Revisiting Sir Syed's dream!

It is that time of the year when people exclaim "Winter is coming" while Aligarians proclaim "S.S. Day is coming"! With the season of festivity in India, arrives Sir Syed's Day- October 17. Every year, the birthday of this great reformist, philosopher and educator is celebrated with rejuvenated spirit at my alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The advent of this week is marked by decorating the university 'like a bride', literally. In this digital era, Aligarians round the globe express their love for Sir Syed by changing their profile pictures, sharing his excerpts/speech/quotes on social media. All this serves to rekindle the nostalgic memories and love for one's alma mater. Having spent nearly a decade at AMU, S.S. Day celebrations are etched in my long term memory! The much anticipated day commences with literary/cultural events glorifying AMU and its founder. As the night befalls, the melodious University Tarana echoes in the air culminating with a grand dinner buffet (a hosteler's delight). As a homecoming event, an Alumni Meet is organised for AMU alumnis who wish to be a part of SS day functions and relive their old days. Sir Syed envisioned of establishing an educational institution on the frameworks of world's greatest universities of his time. Despite much criticism and struggles from his community, he managed to set forth the foundations of AMU. To an onlooker, the architecture of the university buildings would indeed remind of Oxford and Cambridge. It is also an acknowledged fact that AMU has nurtured students who have added laurels to its fame. However, as torch bearers of the Sir Syed's dream, we Aligarians need to reassess ourselves. In today's revolutionary scientific age, it is imperative to criticise and re-evaluate AMU from a holistic perspective. We should confront the inner evils, politics and challenge the norms that are counter productive for the university. The recent UGC auditing of AMU suggests to restrict the inbreeding culture, amend the faculty hiring/promotion process and generate internal funding sources.The administration, students and faculty should strive towards eradicating such issues which hinder the progress of AMU. Further, we need to rethink ways of celebrating SS Day- investing in educational initiatives can be a better ode to Sir Syed than decorating the campus with lights. By reflecting on such criticism and asking questions like, "What went wrong?" can we truly give tribute to Sir Syed's dream. It's time when the Chaman (garden) yearns to be nurtured so that it again resonates with the hymns of nightingales (bulbul) from far and beyond!
Penning down with an urdu couplet (rooted in Aligarh traditions):

Taair-e-Zair-e-Daam ke naale tu sun chukke ho tum
Ye bhi suno ke Nala-e-Tair-e-Baam aur hai

Ameen.
A Critical Aligarian