Aligarh Muslim University perfect example of Indian nationalism and ethos: Pranab Mukherjee

Former President Pranab Mukherjee heaped praise on Aligarh Muslim university, calling it an institution which is ‘perfect example of Indian nationalism and ethos’, where students ‘from different religions, ethnicity, linguistic backgrounds and culture integrate and work together in productive ways’.

He was quoted saying by The Indian Express: “It is a privilege to be in AMU on the occasion of 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the visionary leader of India.”

While delivering the commemoration address on the bicentennial birth celebrations of AMU founder Syed Ahmed Khan, he also praised Sir Syed for being ahead of his time, and for thinking of empowering common people with modern scientific education.

He also lamented that Indian universities lagged far behind top educational institutes in the world and stressed the need for research and innovation.

"We have failed to give due importance to basic research and innovation in our institutions of higher learning," Mukherjee said. 
He said the vision of India was based on a scientific outlook that generated from an "open mind". Hundreds of old students of AMU who attended the bicentenary celebrations pledged to make AMU a leading world class institution.