AMU celebrates Gandhi Jyanti

Aligarh:The Aligarh Muslim University today celebrated the ‘Gandhi Jyanti’ at the Cultural Hall of the Maulana Azad Library.
The celebrations started with the Exhibition of Documents and Photographs pertaining to Mahatma Gandhi. The Exhibition also had rare books on Mahatma Gandhi, his letters and translation of Gandhiji’s works in various languages.
Gandhi Jyanti is celebrated yearly in AMU with much fan fare and zeal.Speaking on the occasion, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) pointed out that Windsor Churchil had to regret calling Gandhiji, a ‘naked Fakheer’ after the Indian independence, which was brought by the non-violence movement of Gandhiji.The Vice Chancellor added that Indian Independence from the British rule led to decolonisation all over the world.
He further said that Gandhiji’s repulsion for untouchability, peace between people of all religious faiths and his qualities of head and heart should be emulated in today’s world.
The Vice Chancellor further pointed out that Gandhiji visited AMU at least four times and he was rightly honoured by the university as a ‘Life-Member of Aligarh Muslim University Students Union.’
“Gandhiji was ahead of all worldy honours and prizes including the Nobel Peace Prize,” said the Vice Chancellor adding that the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was also above these honours and Gandhiji was an ardent admirer of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor also read out a pledge to the gathering for working with dedication to preserve and strengthen the freedom and integrity of the Nation.
AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali said that this nation belongs to Mahatma Gandhi and two great people were born on this day. “Today is the birth anniversary of two legends namely Gandhi and Lal Bahdur Shastri and their significance is paramount for the today’s youth,” added the Pro Vice Chancellor.   
“We honour the life of great Mahatma Gandhi and celebrate his legacy of peaceful activism,” said the Pro Vice Chancellor.
He added that Gandhiji also steered clear from promoting his kith and kin in public sphere and he was selfless leader.
“Gandhiji promoted righteous living,” said the Pro Vice Chancellor adding that Gandhiji followed the teachings of ‘Anshakti’ of ‘Bhagwad Gita’.
He pointed out Gandhiji only feared God and his commitment to service led to Satyagraha (Insistence of truth) and Swaraj (Home rule).
The Pro Vice Chancellor further pointed out that Gandhiji never sought any office in the government during independence although he was the natural leader of all Indians.
He added that Gandhiji adopted the concept of unreserved surrender to God and expanded the notion of family to include the entire nation.
Pro Vice Chancellor pointed out that Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violence was embraced by most people in his life time and it is relevance still holds ground across the globe. He further said that Gandhiji’s philosophy of cleaning of mind, body and surroundings and non-violence can help to find solutions to today’s prevailing problems.
During the conclusion of the programme, the Pro Vice Chancellor also administered a ‘Sanitation Pledge’.  
Professor Mohammad Rizwan Khan, Department of English said that free India has come through struggles of numerous men and women, who fought for independence, but the major contribution is of Gandhiji, who fought for independence with weapons of truth and non-violence.
Comparing Mahatma Gandhi with Mahatma Budha, Prof Rizwan said that only two people in the Indian history, who have been given the titles of Mahatma were similar in many ways as both were followed in India and abroad.
Dr Pankaj Parashar, Department of Hindi said that Gandhiji should be followed more today to follow principles of secularism and moral upliftment. “Every time, when we see hatred in the world, we should remember that Gandhiji use to chant ‘Eishwar, Allah tere naam’ to bring feeling of brotherhood in different religious communities.
He added that people should also remember the numerous sacrifices Gandhi made for the betterment of society, which includes leaving a lavish law- firm job in South Africa to start a non-violent freedom movement in India.
AMU students Mr Omar Ghazi, BSC (Mathematics) and Ms Aleena Khan, B A Communicative English also spoke on how Gandhiji inspired Indians with his non-violent movements for civil rights and freedom from the British rule.
The Programme was conducted by Prof F S Sherani while AMU Officiating Registrar, Prof Asfar Ali Khan proposed the vote of thanks.During the conclusion, a team of University Music Club sang a patriotic song and the National Anthem.