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A debate is going on in the media on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and its security measures. Though, in my opinion the debate is fruitless and meaningless but some disinformation are going to the readers, I think the record must be put straight forward.
One year back, the AMU was passing through very bad phase. In a volatile situation, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis took over the charge of the Vice- Chancellorship. As soon as he took over, some vested interests in and outside the campus created a situation which may be well described as unruly. Several important buildings of the University were destroyed or burnt down. An atmosphere of destruction and anarchy prevailed. But Prof. Azis took all those developments very calmly.
When he was forced to close the University, he utilized the intervening time in rebuilding infrastructure of the University.
When the University reopened, students found a new atmosphere. Whole campus was made safe by constructing boundrywalls, security was made functional and hostels became more neat and clean. Prof. Azis appointed a Proctor who developed much of his time to the campus to oversee the existing security system. The Proctor, Prof. Muzaffar A. Siddique did not left any corner unchecked or unmanned. The result is that today petty crimes are not being committed on the campus. Earlier such crimes were order of the day.
I am unable to understand why some people are objecting to the developmental or security plans initiated by Prof. Azis. What is at stake is not freedom of the students but security of the students. It
should be noted that more than fifteen thousand students reside on the campus. Their security is the chief concern of the University authorities. Even in homes, usually parents did not allow their sons/ daughters to roam freely after 10 pm. If a student goes to the library and returns, say, about 12 midnight there is no restriction even now.
Likewise, students who reside in hostels and whose security is the responsibility of the AMU authorities cannot be allowed to go anywhere till midnight. It will be sheer foolishness.
The vice- chancellor, Prof Azis took interest in academic development also. He not only encouraged students and teachers to study and study hard but made it compulsory for all teachers to write and publish their articles in journals. He brought some meaningful new courses which will benefit student community in the long run. He established four centres to conduct admission tests, so that every corner of India may be represented in AMU and the AMU may turn a true national institution and did not remain a sectarian north Indian one. In my opinion, he has done remarkable job just in one year which many vice- chancellors could not do in two years.
Let me discuss some politics of the campus which is mainly responsible for the opposition of the current vice- chancellor. Since a long time AMU and I believe all Universities have vested interest who think and act only to fulfill their own agenda. Such groups everywhere are in minority but they do exit. Prof. Azis is victim of this disease. It is the responsibility of the well wishers of the institution to sideline these groups and remove hindrance to the development.
Hence I must maintain that Prof. P.K.Abul Azis did not take decisions on his own. He always takes decisions after many deliberations in the formal bodies of the University like Executive Council or Academic Council or AMU Court. I fail to understand why few people are charging him to be dictator. I don't remember any other Vice- Chancellor who may have given importance to above mentioned bodies so much as Prof. Azis has given.
It will also be proper to remind all those who love AMU that it is for the first time that we have a vice- Chancellor who is an eminent scientist and administrator. He comes from south India (Kerala) and is trying to narrow down the gap between north India and south India. In the way he is discharging a national duty of integrating India as a whole into one.
For the sake of debate, I will like to imagine a situation just consider the violence and arson of 16 - 17 September, 2007. It such incidents may have taken under any other Vice- Chancellor or at another University, I am confident that police may have swooped down on the campus and had opened fire resulting in the death of few students. Consequently press may have discussed the issue for few days/ questions may have been asked in state assembly or parliament.
Then all may have died down natural death. In all these negative developments, who may have at loss, students or their innocent parents. But after incidents of 16-17 September, 2007 police do entered in the campus but only for restoring law and order. No shots were fired, no one injured or died. This is biggest achievement of Prof. Azis to tackle the situation with all geniusity like bloodless
coup. Why do not people appreciate this approach?
The Aligarh Muslim University is not a simple university like one scattered over India. It is a dream come true of yesterdays Muslims with aspirations of future generation. Its functioning or administration cannot be left in the hands of few unassociated people.
Only and I say only the vice- chancellor is capable to test and implement his plans. It these plans are paying good results, then o.k. if they do not, he may be may be asked to mend his ways. For Prof. Azis, I am deeply confident that he will act as the situation demands because he is a democrate.
Muslims and media both have a heavy responsibility on their shoulders. After a longtime, a person has been appointed as vice- chancellor who is from academic community it self. He should be supported in all his missions. (Jasim Mohammad)
Research Scholars
Centre for Comparative Study of India Languages & Culture (CCSIL&C),
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh- 202002 (U.P.)
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