Opinion Remembering Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: He stood for diversity, fraternity. Aligarh Muslim University champions these values
His roles as an educator, social reformer, cultural conservationist, biographer, political ideologue, and institution builder take him beyond merely being the saviour of the Muslim community after the 1857 War of Independence.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan set up Madrasatul Uloom Musalmanan-e-Hind in 1875, which later became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. (Wikimedia Commons) 
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Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), often known only for founding the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), was a multifaceted figure who profoundly influenced Indian society. His roles as an educator, social reformer, cultural conservationist, biographer, political ideologue, and institution builder take him beyond merely being the saviour of the Muslim community after the 1857 War of Independence.
A person’s text should be judged in the context of the period in which they lived. Many describe Sir Syed as the votary of Muslim separatism in India. A selective reading of some of his writings might suggest that. Did Sir Syed provide any ideological rationale for the two-nation theory? The answer to this pertinent question lies in his concept of the nation. Sir Syed used the term “Quam” interchangeably for both nation and community. He frequently refers to it as a conglomeration of country and community with religious affinity and beyond.
Setting off the much-needed project of educational renaissance, he invited Hindus and Muslims to unite to eradicate ignorance by opting for modern education. His first venture to improve the lives of Indians was the establishment of a school in 1875. At the outset, he explained his concept of the nation – “There is no doubt that Madrastul Uloom (the school that grew into a university in 1920) is a means of ‘national’ progress. By the word ‘nation’ here, I do not mean Muslims alone, but Hindus and Muslims both…”
Hindu-Muslim affinity remained a cardinal principle throughout his life. He was nominated as a member of the Viceregal Council, and the Indian Association of Lahore gave him a reception. Replying to the address, Sir Syed explained that he intended to keep the parochial or sectarian approach at bay. “It was my earnest and sincere desire that I should faithfully serve my nation. All of us, whether Hindus or Mahomedans, live on one soil, are governed by the same rule, have the same resources of our advantage and equally share the hardship of a famine. These are the various grounds on which I designate both the communities that inhabit India as the nation.” Indeed, Sir Syed’s insistence on inclusivity closely resembles our National Education Policy (NEP), which puts a premium on equality and inclusivity.
The warm rapport between the two communities has existed since the inception of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1877, the precursor of AMU. This was not an easy task, given that British rule infused a narrative of hatred into the social fabric. But it had little impact on Sir Syed’s words and deeds. The Bismillah ceremony (traditional ceremony of initiation into education) of his grandson Ross Masood was solemnised by Raja Jai Kishan Das by keeping the child in his lap. Not only did he lay the foundation of comparative religious studies at MAO College, but he was also the first Muslim to write a commentary on the Bible.
Despite the periods of trials and tribulations, AMU has never abandoned its inclusive character by keeping its doors open to all. Drawing students from 31 states and 26 foreign countries, it epitomises all cultures thriving. It has also played a significant role in India’s quest to build friendly ties with the Muslim world.
Bestowing one of the most befitting tributes to Sir Syed’s legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed AMU a “mini India” in his address on the university’s centenary in 2020. Invoking Sir Syed while underscoring the principles of nation first and development without any discrimination, the PM said, “I would like to remind you of one thing said by Sir Syed. He had said, ‘The foremost duty of one who is concerned about his country is to work for the welfare of all people, irrespective of the caste, creed or religion.’ Sir Syed had said, ‘Just as each part of the body is necessary for good health, development of all is essential for the prosperity of the country.’ ”
To this day, Sir Syed’s lamp remains lit.
The writer is former vice chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University and a nominated member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
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