Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee organised a discussion at its headquarters in Lucknow to mark the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the renowned social reformer and pioneer of modern education in India. Speakers remembered his contributions to education, scientific thinking, social harmony and Hindu-Muslim unity, emphasising the continued relevance of his ideals.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Tariq Siddiqui, former president of the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Association, Lucknow, described Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as a pioneer of modern education and scientific thought. He said Sir Syed believed education was essential for social progress and consistently advocated mutual understanding, brotherhood and communal harmony.
Recalling Sir Syed’s vision of India’s composite culture, Siddiqui cited his analogy of the country as a beautiful bride with Hindus and Muslims as her two eyes. If one eye were damaged, he said, the bride’s beauty would remain incomplete. The analogy conveyed the importance of unity and the country’s shared cultural heritage.
Siddiqui said Sir Syed continued to promote love and brotherhood even in difficult circumstances. Drawing a contemporary parallel, he referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s message of opening a “shop of love in the marketplace of hate”.
He also highlighted Aligarh Muslim University’s tradition of Hindu-Muslim unity and shared history, noting that the institution’s legacy extended beyond its name. Referring to Ishwari Prasad Upadhyay, described as the university’s first graduate, he said the institution symbolised a common heritage of education and social cohesion.
Chairing the programme, Sohail Akhtar Ansari, president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee’s Minority Department and a former MLA, said Sir Syed had lit a torch of education whose influence had spread beyond India. He noted that graduates of Aligarh Muslim University had made significant contributions to Indian politics, public life and nation-building.
Ansari cited former President Dr Zakir Husain, Azam Khan, Arif Mohammad Khan and Mohsina Kidwai among prominent personalities associated with the university. He said Sir Syed’s legacy continued to inspire society to embrace education, progressive ideas, communal harmony and mutual respect.
Ansari added that the relevance of Sir Syed’s ideals had grown in the present times, making it important to strengthen the values of brotherhood and social understanding.
The programme was conducted by Hammam Waheed, while Sanjay Sharma delivered the concluding remarks.
Those present included Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee treasurer Shiv Pandey, former IPS officer Kushhar Paswan, Sameena Shafiq, Dwijendra Tripathi, Virendra Pratap Pandey, Pramod Singh, Vinod Mishra, Anees Akhtar Modi, Akhtar Malik, Mohammad Umair, Masood Ahmad, Shahnawaz Khan, Kashif Siddiqui, advocate Shamshad Ahmad, Richa Sharma, Astha Tiwari, Jamal Akhtar and Shafiq Ahmad, among others.
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