9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi (Meghalaya)

The students and staff of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) paid glowing tributes to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, reformer, philosopher, and educationist, on his birth anniversary.

Students gathered together early in the morning at the Sir Syed Hostel, which the USTM Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, built in honour of the founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, to commemorate his memory.

Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, an AMU alumnus who earned his MCA with distinction, is widely regarded as the “Sir Syed of Northeast India” for his transformative contributions to education as an institute builder.

Students of USTM outside the Sir Syed Ahmed hostel

Addressing students, faculty, and staff at the hostel grounds, he reflected on Sir Syed’s enduring impact: “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan planted the seed, but did not live to see the expansion of Aligarh Muslim University, which became one of the largest universities in our country, where the alumni celebrate his life all over the world.

“All established globally in powerful scientific capacity, AMU has produced the President of India, the Vice President of India, the Army General, all different levels of ministers, and governors.”

Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said, “I hope that everyone will envision that I am not receiving education for myself with a torchlight in my hand to only protect me, rather, I will be a torchbearer to enlighten society through education. 

The celebration concluded joyfully with soulful renditions of AMU’s tarana (anthem) and the sharing of sweets.

To a gathering outside the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) building at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) campus, Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque also read out the last speech of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, where he said, “I lost my hair, my eyesight, but not my vision. My determination never dimmed. My determination never failed. I built this institution for you, and I am sure you will carry the light of this institution far and wide till darkness disappears from all around.”  Chancellor Hoque pledged an oath to carry forth his legacy in spreading the light of education everywhere.

Carrying out the symbolic representation of Aligarh Muslim University fraternity globally, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, in the very remote corner of the country in the North East, is quietly carrying forth the legacy of education and reconstructing education so people can benefit from it to empower the nation.

ALSO READ: Was the two-nation theory brainchild of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan?

USTM is built on a similar vision to AMU, with its spirit of inclusiveness, modernisation, diversity, and scientific advancement.