Solution for the problem of Maulana Azad Library could be found if VC changes his mindset
Students protesting against alleged biased media reports about Aligarh Muslim University's Vice Chancellor's comments in Aligarh (Photo: AP)
The vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Lt. Gen. Zameeruddin Shah (Retd), has reportedly apologised for the ruckus created by his diktat denying students of the Women’s College access to the varsity’s awesome Maulana Azad Library. His reasoning was that the library would attract four times more boys if girls were allowed in. The VC claims he was misunderstood but the fact that a man of his stature should express such antediluvian and sexist reasoning is a travesty of the noble ideas of the great reformer and statesman Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, who laid the foundation for what after his death became AMU.
Way back towards the end of the 19th century he wanted to expose Muslims to modern education and thought.With his Army background one would have expected the VC to come up with a solution that would have given girls access to the library. He could have kept certain days or certain hours for the female and male students. Or, if his heart bled more for the boy students, he could have said that on days the library was being used by the girls, the boys could pick their books and sit in an allotted space elsewhere on the campus.
A solution can still be found if the VC changes his mindset. HRD minister Smriti Irani has sought an explanation from AMU on the VC’s remarks. One hopes she makes them arrive at a win-win situation. The VC cannot be allowed to sully the image of the world-renowned AMU any further.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
