ICT facilities:
The University has made significant progress in providing ICT facilities to staff and students. The Computer Center, since its very inception in the year 1970, has been playing a pivotal role in providing computational facilities to the faculty, students and non-teaching staff from various offices of the university. The Center endeavors to provide round the clock Internet services in the campus through Campus wide Network and Dial-up lines. Recently, work on expanding Networking on Optical Fiber Backbone covering additional 32 Departments has been successfully accomplished and Internet bandwidth upgraded from the existing 0.5 Mbps in June, 2008 to 8 Mbps in January, 2008. Currently the University is in the process of extending the Network to the remaining units/office of the main campus by providing additional 34 Mbps Internet Bandwidth, thereby providing excellent ICT facilities to every student and teacher in the campus. This will indeed revolutionize the teaching, learning, research and governance environment in the University.

8. New Programmes:
In the fast changing global scenario of learning and education, keeping pace with the national and global developments and needs implies introduction of new courses/programmes of study. A number of new courses have been introduced during 2007-08 and some are to be added from the next academic session. These include M.D. in Psychiatry in the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, and M.D.S. in the Departments of Constructive Dentistry, Orthodontics and Peridontics in the Sir Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College. Permission to start three new post graduate courses in the Departments of Ilmul Amraz, IImul Saidla and Munafeul Aza has been accorded by the Government of India. Taking into consideration the immense potential of Nanotechnology, the Department of Applied Physics has initiated an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Nanotechnology and an M.Tech. programme in Nanotechnology. The DST has agreed to provide funds to the tune of Rs. 1.5 crore for setting up a Nanotechnology laboratory, beside those for fellowships to the students. The Department of Biochemistry will be offering a two-year, self-financed, M.Sc. course in Enzyme and Fermentation Technology from the session 2008-2009. The Department of Linguistics launched a new Postgraduate Diploma in Language of Advertising, Media and Market from the current academic session. A committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Nejatullah Siddiqui has been appointed to prepare a project proposal to offer courses on Islamic Banking and Finance from the next academic year onwards. A national level syllabus revision workshop is also planned to modernize the curriculum in the University and diversify the same in the context of the emerging global scenario.

The Center of Professional Courses has introduced new postgraduate diploma courses in Environmental Chemistry, Food Analysis, Biological Laboratory Techniques and a Diploma course in Surgical Endoscopic Techniques. Established in the year 1972, the Center of Professional Courses endeavors to impart instructions for a number of skill oriented professional courses utilizing the expertise and facilities available in a large number of Departments of studies.

9. Integration of Madrasas with University education:
In order to facilitate the integration of Madarsa education with mainstream higher education, the University has initiated the policy of recognizing prestigious Madarsas in the country, and according equivalence to their degrees for admission to various courses in the University. This is a path breaking initiative that would bridge the gap between the Madarsas and the Universities. Thousands of Madarsa educated boys and girls are going to be the beneficiary of this new initiative.

The Center for Promotion of Science has organized several courses, including an introductory Science course for teachers of Deeni Madrasas from all over the country. Refresher course in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Computer Applications were organized for science teachers from Muslim Managed Educational Institutions. The Center also published elementary books on science in Urdu language written by experts in the subject.

10. Achievements of University Departments:
Consistent and quality accomplishments in teaching and research work being carried out by several Departments have been recognized both at the national and international levels. The Departments of Arabic, Biochemistry, Electronics Engineering, Persian, Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, are currently receiving Departmental Research Support from the UGC under its Special Assistance Programme. The Department of History is a Centre for Advanced Study since 1968. Departments in receipt of grant from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under the FIST programme include Civil, Physics, Electronics, Botany, and Zoology under phase I, and Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit under phase II. A large number of individual research projects sanctioned by national and international agencies are currently under operation in various Faculties. These include 78 from the UGC, 24 from the DST, 20 from UPCST, 6 from DBT and 32 Young Scientist Awards. Projects funded by ICMR, UNICEF, WHO, UN and Ministry of Health are also currently operational. The enthusiasm to create modern facilities and carry out quality research is also evident from the large number of grant applications pending with various extramural agencies for over several crores.

With a view to raise the standards of teaching and research, a number of MoUs have been signed with national and international agencies. The important among these include a MoU with Wipro Limited for providing training, skills and consultancy service to the Centre of Distance Education, and those with Nuclear Center, New Delhi; ICSSR, ISRO, National Institute of Oceanography, Indian Institute of Human Rights, Integral University, Jamia Hamdard and Consortium of Education Commission. International MoUs signed by the University include those between the Department of Physics with University of Valencia, Spain and that with the Abdus-Salam International Center of Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy; Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit and the University of Gunma, Japan; Department of Chemistry with the University of Camerino, Italy and Institute of Persian Studies with the Research Center for Iranian Culture and Literary Heritage, Tehran, Iran as well as with the University of Sistan, Iran.

Various Departments of Studies organized a number of national and international seminars/symposia. Notable among these are Hedron Physics Fourth Conference sponsored by BRNS, DAE in which over 120 participants including 20 from abroad participated. The Faculty of Agriculture organized an International Symposium on the Predictive, Preventive and Mechanistic Mutagenesis & XXXIII EMSI Annual Meeting and a Workshop on Flow Cytometry. The meeting attracted large number of participants from within the country, U.S. and Europe. The Department of Linguistics organized an International Conference on 'South Asian Language (ICOSAL-8)' attended by researchers from Russia, Europe, U.S. and Pakistan, besides Indian participants. The Faculty of Unani Medicine organized an 'International Conference on Holistic approach to Unani Medicine in Lifestyle Diseases' attended by experts from various systems of medicine.

11. AMU Schools:
AMU has 8 Public Schools and two self-financing schools with a student population of nearly 10,300. Steps have been initiated to improve the quality of teaching and training in the schools by appointing Principals and by filling up all vacancies. The recommendation of the R.P. Singh Committee is being implemented. The Ahmadi School for the Blind, a residential institution with over 100 inmates, is also being given remarkable attention. A computer lab with 10 systems with Braille printers has been recently commissioned. Efforts to improve the quality of life and training of the inmates of the school have been initiated. The computer laboratory has been designed on the latest assistive technologies for the visually challenged students. Assistive technologies are the new age devices and software that provide support to the disabled and perform their task efficiently to compete with their non disabled peers. The Executive Council of the University has decided to establish four English Medium schools in the immediate vicinity of the University for the promotion of education of the weaker section of people living in and around AMU.

12. Promotion of Urdu:
The recently established Urdu Academy is actively pursuing programmes for the promotion of Urdu language at all levels. The Academy has organized four orientation courses for 200 School teachers, and will introduce from the next session a certificate course for Urdu Computer Learning for primary school teachers and a certificate course on Spoken Urdu for media personnel. The Academy has also taken up an ambitious translation work of scientific terms into Urdu. The University has also taken measures to promote Urdu language as medium of teaching science in Madarsa schools. Steps have been taken to translate science text books prescribed by various education boards into Urdu. The promotion of Urdu language as a medium of science teaching is a major initiative for propagating Urdu language in the country.

13. Media Centre:
The Department of Mass Communication & Journalism has taken initiative to establish a Media Centre consisting of a Community Radio and a Community Television that would provide immense opportunities for the creative students in the campus to show their talents. A state of the-art Television Production Studio has been commissioned in the Department recently.

14. Quranic Centre:
The University has established Professor K.A. Nizami Centre for Quranic Studies as an International Centre of Academic excellence in teaching, research and publications relating to the Holy Quran. Through its work, the Centre will provide a better understanding of the culture and civilization of Islam for the achievement of tolerance and friendship. The building designed by the world renowned Agha Khan Award Winner Professor Al-Wahid Al-Wakil, has been completed through private donations, next to Sir Syed House, at a cost of about 2.5 crores.

15. Sports and Games:
AMU has, in the past, contributed remarkably to Indian sports and games. To rejuvenate sports activity and bring in new enthusiasm, various clubs under the purview of the Games Committee were provided generous funding for expanding their activities. Four high pedigree horses were acquired by the University Riding Club; the covered swimming pool has been renovated, painted and drainage system improved. The athletics ground now has high quality track, while modern equipment has been provided to the University Gymnasium. The cricket pavilion and the pitch now have a smart new look. The efforts made by various clubs and games committee have already started bearing dividends. The University Roller Skating team has won the championship, both in the senior and junior categories at XXX All India Open Roller Skating Championship 2007, at Mussoori.

16. Literary and Cultural Activities:
The General Education Centre is the cultural hub of the University. It has under its umbrella Clubs for Short Evening Courses, Literary Club, Film Club, Drama Club, Fine Arts Club and Hobbies Workshop. These clubs have in the past produced outstanding personalities in the fields of art and culture, like Sayeed Jafri, Dr. Aabid Husain, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, Akhtarul Iman, Dilip Tahil, Nasiruddin Shah, Anubhav Sinha, Saleem Shah, Javed Akhtar, Shahryar, Habib Tanvir, Munibur Rehman, Prof. Khursheedul Islam and many others.

The activities of various clubs had created a highly vibrant atmosphere throughout the academic session. Following are the highlights of the activities:

(i) All India Sir Syed Memorial Inter-University Debate was organized in the month of Feb. 2008 in which 20 renowned universities of India had participated. The University Literary Club bagged first prize at the 34th All India Kamalnayan Bajaj Inter-University Elocution Competition (in English) organized by Shiksha Mandal, Wardha, Maharashtra and secured the first and second prizes in the All India University Debate organized by Delhi University.
(ii) For the first time in the history of AMU the Film Club organized a National Film Festival of Short Films and Documentary 'Filmzaaz-08' in which 113 film entries of the budding film makers from across the nation were screened. The Film Club has also organized the screening of award winning movies along with workshops and extension lectures.
Eminent cultural and literary figures who visited the General Education Centre included Mr. Iintezar Husain (Noted Pakistani Fiction Writer), Mr. Nasiruddin Shah (Dramatist), Mr. Tom Alter (Film Actor), Prof. Shahid Meer (Poet and Ghazal Singer) and Mr. Ghulam Hasnain (Classical Musician).

17. Scholarship to students:
The University has taken special measures to engage maximum number of students to apply for various scholarships awarded by the State and Central Governments. A Nodal Officer has been appointed for streamlining the Minority students affairs in the University. A total of 7000 scholarships have been awarded to AMU students during session 2007-08. This was possible due to the generous funds made available by the State and Central Government Agencies as well as private trusts/foundations. Prominent among the latter include Bharat Seva Trust, Prof. Nurul Hasan Foundation, and several overseas AMU Alumni Associations.

The University has taken special care to solve the problems of students, teachers and staff. According to a proposal approved by the Executive Council 1095 employees were given benefits under Assured Career Progression Scheme along with Upward Movement to 10 Drivers, 11 Assistants, 29 Personal Assistants and 3 Section Officers.

18. AMU Campuses and Admission Test Centers:
The AMU has taken historic decisions to regain its national stature and provide leadership to minority education in the country. The Executive Council and the Court had decided to establish five special centers of the AMU in backward areas populated by minorities. The sites proposed are Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Murshidabad in West Bengal, Malappuram in Kerala, Pune in Maharashtra and Katihar in Bihar. These distant centers, once approved by the Government of India, will enable the University to fulfill the responsibilities mandated by the AMU Act, 1981. The Aligarh model consisting of Schools, Medical and Engineering Colleges, Schools for Law and Management and Departments of Advanced Study for Languages, Social Sciences and other disciplines will be established in all these centers. All these centers will be under the control of the Executive Council and the Court of the University. In another historic initiative, the University has successfully conducted its Admission Tests for MBBS, BDS, B.Tech., Class XI and Diploma in Engineering Courses at four centers outside Aligarh. Both these initiatives are historic in nature and are designed to provide greater access and equity to students in different parts of the region. In itself it is carrying the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan by spreading the Aligarh Movement across the country for the educational uplift of the people of India, especially the deprived Muslim population in different parts of the country.

19. Year for Academic Rejuvenation:
I have declared 2008 as a year for the academic rejuvenation of the University. The goals set are clear: each teacher should publish at least one research paper in national and international journals. At least 500 teachers should submit research projects that would bring at least Rs. 200 crores by way of external funding for modernizing laboratories and creating a culture of research in the University. Special message has also been given to research scholars that they should complete their doctoral programmes within a period of 3 to 5 years, because the country needs high quality manpower in various areas of national development.

20. World Summit of AMU Alumni-2008:
The Executive Council has taken a decision to organize World Summit of AMU Alumni in October, 2008. The idea was inspired by some Old Boys who visited me during the last several months including those from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The successful model of the Alumni Foundation working at the University of Wisconsin appeared as a strikingly fascinating example. The Summit will explore the idea of establishing an Alumni Foundation under the umbrella of the Aligarh Muslim University with the intention of establishing a perpetual entity to maintain the closest possible bondage with its alumni scattered around the world; utilize the talent, resources and goodwill available with them, and create a huge corpus fund for the modernization and expansion of the Aligarh Muslim University. As is known to everyone, the funding from the Government of India, although is substantial, is not enough for developing infrastructure and modernize the various laboratories and libraries available within the campus. Huge fund is needed for repositioning the University on a global standard. Great acts of philanthropy from its alumni are urgently needed to achieve the above dream.

At the World Summit of AMU Alumni, the teaching and research departments of AMU are expected to present a vision plan for the next 5 to 15 years, with well defined short-term and long-term projects to be placed before the Old Boys visiting their respective Departments during their stay at Aligarh. The alumni should have plenty of options to pick and choose projects for adoption and support.

21. Acts of Philanthropy – Need of the hour:
Great acts of philanthropy are needed from all over the world if the dream of repositioning the University as a modern campus is to be realized within a period of 3 to 5 years. The University also needs a new 1000-hectare campus within close proximity to the present campus for establishing new departments and centers of study. My focus will be on regaining the academic glory of the University, modernize the campus and expand it with the unstinted cooperation of everyone. The new generation of students who come to the University expects a new deal for them.
I am dreaming the dawn of a new era for the Aligarh Muslim University.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I seek your blessings and unstinted support. Let us all resolve to give our best to this great seat of learning. Let us carry the torch handed over to us by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his compatriots.

May blessings of Allah Subhanahu Tala be with us.
Assalamu Alaikum.

58th Annual Convocation at AMU on June 18, 2008

Aligarh, June 18: "If the energy of 540 million youth gets channelized properly then India will become the best destination for the most talented scholars, scientist and investors where none feels alienated", said Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India while delivering Annual Convocation Address at Aligarh Muslim University today.

Delineating distinctive profile of India by 2020, Dr. Kalam stressed the need for developing infrastructure in the rural areas through provisions of urban amenities in rural areas. It can be achieved three connectivities physical, electronic and knowledge leading to economic connectivity. According to him the number of provision of urban amenities in rural areas is estimated to be 7000 and educational institutions can participate in evading road map for development of these facilities in their region. Dr. Kalam also pointed out that the vision of 2020 can be achieved through quality resource backed with value system derived from our civilizational heritage.

Harping on youth power, Dr. Kalam described youth as the most powerful resource as the country, above the count and under the cast, and if it is properly directed and controlled, could bring about transformational changes in humanity for its progress. He asked the youth of AMU to spread literacy at least to live in his life.

Former President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam also administered a ten-point oath to the students of the Aligarh Muslim University.

The Aligarh Muslim University conferred honorary D.Sc. degree to Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam and Wipro Chairman, Mr. Azim Premji.

Mr. Premji in his acceptance speech urged the students to learn to lose and also to enjoy wining. Evening in defeat, one must not lose the lesson. For him excellence is not an act but a habit one must also remember problem also carries solution.

Presenting Annual Report, Professor P K Abdul Azis informed that 2008 is being celebrated as a year for the academic rejuvenation of the University and the faculty members are submitting projects that would bring at least 200 crores by way of external fundings. This year a number of new courses, including MD in Psychiatry MDS, M.Tech. and Post-graduate diploma in Nanotechnology was introduced. The University has decided to launch a media center comprising community radio and TV. The Department of Mass Communication has started three camera studio recently. Internet services are being provided on optical fiber bone and its bandwidth is being upgraded to 8 mbps.

Highlighting the academic achievements of the last year, professor P K Abdul Azis that 190 Ph.D. degrees were awarded and 1406 Post graduate and 296 graduate students got their degrees. The University also intends to organize a World Alumni Meet in October to raise funds for the modernization of the campus.

AMU Chancellor, former Chief Justice of India, A M Ahmadi presided over the function. On the occasion 55 gold and 135 silver medal were awarded, according to the Controller, professor Mohd. Irfan more than 4500 degrees were awarded. Professor V K Abdul Jaleel, AMU Registrar extended the vote of thanks.

(Dr. Rahat Abrar)
Public Relations Officer

World Summit of AMU Alumni - 2008

World Summit of AMU Alumni‏

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

October 18-19, 2008