Prize distribution ceremony of All India Sir Syed Memorial Debate

*ALIGARH, February 10:* Renowned Islamic scholar, educationist and Member of
Parliament, Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi has urged the students of AMU to come
forward for spreading education in the same manner as the founder of this
institution, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan had embarked upon establishing AMU to
eliminate darkness of ignorance. Mualana Asrarul Haque was addressing the
prize distribution ceremony of All India Sir Syed Memorial Debate organized
by Literary Club of General Education Center.

Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi said that today knowledge has become a power and
we have responsibilities to spread it among masses. He pointed out that
whole world is accepting the power of youths. Our prime responsibility is to
give a proper direction to this power. He said that through debate
competitions a positive thinking could be developed among youth, which may
be used for constructive purposes. Referring to Aligarh Muslim University,
Maulana Qasmi said that the institution has been working on character
building along with imparting formal education to the students since Sir
Syed' days and students of this University have brought laurels not only in
the country but on international level. Maulana Qasmi said that a perfect
debater understands his soul and respects views of others, which is a
pre-requisite for a civilized society. He said that India would emerge as a
super power by 2020 and there will be branches of AMU working simultaneously
all over the country.

AMU Vice Chancellor Professor P. K. Abdul Azis said that General Education
Center is a hub of literary and cultural activities in the University where
emphasis is made on personality development of students. He said AMU could
become a centre of knowledge only if the students studied hard and gave
their full cooperation in maintaining peace in the campus. He said that
students passing out from this university are registering their talents not
only in country but also in foreign countries. The Vice Chancellor pointed
out that a good debater must have knowledge and wisdom.

Senior Journalist Mr. Wadood Sajid said that Aligarh is the largest door of
enlightenment and he feels honored to be here. He appealed to the students
to take part in competitions not only to win prizes but also for the sake of
participation as it is also a way of training. He called upon them to play
an active role in nation building.

Addressing the programme, the Dean, Students' Welfare, Professor Ainul Haq
Khan said that students of AMU are extremely talented. He said that we
should always remember teachings of Sir Syed and more programmes should be
organized in his honor. He said that debate competitions develop power of
expression and improves one's life style.

The Coordinator of General Education Center, Dr. Shakeel Samdani said that
teams from 20 Universities have participated in the two-day debate
competition. He said that organization of such programmes could be possible
only because of the peaceful atmosphere and the credit for this goes to the
Vice Chancellor, Professor, P.K. Abdul Azis. He apprised the audience of the
efforts of Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi in the establishment of AMU special
center in Kishanganj, Bihar.

The Secretary of Literary Club, Mr. Shad Ahmad presented annual report and
informed the audience about success of members of various clubs. He said
that an Urdu Development Forum has also been established in order to help
students acquaint themselves with Urdu. The Organizing Secretary of Debate
Competition, Mr. Osama Khan announced names of winners and Mr. Nayyar Rehman
conducted the programme.

The overall Sir Syed Memorial Debate Trophy went to the team of Jamia
Hamdard, New Delhi.

In Hindi debate, first prize was awarded to Amit Tripathi and Amrendra Kumar
Mishra of Gorakhpur University whereas second prize went to Hitesh Bahrani
and Vishambhar Tiwari of Devi Ahilya University, Indore. The Third Prize
went to Prem Nath Chibbar and Lalit Bansal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University,
Agra. The Best Speaker Prize went to Amit Tripathi of Gorakhpur District.

In English debate, first prize was awarded to Abhinav Dev and Harsh Raj
Tongia of Devi Ahilya University, Indore while second prize was given to
Ashutosh Bhomuki and Vinita Suyal of G B Pant Agricultural and Technology
University. The third prize went to Uzma Flak and Naved Trombu of Kashmir
University. The Best Speaker Prize of this section was awarded to S. Alihur
M Kamonpuri of AMU.

In Urdu, Abdul Muttalib and Dania Qammar of Jamia Hamdard were awarded first
prize. No one was found suitable for second and third prizes in this
category. The Best Speaker Prize was bestowed upon Shafey Anwarul Haq of
AMU.

The prizes were given away by Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi, Vice Chancellor
Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis, Mr. Wadood Sajid and Prof. Ainul Haq Khan. The
magazine of the club was also released on this occasion.