#AMU celebrates 79th #IndependenceDay with renewed pledge for ‘Naya Bharat’
TNN News : The 79th Independence Day of India was today celebrated at the Aligarh Muslim University with traditional gaiety and patriotic fervour. The ethos of this national festival was energized by the warm participation of students, teachers, staff members and guests. Led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Naima Khatoon, AMU extends heartiest wishes to all Indian across the globe on 79th Independence Day and commits itself to value freedom even more in the Naya Bharat.
In her address, after hoisting the national flag at the historic building of Strachey Hall, Vice Chancellor, Prof Naima Khatoon pointed out, “The theme of this year’s Independence Day, ‘Naya Bharat,’ is more than a slogan. It is a vision that calls us to shed the burdens of complacency, division, and smallness, and to carry forward excellence, unity, and the courage to dream big.”
She said that renewal does not mean abandoning our roots; it means deepening them while reaching for the skies. She recalled how Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, in the aftermath of colonial rule, envisioned an institution that would awaken intellect, nurture character, and serve society, and stressed that AMU’s Tehzib – respect for diversity, dialogue over discord, pursuit of knowledge with humility, and blending of culture with progress, remains the guiding light for its journey into the future.
Linking the ideals of ‘Naya Bharat’ with the present, she said that for AMU it means holding fast to its values while preparing for the demands of today’s India, marked by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, green innovation and space exploration. “For all of us, freedom means the space to think, create, and contribute; responsibility means using that freedom with integrity, dedication, and respect. When freedom and responsibility work together, achievements follow,” she observed.
Highlighting the university’s recent accomplishments, Prof Khatoon said AMU rose to 188th position in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2025, ranked 5th among Indian higher education institutions in the US News 2025 Global Rankings, and stood 3rd among government universities in the India Today 2025 Rankings. She also noted top honours for several departments in affordability and return-on-investment categories, underscoring that “AMU can be modern without losing its moral compass, inclusive without compromising on quality, and globally competitive while serving its community.”
She mentioned ongoing improvements on campus, including restoration of heritage buildings, addition of smart classrooms and modern laboratories, hostel upgrades, enhanced health services, and resolution of the long-standing drainage issue. She affirmed that no deserving student at AMU would be denied education due to lack of funds.
“AMU has always been an embodiment of peace and discipline, and will remain so. Our beautiful green campus is a sanctuary where harmony between nature and intellect thrives. We are green ambassadors, committed to sustainability as part of AMU’s contribution to a Naya Bharat,” she stated, lauding alumni across the world who serve as scientists, judges, diplomats, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and public servants, and who actively contribute to the university’s growth.
Calling upon students to rise above the pursuit of personal gain, she urged them to become “foot soldiers of Naya Bharat” who use technology to solve real problems, innovate for public benefit, and carry forward AMU’s name as a mark of quality, integrity, and environmental responsibility.
“Here is your mantra,” she told the gathering, “Learn deeply. Think boldly. Work honestly. Serve selflessly.” She concluded by urging all to pledge to leave behind what weakens us, carry forward what strengthens us, and make our freedom richer by fulfilling our responsibilities.
AMU Registrar Mr Mohd Imran. IPS. conducted the proceedings.
To mark the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, along with other university officials, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof M. Mohsin Khan, DSW Prof Rafiuddin, Registrar, Mr Mohammad Imran (IPS), Proctor, Prof M. Wasim Ali, and Provost, S.S. Hall (South), Dr Abdur Rauf, planted tree saplings on the lawns of Sir Syed Hall (South) and distributed fruits to ailing students at the University Health Service.
Earlier, the Iconic university buildings, including Administrative Block, Maulana Azad Library, Victoria Gate, University Polytechnic Auditorium, Baab-e-Syed, and the Arts Faculty building were illuminated in the Tricolour.
As part of the celebrations, the Department of Urdu also organised a poetic evening on the eve of Independence Day (August 14) at the Assembly Hall of the University Polytechnic. The Vice Chancellor presided over the Mushaira proceedings, Prof Qamrul Hooda Faridi welcomed the guests, and Prof Seraj Ajmali conducted the programme.
The Mushaira extended a patriotic call of freedom guided by faith, rooted in responsibility to all Indians as their life mission in Naya Bharat.
