Every year, October 17 is celebrated in Aligarh (India) and across the world – wherever Aligarians, the proud alumni of AMU, reside – as the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the visionary founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). But for me, this day is much more than a commemoration of a historical figure. It’s a moment to reflect deeply on what Sir Syed means to us today – and why his legacy should continue to guide our lives in 2025 and beyond.
When I think of Sir Syed, I don’t just see the founder of a prestigious university. I see a man who dared to challenge the status quo, who believed in the power of education to transform not just individuals, but entire communities and nations.
He lived in a time when Indian Muslims faced unprecedented challenges – colonialism, social stagnation and an identity crisis. Instead of giving in to despair or clinging blindly to tradition, Sir Syed chose a different path: education, reform and unity. He understood that the future would belong to those who learned, adapted and embraced knowledge with an open mind.
What makes Sir Syed’s vision so unique – even today – is how forward-thinking and inclusive it was. When he established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875 (which later became AMU), he wasn’t just creating a school. He was building a bridge between the past and the future, between Islamic culture and modern science, between tradition and progress.
He insisted that Indian Muslims needed to embrace modern education without losing their identity. But more than that, he believed India itself needed to be a place where different communities could coexist peacefully – a place where secularism was not just an ideal, but a lived reality.
In today’s India, where communal tensions sometimes threaten social harmony and where secularism is debated more than practised, Sir Syed’s message feels urgent and necessary. He showed us that true secularism is not the erasure of religious identity, but respect for all faiths and equal opportunities for all citizens.
His life reminds us that Indian Muslims do not have to choose between faith and patriotism. In fact, they are an essential part of India’s pluralistic fabric – and their empowerment through education and social reform is vital for the country’s progress.
Imagine if Sir Syed walked the campus of AMU today. He would see students with smartphones, access to endless information, and global opportunities. Yet, he might also see distractions, apathy and social divisions. I believe he would urge us to remember that education is not just about personal success. It is about building bridges, promoting dialogue and working toward unity.
His famous words – “Nations are made by education” – remind us that knowledge should empower us to question ignorance, challenge injustice and serve humanity.
So, this October 17, I want to ask myself – and ask you – are we living up to Sir Syed’s vision? Are we truly using our education to think critically, act courageously and foster unity? Are we committed to a secular India where all communities feel respected and valued? Are we ready to take on the responsibility to keep his dream alive – not just in speeches, but in our daily lives?
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was not perfect; he faced criticism and controversy. But that’s what real leadership looks like – it’s about having the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
His legacy is not just the bricks and mortar of AMU. It’s the spirit of restlessness to learn, the courage to reform and the commitment to unity.
If we remember Sir Syed only as a historical figure, we miss the real lesson. The real tribute is to live the values he stood for: education that enlightens, secularism that unites and identity that empowers.
Let’s make October 17 not just a day of remembrance, but a call to action – to be the generation that carries Sir Syed’s dream forward with pride, purpose and passion.
“The progress of a nation lies in the hands of its youth.” – Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
To all the young people of India – especially the students of AMU and the wider Muslim community – this is your moment. Let Sir Syed’s legacy be your inspiration. Learn deeply. Question boldly. Serve selflessly.
Because that is how we honour the man who dared to dream a new dawn for us all.
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