AMU to Organize International Conference on the ‘The Ganga River-Past, Present and Future’

ALIGARH, November 20: The Aligarh Muslim University is going to organize a five day long International Conference on the theme ‘The Ganga River-Past, Present and Future’ from February 13 to 17, 2017 at New Delhi, the National Capital to showcase the very purpose of the Conference at international level. The AMU administration has requested India International Centre, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, National Museum Institute and Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi to be the Co-Sponsors.

Apart from the main theme, the International Conference is also going to cover : The Ganga and Development of Indian Civilization- 11^th Century BC onwards, The Ganga in Indian Art (sculptures, paintings and architecture), The Ganga in the Promotion of South East Asian Art, The Ganga as Geographical, Socio-Cultural and Sacred space, Imaging the Ganga in the East and West, The Ganga in Urdu Poetry and Literature, Searching new dimensions in Mekong- Ganga, Evolving programmes of Mass Education for a Clean Ganga, Engineering support for the Clean Ganga, Policy, Planning and Implementation of the Safeguard of Ganga, Reforestation and Protection of wildlife in Ganga basin and Financing and Protection of Ganga as the sub-themes. The AMU administration has urged the respective Co-Sponsors to suggest any additional themes and modifications to make the Conference more vibrant. 

The Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University Lt Gen Zameeruddin Shah (Veteran), while announcing for the Conference, has said that Aligarh Muslim University lies in the fertile plains of the “Do-Aab” between river Ganges and Yamuna and fully subscribes to “Ganga-Yamuna Tehzeeb” culture. He stated that the scientists at AMU are involved in projects carried out for the safeguard of our sacred rivers.    

Lt Gen Shah said that it is imperative to keep our natural resources pure as these sustain life and maintain an ecological balance. He informed that the increase in flow of industrial wastes, untreated sewage and reduced natural flow of the rivers are the major factors leading to water pollution. The Vice Chancellor further said that it is the need of the hour to bring back the ecological flow of the sacred river Ganga which is joined by 150 small rivers. It is an irony that we failed to keep even the sacred Ganga clean due to sheer ignorance, he added.

Lt Gen Shah informed that Ganga is one of the most polluted rivers in India in which the level of pollution is more than 3000 times as compared to the permissible limit defined by WHO as “safe”.  He said that in spite of all the plans, actions, schemes and funds the river Ganga is still facing the problem of pollution, in view of which it has become mandatory to come forward and join hands  to work objectively for our Generation-Next within time frame and find out ways and means before the situation goes from pan to fire.

The AMU administration is in touch with the concerned authorities to finalize the names of the VIPs, Participants and other Dignitaries for the inaugural and valedictory functions depending upon their respective availability.  

Lecture on “Rethinking University” held at AMU

ALIGARH November 20: The University Debating and Literary Club, Cultural Education Centre, Aligarh Muslim University organised a lecture on the topic “Rethinking University” at the Cultural Hall of Maulana Azad Library. The lecture was delivered by Professor Apoorvanand Jha from University of Delhi. 

Professor Apoorvanand spoke on the significance of internal discourse in universities. According to him, what matters the most is not what goes on in the classes but the discourse held outside the classes. He said that this is where the real conversations and interactions take place. Professor Jha also spoke on the 2013 issue of FTII and the Gajendra Chauhan controversy. The point Prof Jha emphasized the most was that of excellence, and how the students and faculty members of the Universities should strive for it. He suggested implementing the principle of excellence adding that “if you want to kill a university make mediocrity the ruling principle”. The lecture was followed by a question and answer session.

Wajahat Jilani, Secretary, University Debating and Literary Club hosted the event whereas the speaker was introduced by Professor Mohibul Haque. The lecture was presided over by Professor Asmar Beg.

Prof Jha was part of the core group that designed the National Curriculum Framework for School Education in 2005 and was a member of the National Focus Group on Teaching of Indian Languages formed by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). He has written a number of critical essays in renowned Hindi journals and has also contributed columns in major English newspapers on issues like education, culture, communalism and human rights.

Around 100 people attended the lecture

Lecture series held at Deptt of Geology

ALIGARH November 20: The Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University organized Lecture Series under the DRS-II (SAP-I) program. In the series Professor Santosh Kumar of the Kumaun University, Nainital delivered two lectures on “Magma genesis and magmatic processes” and “Phase equilibria and petrogenesis of igneous rocks”.

During his lectures Professor Kumar highlighted the concept of phase equilibria and its applications in understanding magma genesis in relation to the causes of development of several petrographic textures.

Prof Kumar also interacted with the students and motivated them to work hard, read standard books and achieve great heights. He also ensured to render support and help to the students as well as the department.

Prof Liaqat A.K. Rao, Chairperson, Department of Geology welcomed Prof. Kumar and thanked him for delivering the lectures under the DRS-II (SAP-I) program.

Prof M.E.A. Mondal, Deputy Coordinator, DRS-II conducted the program and introduced Professor Kumar to the audience. He also proposed the vote of thanks.

Audience comprising research scholars, under graduate and post graduate students thanked Professor Kumar for the invaluable lectures.

News Desk

Public Relations Office

Aligarh Muslim University