October 17 is an important day for Aligarh Muslim University and its alumni. Every year, the varsity celebrates Sir Syed Day in memory of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He was born on October 17, 1817. The varsity is celebrating 200 th or bicentennial celebrations this year. Vice Chancellor of AMU, Mr. Tariq Mansoor directed the authorities to prepare in advance for the grand celebrations. A series of events and initiatives are lined up for the same. Former President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is the Chief Guest for the celebrations.
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The programmes that are being organised by AMU as a part of Sir Syed Day celebrations are: -
- Sir Syed Exhibitions
- Sound and Light Show
- Essay writing and painting competitions
- Commissioned research projects
- Awareness rallies on Sir Syed Ahmed
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Multi-level lectures
- Directory of prominent AMU alumni
- English translations of Sir Syed Ahmed’s works
- Special issues of Tehzibul Akhlaque and Fikr-O-Nazr
- A biography of Sir Syed Ahmed in Hindi
- Sir Syed Bibliography in world languages
- Publication of a coffee table edition
- Publication of commemorative volumes
AMU is also planning to produce a motion picture on the life of Sir Syed Ahmed, pursue the Government of India to issue a Bicentenary Stamp and collection all the objects associated with Sir Syed Ahmed.
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About Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: -
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a popular Islamic reformist and philosopher of 19 th century British India. Aligarh Muslim University evolved from the idea of Sir Syed Ahmed who thought that education is vital for the Muslims to get involved in public life and government services of India. Therefore, he founded Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (Aligarh) and patterned the college after Cambridge and Oxford universities. Initially, the college was affiliated to the University of Calcutta. Later, it was transformed in AMU in 1920.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan breathed his last on March 27, 1898.