Thursday, 8 December 2016

Press Releases




Dept of Economics starts winter course on Remote Sensing and GIS

Aligarh, December 9: The Department of Economics, Aligarh Muslim University under the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) scheme of Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD), recently held the inaugural session of the ‘Interdisciplinary Course on Rural Planning and Management: Application of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) at the Arts Faculty Lounge. This programme will be conducted by National and International faculties.  

This 14 days long course, which is scheduled to conclude on December 18, 2016 has attracted participants from all over the country.

While attending the programme as the Chief Guest, Dr Mrs Pankaj Mittal, Additional Secretary, UGC pointed out that the motive of the programme is to empower people in AMU as well as participants from various parts of the Country.   

She congratulated course coordinator Dr Dastgir Alam for initiating the programme, while quoting Dr Zakir Hussain, ‘you need passion to start any institution and a new thing.’

Dr Mittal also spoke about her efforts in empowering rural community through innovative approach in Haryana. She added that this course will bring a paradigm shift in rural management and planning process.

Delivering the presidential address, Mr Sudhakar Panda, Director, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar said that that since there are rural areas in the country in need of quality of education, health, hygiene, electricity and access to drinking water among other necessities; Remote sensing and Geographical Information System will be extremely helpful for working for the welfare of these areas.

Mr Panda also pointed out that AMU is taking a lead to initiate courses like these for the benefit of stakeholders associated with rural planning and management.


Dr Khushnood Ali, Head, Research Division, African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) delivered the inaugural address. During the address, Dr Ali stated that the population is increasing leaps and bounds and it has become a huge challenge and in the situation, there is a need for better utilization of resources.

Dr Ali further said that this course will contribute enormously to achieve larger goals of transforming rural economy, promoting micro enterprises, achieving income equity and gender equality.

On the occasion, Dr Dastgir Alam, Course Coordinator said that this skill enhancement course has a target to train the participants for rural planning and management by using scientific knowledge and tools.

He also highlighted that since the secondary data related to monitoring corps, agriculture, soil, resource assessment, optimal utilization of resources and forecasting suffer from many discrepancies; the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) will provide accurate information.

Professor Shamim Ahmad Ansari, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences delivered the welcome address. Prof Noman Ahmad conducted the program, while Dr Shaukat Haseen facilitated the guests.  

Prof Nighat Ahmad, Chairperson, Department of Economics proposed the vote of thanks.

 

AMU Delegates led by Dr Hashmi attend Annual Conference of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India

Aligarh, December 9: A team of AMU delegates comprising of faculty members and post-graduation trainees, led by Dr G S Hashmi, Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Z H Dental College attended the 41st Annual Conference of Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (AOMSI) held at Ahmedabad recently. 

During the Conference, Dr Hashmi presented a scientific paper on a new system of classification of fibro-osseous diseases of jawbones. The paper led to a new channel of discussions amongst the reputed scientific minds of maxillofacial surgery fraternity attending the Conference.

He also chaired scientific session of maxillofacial pathology at the conference in which interesting pathologies in the maxillofacial areas were discussed.

Dr Hashmi’s team included Dr S A Rahman and Dr Md Kalim Ansari, who made important contributions to the event by presenting scientific papers and discussing cases and studies of maxillofacial surgical speciality. On the occasion, the post-graduation students accompanying Dr Hashmi demonstrated their enthusiasm by attending pre-conference workshops and presenting scientific papers.

Colloquium at AMU on “Values in Higher Education”
Aligarh, December 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Alig Association (JKAA) organised a colloquium in the Conference Hall, Faculty of Social Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh on the topic, “Values in Higher Education”. It was presided by Dr. Mohsin Raza ,founder of “World of Aligs” and a well-known philanthropist and surgeon. The colloquium was addressed by several eminent scholars. To begin with, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar in his presentation underlined the need for cultivation of values in higher education by recourse to moral values. Prof. Latif Hussain Shah Kazmi in his address underscored that Knowledge is a trust and whosoever has it should impart to others. He stressed on Righteous living with a view to achieve higher levels of probity, honesty and goodness. He quoted Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan who had advocated that we should take up philosophyin our right hand and sciences in our left hand while our headshould adorn with crown of faith in unicity of God. Dr. Mohibul Haque stressed on use of educational methods in cultivation and protection of human values which is critical for safeguarding value system in our society.  Prof. Siraj Ajmali outlined that there is immense need to revive human values which all pious persons of world including Prophets, Sufis and saints have upheld and Aligarh can be a good platform for this.
Prof. Emeritus Farhatullah Khan, Keynote Speaker, stressed that all great institutions of higher learning stand for tolerance, freedom of thought, speech and pluralism. He told that we must strive for knowledge by appropriating a conceptual framework within which skills and values can be accommodated. He quoted Sir Syed Ahmad Khan who equally stressed on cultivation of natural and religious sciences.
Dr. Mohsin Raza in his presidential address stressed on application of values in socio, political, economic and cultural fields of operation. He said that all research and knowledge is pointless unless it is applied for wider welfare of the mankind. Ms Ummaiya Farooq and Mr Tahir Ahmad have conducted the programme. Mr. Nasar Ahamd Shah, Secretary, JKAA, Aligarh Chapter gave vote of thanks. JKAA Patron and programme organizer Dr. Manzoor Ahmad has expressed satisfaction over successful completion of this colloquium. Most of the students and faculty members of the university have attended and appreciated the Colloquium.

AMU plans interactive activities for Sir Syed Bicentenary celebrations 2017

Aligarh, December 9:  The Sir Syed Bicentenary celebrations Committee, Aligarh Muslim University, at its recently held meeting, has chalked out an intensive plan of action for organizing a range of innovative activities in relation with Sir Syed Bicentenary celebrations which are to be held next year.

In the meeting, which was presided over by AMU Vice Chancellor Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah (Veteran), it was resolved to bring out commemorative volumes in English and Urdu including other books on Sir Syed as well as special issue of Tahzibul Akhlaq and Fikr-o-Nazar.

The meeting also took a decision on organizing an Exhibition on Sir Syed, a Laser Show, first day cover on Sir Syed Day, Portrait competition and various events in AMU schools in connection with the Bicentenary celebrations.

The Committee has also decided to organize an international conference and extension lectures on Sir Syed, facilitate the visit of descendant of donors of MAO College from adjoining areas of Aligarh, digitalize two movies on Sir Syed and Shaikh Abdullah (Papa Mian) and publicize articles and features on Sir Syed as well as his bibliography.

Meanwhile, the Committee has also planned to organize programmes highlighting Sir Syed’s messages in various halls of residence, games, sports programmes and lectures on Sir Syed and his associates.         

Sir Syed Awareness Forum organizes National Seminar on ‘Tipu Sultan—A Role Model for the Pluralistic Indian Polity’ 
Aligarh, December 9: The Sir Syed Awareness Forum today organized the 5th National Seminar on ‘Tipu Sultan—A Role Model for the Pluralistic Indian Polity’ at the University Polytechnic Auditorium in Aligarh Muslim University.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest, Al-Haj Dr Qamurul Islam, MLA and former MP and Cabinet Minister, Karnataka said that Tipu Sultan was not only a champion of secularism at his time but was also a freedom fighter and saviour of India. 
He added that Tipu Sultan was an excellent administrator, in whose tenure there was marvellous work done with construction of dams, plantation and irrigation. Dr Islam also pointed out that Tipu Sultan abolished the Jagirdari System during his rule along with abolition of slavery and child labour. “Tipu Sultan also prohibited the production and consumption of illegal liquor, during his rule,” said Dr Islam.
 “As an army administrator, Tipu Sultan protected the Sringeri Sharada Peetham Matt Temple from the attacks of the Maratha rulers,” added Dr Islam. He also thanked AMU administration for having a Tipu Sultan Block in the University premises. 
Presiding over the function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (Veteran) said that Muslims in Uttar Pradesh should learn from their Muslim brethren in south-Indian states in terms of literacy and education. 
He added that Sir Syed had a vision of seeing Muslims with Quran and academic books in their hands. “In today’s scenario, where technology is defining progress, Muslims can take the vision of Sir Syed ahead with Quran and Lap-tops in their hands,” said the Vice Chancellor.
He also informed that the AMU Chancellor, His Highness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin has recently donated 1000 computers to the University. 
General Shah also pointed out that AMU has taken an initiative of opening a chain of secular schools with Islamic ethos in various parts of Uttar Pradesh and at AMU Centres of Malappuram (Kerela), Murshidabad (Bengal) and kishenganj (Bihar). 
The Vice Chancellor further said that Tipu Sultan was a secular and forward looking Muslim ruler of his time, who was also a hero to the whole country and his contribution and sacrifices should not be forgotten.    
Pointing out that the Indian Army Academy teaches the army structures of Tipu Sultan and Mughal Emperor Babar in its curriculum, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali (Veteran), who attended the function as a Guest of Honour said that Tipu Sultan’s army and administrative structures are relevant even in today’s world. “Tipu Sultan lived a life of a soldier more than a king,” he added.
Brigadier Ali further said that it is sad that most accounts written on Tipu Sultan by the British historians show him in a negative light as he always resisted the oppression and tyranny of the British, while fighting for his motherland in which, he eventually sacrificed his life. 
 “Tipu Sultan not only commanded the first naval force in the history of India, but he was the first Indian ruler and army administrator to use rocket technology,” said the Pro Vice Chancellor adding that Tipu Sultan wanted to uplift the lower strata of society in his time as he provided the Shudras (lower caste Hindus) with property and equal civic rights. 
He further said that Tipu Sultan gave grants to 156 Hindu Temples and his army had a big portion of scheduled caste Hindus. 
Professor Shakeel Samdani from the Department of Law and President, Sir Syed Awareness Forum said that the subjects of Tipu Sultan’s kingdom lived in a composite culture and equal rights. 
He added that the composite culture during Tipu Sultan’s time is still present in the modern day India despite repetitive attempts to divide people on the basis of faith by the British Raj and other fascist forces.
Prof Samdani also pointed out that Tipu Sultan wore a ring, which had an inscription of Hindu God, Ram written on it and this bears testimony to Tipu Sultan’s secular credentials. 
Mr Helal Firoz, Commandment, RAF, who also attended the function as a Guest of Honour said that Tipu Sultan was a great soldier and strategist, who was pioneer of India’s early struggle for independence from colonial aggression.
Prof M Saud Alam Qasmi, Department of Sunni theology said that Tipu Sultan’s mission and aim was to establish justice in society and it is a sad that certain historians are distorting history to present Tipu Sultan in a negative light. 
Dr Mohibul Haq, Department of Political Science threw light on how certain elements are creating false propaganda to distort history. He added that a brilliance of Tipu Sultan was that he realised that colonialism was a threat to the whole country before other rulers could understand the coming of foreign aggression.    
Meanwhile, Ms Ayesha Samdani and Ms Sara Samdani also spoke on Tipu Sultan. Mr Musharraf Hussain Mahzar delivered the welcome address. 
Farhan Shamsi read the Forum Report while Ms Shagaf Nawaz proposed the vote of thanks. 
On the occasion, Mr Vivek Bansal, former  MLC; Dr Naseem Ahmad Khan, AMU EC member, Prof Humayun Murad; Dr Mohd Shahid; Dr Obaid Iqbal Asim; faculty members of various AMU departments and other dignitaries were also present. 
Prof Samdani also conducted the programme.
 
Participants of MHRD sponsored two-week course in AMU visit Mirzapur village

Aligarh, December 9: The Department of Economics, Aligarh Muslim University recently organised a one-day visit to Mirzapur village of Iglas Tehsil of Aligarh district. The trip took place as a part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) sponsored two-week winter course on Rural Planning and Management: Application of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System.

During the trip, research scholars and participants of the course from various parts of the country interacted with the rural community to understand their problems and resources available for the sustainable rural planning. 

Dr Jamil Ahmad, facilitator of the visit said that this rural exposure was aimed to deepen perspective of participants about development objectives and core values of engagement with rural communities. Meanwhile, Dr Zeba Sheereen, co-facilitator of the visit said that through these explorations, the participants examined their beliefs about the nature of livelihoods and development objectives.

Dr Dastgir Alam, course coordinator said that the modules of course will provide general information about rural economy and the rules of planning and management eventually leading to pertinent questions regarding the state of rural economy while equipping the participants in finding solutions.

The field visit covered a wide range of activities including group discussions that provided familiarity with livelihoods of people living in villages. The trip has helped the participants to understand farming patterns, the credit availability of the villagers, the understanding of the nature of social exclusion of gender, caste and class and the impact on livelihoods, deprivation and poverty.

By conducting field visits, this program intends to train its participants and help them broaden their understanding of rural contemporary life and livelihoods and also dismiss biased understanding of the rural community. The program also aims to educate the participants about the impact of social structures, government policies and interventions and market structures on rural livelihoods.


News Desk
Public Relations Office
Aligarh Muslim University

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