asc amu news
TRANSCRIPT
ASC AMU NEWS
Vol. 3 Number 1: Sep 2012
Newsletter
UGC Academic Staff College
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh – 202002
www.ascamu.org
ASC AMU News
Vol. 3 No. 1 Sep 2012
Newsletter
of the
UGC Academic Staff College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Frequency: Bi-annual ( Middle and end of financial year)
Editor: Professor AbdurRaheemKidwai, Director
Consultant editor: Dr. Faiza Abbasi, Guest Faculty, UGC ASC, AMU
Printing: Mr. Abrar Ahmad, Steno-typist, UGC ASC, AMU
Cover Page: Front view of the main campus, UGC ASC, AMU
Contact Details
UGC Academic Staff College
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh – 202002
Ph: 0571-2400991
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ascamu.org
Staff commons: www.ugcascamu2012.yahoogroups.com
Table of Contents
Page No.
1. Director s Message 1
2. Academic Advisory Council 2
3. ASC AMU at a Glance 3
4. News and Events 5
5. EAMP (English Access Micro-scholarship Programme) 19
6. British High Commission Workshops 23
7. Website and Staff Commons 25
8. Account of Fort Visit- Dr. Badr-e-Alam Khan 26
9. Home and other Visits 27
10. Literary Cultural Evenings 29
11. National Integration – Mr. Sateesh B. Alagundagi 30
12. ASC AMU Publications 36
13. ASC AMU works for Minority Education 37
14. Courses completed 38
15. Some Eminent resource persons 40
16. Schedule 2012-13 41
17. Book Release Function 42
18. Some Vignettes 43
Director’ s Message
It is our great pleasure and privilege to bring out the Newsletter of our Academic
Staff College. Apart from their academic value the ASC courses provide all of us
with an excellent opportunity to achieve social cohesion and gain cross-cultural
understanding. It is always gratifying to note the delightful variety in the
religious, ethnic, linguistic, social and cultural profile of the course participants
drawn from almost all parts of our multi-faith and pluralistic country. Our ASC
organizes for them a range of co-curricular activities, some of which are
described in this Newsletter. These go a very long way in forging bonds of
friendship. I have personally drawn much from this band of sincere teachers who
have kept in touch with us over the years.
We have been striving for excellence in both the conception and execution of our
courses. We have added some new features in order to enhance further the
quality of our delivery system. We look forward to suggestion from our well
wishers for improving our functioning. I thank my colleague Dr. Faiza Abbasi in
particular for having produced this Newsletter.
Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai
Director
ASC AMU
List of Members
Academic Advisory Committee of UGC Academic Staff College, A.M.U., Aligarh
(As on 17.07.2012)
S. No. Name and Adress Contact No.
1 Vice-Chancellor
A.M.U., Aligarh
Chairman
2
Prof. Basheer Khan
Vice Chancellor
Dumka University, Dumka
Jharkhand
09994191101, 08986842322
3
Prof. (Mrs) Sangita Shukla
Department of Zoology Jiwaji University,
Gawalior (MP)
09826038184
UGC Nominee
0751-2442750 (office)
2429197 (Res)
4
Prof. M. Muzammil
Department of Economics
University of Lucknow
Lucknow
094500122135
5
Prof. Padam Kant
Director
UGC Academic Staff College University of
Lucknow, UP
05222740848 (office)
09450362878
6
Prof. P.F. Rehman
Director
UGC Academic Staff College
Maulana Azad National Urdu University,
Hyderabad, AP
09490105324
040-23003021 (R)
040-23008325 (Office Fax)
7
Prof. Shabahat Husain
Chairman
Dept. of Library and Inf. Sc.
9412177121
2400673 (R)
8
Prof. Tariq Ahmad
Chairman
Dept of History
9412273684
05713258675 (R)
9 Registrar
A.M.U., Aligarh
Special Invitee
10
Mrs. Yasmeen Jalal Beg
Finance Officer
A.M.U., Aligarh
Special Invitee
11
Professor A.R. Kidwai
Director
UGC Academic Staff College, A.M.U., Aligarh
Member Secretary
ASC AMU at a Glance
Established in 1987 the UGC ASC at AMU is one of the 66 ASCs in Universities all
over India.It conducts courses for the newly appointed lecturers for their
orientation towards national values and training in the latest developments of
their subjects by engaging experts and resource persons from the academia and
industry. Since its inception our ASC has trained 14,736 University/College
Teachers/ research scholars from all over the country under these courses.
PROGRAMME No. OF PARTICIPANTS
1. Orientation Programmes (OP) : 3653
2. Subject Refresher Courses (SRC) : 9400
3. Interaction Programmes : 255
4. Short-term courses : 1281
5. Special summer/winter schools : 147
In addition to this the ASC also conducts various programmes for professional
and socio-economic development of specific groups. These include language
proficiency classes, social harmony awareness, literary and cultural programmes
and visits and tours for the participants.
Relevant study material is provided and an impact analysis is done at the
completion of the course, by taking feed back from the Course Participants. The
infrastructure available at the ASC is centered towards smooth organization of
the courses by computer aided education and ensuring decent accommodation,
including conveyance, boarding and food for the residential participants.
Additional extension activities for 2012-13
• Motivational/Coaching/Training programme for the AMU Senior
Secondary School Students for joining the Army
• Skill Development Programme for Asst. Registrar/Asst. Finance Officers
and Asst. Controller of AMU
• Research Funding Awareness Programmes for the AMU Faculty and
Research Scholars
• Faculty Development Programme for the AMU School Teachers
• English/Communication Skills Programme for the AMU Students
• Remedial English and Cultural Awareness Programme for the Foreign
Students of the AMU
• Teachers Training Programme for the Iraqi Faculty Members, a
programme sponsored by the Embassy of Iraq, new Delhi.
News and events: Courses and Programmes
Professor A.R. Kidwai delivers lectures in Bahrain
Professor A.R. Kidwai, Director, UGC Academic Staff College and Professor of
English, Aligarh Muslim University , Aligarh delivered a series of lectures and
conducted ELT workshops in Bahrain the last week. As an ELT expert he
conducted workshops for the CBSE school teachers of English in Bahrain on
teaching writing skills, vocabulary and classroom activities. This series of
workshops was organized under the auspices of Al-Haytham Public School ,
Bahrain . He also interacted with senior secondary school students of Bahrain
and discussed with them the issues and methodology of studying literature and
learning English language skills. Mr Shakeel Azmi, Chairman and Dr. Mohammad
Tayyab, Principal, Al-Haytham School welcomed Professor A.R. Kidwai at these
programmes.
Professor A.R. Kidwai delivered also a series of lectures on Islam and Orientalism, Recent trends in English writings on the Prophet Muhammad s Sirah (Biography), and the Indian Higher Educational Scenario and Indian
Muslims at the meetings organized at Bayt al-Quran and al-Islah centres in
Bahrain . A large number of academicians participated in these deliberations.
The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association, Bahrain, hosted a reception
in the honour of Professor A.R. Kidwai. A large number of AMU old boys
interacted with him.
News and events :Courses and Programmes
Each one teach one Professor Ashraf Malik, Principal Jawaharlal Nehru
Medical College, AMU
Orientation Programme 119 Concludes at ASC AMU
The Orientation Programme attended by 90 University/College lecturers from
17 states was concluded on February 29 2012. Professor Ashraf Malik, Principal
JN Medical College was the Chief Guest while Professor Abida Malik, Department
of Microbiology, JNMC, AMU graced the programme as the Guest of Honour. In
his opening remarks Professor A.R. Kidwai, Director, UGC Academic Staff College
felicitated the course participants on the successful completion of the course.
With the new skills and knowledge gained by them these teachers are bound to
improve the delivery system of the higher education which will, in turn,
contribute to the overall progress of the country.
While addressing the course
participants Professor Malik
underscored the need for
professing and practicing moral
values by teachers in particular.
He appealed to them to take care
of the underprivileged children in their neighbourhood and arrange for their
education. Professor Abida Malik gave away the certificates. Dr. Ashiq Husain,
Govt. Degree College Jammu and Kashmir; Dr. Shiv Veer Singh Yadav, Agra
College, Agra and Mrs. Nidhi Sharma, Agra College, Agra, enrolled in the course,
expressed their opinion about the course. ASC Faculty Dr. Reshma Jamal
felicitated the participants and Dr. Faiza Abbasi moved the vote of thanks
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
Subject Refresher Course in Hindi
Hindi mein Punashcharya aur Punarpaath
A subject Refresher Course in Hindi was successfully completed at the UGC
Academic Staff College, AMU, which was attended by Hindi teachers from all over
the country. Professor Ashiq Ali, Chairman, Dept. of Hindi, Aligarh Muslim
University was the course coordinator. The course was attended by 31
participants and continued from 23.3.12 to 2.4.12.
Eminent resource persons from
literary field gave lectures in the
course including Ms. Nasira
Sharma, famous writer and
journalist, Dr. Namita Singh,
literateur and social activist and
Professor Neehar, philosopher and writer.
The course participants also interacted with the delegates of a conference on
Premchand in the Hindi Dept. of AMU and were enthralled by some recitations of
Mr. Keki N. Daruwala, renowned English Poet at a function of the Releigh Society
of the Dept. of English., .
A special literary evening titled Kahani ki
sham or Sham-e-Afsana was organized for
the participants where Urdu writer and
Director Urdu Academy, Jamia Millia
Islamia Dr. Ghazanfar read his story.
Further IAS officer Mr. Girish Pandey who
is a Hindi writer too graced this evening. He recited his well-acclaimed poem
Dadhichito the delight of the listeners.
News and Events: Short term Courses
Short-term course on
Research Methodology and Computer Applications
9 – 16 April 2012
UGC-Academic Staff College
Aligarh April 16 - A Short Term Course on Research Methodology and Computer
Applications for the Research Scholars of Social Science Faculty organized by the
UGC Academic Staff College of A.M.U., concluded here at the Audio Visual Hall of
the Faculty. 78participants were benefitted by the six-day workshop where resource
persons of various disciplines delivered lectures on various components of research
methods such as sampling techniques, survey methods, research plan, research design,
understanding statistics and designing questionnaires, using SPSS for data analysis,
E-resources in research, ethical standards, test standardization, statistical techniques,
etc.
Before registration for the course the participants were also asked to fill in survey
forms regarding their requiremets and current status in research methodology.
Analysis of results helped in structuring the course so as to make it more useful for
the Research Scholars
Professor Anwar Jahan Zuberi, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences encouraged the
participants by handing them participation certificates. Speaking at the programme
Professor A. R. Kidwai, Director Academic Staff College, AMU urged the course
participants to continue to strive for keeping abreast with new techniques in computer
applications for modern research methodology. Professor Akbar Hussain, Department
of Psychology, AMU said as Course Coordinator that this course was conceptualized
owing to the crucial nature of scientific research methodology in reducing bias in
research observations and result evaluation due to which it has become one of the
compulsory courses for the research scholars since 2009-2010. He expressed his
gratitude to the Dean, Faculty of social Sciences for positive support and the Director
and staff of the UGC-ASC, AMU for full cooperation in running the course. Dr. Faiza
Abbasi, ASC Faculty, conducted the programme.
News and Events: Short term Courses
Weeklong Short-Term Training Course on Academic Writing Skills
The UGC academic staff College, Aligarh Muslim University organized a weeklong
short-term training course on Academic Writing Skills. About 40 faculty
members and research scholars from the faculties of Arts, Social Sciences,
Science, Commerce and Management of AMU and local colleges of Aligarh are
attending the training programme.
Addressing the inaugural session of the programme, eminent historian
and Professor Emeritus, Prof. Irfan Habib focused on techniques, strategies and
organization of writing a research paper and highlighted the norms and
conventions of writing a paper. He stressed the need for focusing on the
fundamental, primary and direct sources so as to avoid misrepresentations in
the text. He underlined the complex factors relating to the norms of clear and
intelligible writing and citation conventions in research writing. Dr. Asim
Siddiqui, Associate Professor, Department of English held that the usage and
language appropriateness mattered a lot since it was the most powerful tool to
avoid misrepresentations in a written text. Prof. A.R. Fatihi, Department of
Linguistics discussed the issues related to reviewing the literary pieces. Mr.
Mohd. Yusuf Ansari, Department of Petroleum Studies explained the system of
data management in academic writing.
Dr. Raashid Nehal, Course Coordinator, while highlighting the objectives of the
course, said that the workshop would enable the faculty and research scholars to
tackle with the issues related to writing research papers. It would provide them
with the training in writing a research paper in best possible manner. Prof. A. R.
Kidwai, Director, UGC Academic Staff College said that care had been taken that
the training programme covered a wide and diverse group of faculty members,
research scholars from AMU and Aligarh city colleges. Prof. Kidwai highlighted
that a very experienced faculty had been drawn to conduct sessions and
including eminent historian Prof. Irfan Habib, Prof. Shireen Moosvi, Prof. Imtiaz
Hasnain, Prof. A.R. Vijapur, Dr. Abdul Waheed, Dr. Shagufta Imtiaz, Dr. Madihur
Rahman, Dr. Amirullah Khan, Mr. Yusuf Ansari and Dr. Rakhshanda Jalil,
renowned author and journalist from CSD, New Delhi.
“Academic Writing Skills Indispensable for Teachers” – Professor
A. Tariq
Distributes Certificates at Valedictory Function
The valedictory session of the short term course on ‘Academic Writing
Skills’ was organized by the UGC Academic Staff College, AMU on
21April, 2012. 35 participants including faculty members and research
scholars from the Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce and
Management faculties of AMU and colleges of Aligarh attended the
course.
Prof. Azizuddin Tariq, formerly chairman,Dept. of English, AMU,the
chief guest of the valedictory session, while distributing the certificates
to the participants emphasized the need to adopt a clear, unpompous,
unambiguous, formal, and concise academic style.He added that
academic writing skills demand a formal tone and third person
perspective which can give a polished and professional touch to
academic writing.
Dr. VP Pandey, Varshney college, Aligarh, a participant of the
workshop, appreciated the short term course as part of life-long
education.Mr. Shamshad,Research Scholar,Dept. of Geography also
related the advantages of academic writing skills course.
Professor A. R. Kidwai. Director UGC Academic Staff College reiterated
the need to practise ethics in writing. He felicitated the course
participants.
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
Orientation Programme 120 Completed successfully at the UGC ASC, AMU
120th Orientation Programme for teachers in higher education, which began on
March 13 ended at the UGC Academic Staff College on 11th April 2012. A total
number of 58 participants coming from the states of Assam, J&K, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and U.P., successfully completed the 28-
day course and received certificates from the Chief Guest Nawab Ibn-e-Ahmad
Saeed Khan of Chhatari, former Treasurer of AMU.
Prof. A. R. Kidwai, Director UGC-ASC, welcomed the chief guest and enlightened
the audience with the humanitarian work done by him and his illustrious family
in Aligarh. He extended his best wishes to the departing contingent for a bright
future. On this occasion the Nawab of Chhatari said that the sole responsibility of
a teacher is not only to impart some subject-based knowledge to the students.
Instead a teacher should be a genuine citizen inspiring the young generation to
embrace the values of humanity and excellence.
Feedback opinions were
sought from Dr. Jyoti
Prakash Gupta from
Dehradun and Mrs. Prativa
Phukan Baruah from
Assam who expressed
their satisfaction at what
they learnt from the programme.Dr. Reshma Jamal presented a memento to the
Chief guest and Dr. Faiza Abbasi moved the vote-of-thanks.
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
84 participants complete the Interdisciplinary Subject Refresher Course on
Environmental Studies Launched at UGC Academic Staff College, AMU
An Interdisciplinary Subject Refresher Course in Environmental Studies was
launched on 1st May 2012 as part of the UGC Academic Staff College courses
schedule for 2012 – 13. 84 Course Participants are enrolled in the course. They
are from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Pondicherry,
Karnataka, Uttarakhand and UP. Dr. Mohd. Arshad Hussain and Dr. Izhar
Farooqui of the Dept. of Civil Engineering, ZH College of Engineering and
Technology, AMU are the Course Coordinators.
While welcoming the Course Participants Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai
introduced them to the Aligarh Muslim University and Sir Syed s mission. (e urged them to make the most of the opportunity available to them for academic
excellence, social cohesion and personality development. This course will
conclude on 19th May. An array of eminent resource persons will engage the
participants. Moreover, several educational visits and literary and cultural
programmes will be organized for them.
The SRC on Environmental Studies concluded at the UGC Academic Staff College
on 19th May 2012. Enrolling 84 participants from various states, this three-week
long course was open for lecturers of all subjects where resource persons of
specializations relevant to environment delivered lectures.
Professor A. R. Kidwai, Director,
UGC-ASC, felicitated the Chief
Guest Professor M. Muzammil
and greeted him on becoming the
Vice-Chancellor of Rohailkhand University, Bareilly. He thanked Professor
Muzammil for his long and cherished association with the UGC ASC, as a valuable
resource person. He urged the participants to follow his example and expressed
delight over the fact that the academic and administrative pursuits of Professor
Muzammil had been recognized as this prestigious position was conferred upon
him. Addressing the gathering Professor Muzammil said that it is a duty for all to
protect the environment, as the life support services it provides free of cost are
non-negotiable. He said that environmental conservation and economic
development do not coexist hence it is important that the balance of sustainable
development is struck to leave natural resources and healthy ecosystems intact
for the future generations.
The course coordinators Dr. Arshad Hussain and Dr. Izhar A. Farooqui facilitated
the distribution of certificated and Dr. Reshma Jamal welcomed the guests. Dr.
Vineeta Dowerah from Arunachal Pradesh and Dr. V.K. Pankaj from Dehradun
gave the participant feed-back and Dr. Faiza Abbasi proposed the vote of thanks.
At the completion of this interdisciplinary course a questionnaire-based survey
was also conducted to assess the needs of the participants. The detailed survey
instrument took information from participants on their level of understanding
and involvement in the environment protection area. Input was sought on how
they will make the knowledge gained in the course useful for their professional
development. The participants were also asked to suggest topics/ subjects/
areas relevant to the discipline of Environmental Science that could be covered
in the course content of the future Subject Refresher Courses. Data analysis is in
progress and the results will be published in a scholarly journal of
environmental education.
News and Events: Short term Course
Faculty Development Programme Launched for teachers of AMU ABK (Girls
and Boys ) High School at UGC Academic Staff College
A short-term Faculty Development Programme has been launched at the UGC
Academic Staff College, AMU enrolling 80 teachers from the ABK High School,
AMU on May 21st 2012. Designed and developed by Professor A.R. Kidwai,
Director, UGC ASC, AMU this programme has been initiated at the behest of Dr.
Abbas Niazi, Principal, ABK High School. In this week-long programme these
School teachers learnt learn how to become a better teacher. Eminent resource
persons imparted the necessary skills in the art of teaching and evaluation,
personality development, making use of Information and Computer Technology
and improving communication skills for their respective subjects. This course
was coordinated by Dr. Faiza Abbasi of the UGC ASC AMU.
Teacher Training is crucial for the development of students :
Nawab Chhatari at the Valedictory Function of the Faculty Development
Programme for AMU ABK Teachers
The Faculty Development Programme for the teachers of AMU ABK High School,
Aligarh organized by the UGC-Academic Staff College concluded on May 26 2012.
86 teacher participants benefitted from this six-days course and received their
certificates from the Chief Guest, Nawab Ibn-e-Saeed Khan of Chhatari. He urged
the participants to strive continuously towards becoming inspiring teachers by
holding fast the ideals of a healthy teacher-taught relationship and keeping
themselves abreast with the latest methods of pedagogy and new techniques in
their respective subjects.
Professor A R Kidwai Director, UGC Academic Staff College, AMU greeted the
chief-guest. He urged the teachers to work hard in the character building of the
students and expressed the hope that they will pass on to their students what
they had learnt in this course. Speaking at the programme Dr. Abbas Niazi,
Principal, AMU ABK High School, Aligarh hailed the UGC Academic Staff College
and its staff for the efficient and timely organization of this course, which the
participants found greatly beneficial.
In this faculty development programme the teacher participants were enriched
by lectures on how to become a better
teacher and the art of evaluation by
Professor CPS Chauhan, Professor
Nabi Ahmad, Professor Sumita
Sharma, Professor Najmul Haque and
Professor Ali Akhtar Khan; on the use
of computer in teaching by Dr. Shahid
Farooque, Dr. Salma Shaheen and Dr.
M. Masroor Alam; on personality development and interpersonal skills by
Professor Parvaiz Talib and Dr. Asif Ali; and on acquiring effective
communication skills for teaching by Dr. Amirullah Khan, Dr. Rashid Nehal, Dr.
Munira T. and Dr. Faiz Zaidi.
While giving their feedback opinions Ms Foquia and Ms Zeba – representatives of
the course participants, said that they had learnt a lot during this course and
requested their school authorities and the UGC Academic Staff College to
organize more such courses for them in future. Dr. Reshma Jamal, ASC Faculty,
proposed the vote of thanks and Course Coordinator Dr. Faiza Abbasi facilitated
the certificate distribution.
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
110 University and Degree College Teachers from all over India Join Four
New Courses Launched at the UGC Academic Staff College, AMU
The UGC Academic Staff College at the Aligarh Muslim University launched four
new courses including an Orientation Programme for newly appointed lecturers
in Higher Education on 13 July 2012. Subject Refresher Courses in Advancement
in Business Studies and History are being coordinated by Professor Badar Alam
Iqbal, Dept. of Commerce and Dr. Ali Nadim Rezavi, Dept. of History and a
Summer School on Computer Applications is coordinated by Dr. M. Ubaidullah
Bokhari, Chairman, Dept. of Computer Science. 110 participants from various
parts of the country have joined these courses representing the states of Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, U.P., West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Professor A R Kidwai Director
UGC Academic Staff College
welcomed the participants
and expressed gratitude to
the course coordinators. He
familiarized the outside
contingent to the back-ground
and culture of AMU and said that though it is called a Muslim University it has its
doors open for all communities regardless of religion. Wishing them a pleasant
stay he explained that these courses are meant for giving them a direction
towards making a contribution to nation building, being better teachers and
being better human beings. He introduced the ASC Faculty Members Dr. Reshma
Jamal and Dr. Faiza Abbasi and pledged all cooperation towards the welfare of
the Course Participants. During the course of these programmes eminent
resource persons will deliver lectures. The Orientation Programme will conclude
on the 9th of August whereas the remaining three courses will conclude on the 1st
of August.
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
With an educated population, the battle for a nation is almost won Vice
Chancellor of AMU Lt. General Zameeruddin Shah, SM, VSM, PVSM
Certificates distributed to 35 participants of the 121st OP
The 121st Orientation Programme for University College Teachers concluded at
the UGC Academic Staff College, AMU on Thuesday 9th August 2012. The Vice
Chancellor of AMU Lt. General Zameeruddin Shah distributed the participation
certificates to 35 participants from all over India and encouraged them to take
education to one and all. He insisted that when education is ensured for all and
not only the elites, then the battle is three-quarters won for a nation. He said that
like the Army where all people
serve the nation regardless of
their religion, caste, class or
region, the higher education
sector too, should be motivated
to provide education with
values of secularism and
national integration.
Speaking on this occasion Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Director, UGC
Academic Staff College, AMU urged the participants to strive for professional
development and academic excellence. Feedback opinions were given by Mr.
Amarendra Pandey, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Mrs. Neeta Narayanrao Lad, Shivaji
Unversity, Kolhapur and Mr. Gaurav, Amity Law School, NOIDA. They shared
their observations about the usefulness of the course and termed it as a highly
enriching and enlightening experience to witness the glorious culture and
tradition of the AMU. ASC Faculty Dr. Reshma Jamal did the felicitations and Dr.
Faiza Abbasi welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest Lt. General Zameeruddin
Shah.
News and Events: Courses and Programmes
Subject Refresher Courses in Oriental Studies and Computer Applications
Inaugurated at the UGC ASC AMU
The UGC Academic Staff College of the Aligarh Muslim University launched two
Subject Refresher Courses for around 70 University/ Degree College lecturers
from all over India on 28th Aug 2012. While teachers of Arabic, Islamic Studies,
Theology and Urdu are enrolledin the SRC in Research Methodology in Oriental
Studies the SRC in Computer Applications is open for all. Speaking at the
inaugural function the Director of the UGC ASC AMU Professor Abdur Raheem
Kidwai said that these courses are meant to recharge and refurbish the
knowledge of the teachers in their own subjects. They are encouraged to have
discussions with the resource persons apart from the usual training methods in
class-rooms and laboratories. He reiterated that the Aligarh Muslim University is
a living testimony to the secular traditions of India and the ASC premises are a
melting pot for the multi-faith polityof our country where participants
representing the diverse cultural traditions live and work together. He informed
that the courses are designed in such a way that educational visits to the AMU
campus and visits for socio-cultural exchange would go a long way in broadening
the perspectives of the participants.
The teacher participants- including 20
ladies, belonging to the states of Assam,
Bihar, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir,
Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, Rajastahan, Uttarakhand,
Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will stay
at the ASC campus up to 16th September
and complete the course. The SRC in Oriental studies is being coordinated by
Professor Sagheer Ifraheem, Dept. of Urdu, AMU and the Dr. Obaidullah Bokhari,
Chairman Dept. of Computer Science, AMU is the Course coordinator for the SRC
in Computer Applications.
The SRC in Computer Application is in progress at the state of the art Computer
lab of the Computer Science Dept. AMU where learners get ample hands on time
on individual terminals under the guidance of instructors and able resource
persons. The Oriental Studies SRC participants are also taking classes at the
respective departments a la Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies. A number of
literary programmes are also being organized specially in Urdu Adab.These
courses will conclude on September 16th 2012 when certificates of participation
will be distributed to the participants in a valedictory function.
ENGLISH ACCESS MICRO-SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAMME
Fruits of Academic Collaboration between the American Centre, New Delhi and
the UGC Academic Staff College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (2008-2011)
Since 2008 our UGC Academic Staff College has organized the Access English
Language Skills programme, sponsored by the American Centre, US Embassy,
New Delhi for the benefit of the AMU School children. So far 500 AMU
Schoolchildren have received this useful skills enhancement training. Presently
200 children are on the rolls and will finish their course in March 2013.
The following achievements by the AMU faculty and students are noteworthy:
Dr. Faiz Zaidi participated in US English Access Micro-Scholarship Teachers
Workshop at Oregon State University, Cornvallis and Washington D.C, United
States of America in July-Aug, 2008.
Mr. Mohd Naeem AMU Senior Secondary School Teacher of English attended a
five weeks workshop at EFLU, Hyderabad sponsored by RELO, American center,
New Delhi in February 2010. Mr Mohd Naeem was also nominated for the series
of Webinar on EFL facilitated by Department of State, Washington DC and
sponsored by RELO, American Center, New Delhi.
Mr. Mohd Nizam Khan, AMU Senior Secondary School Teacher of English
attended a five week workshop at EFLU, Hyderabad sponsored by RELO,
American center, New Delhi in November, 2010.
Mr. Malik Arshad AMU Senior Secondary School Teacher of English participated
in Access Teachers' Training Programme in Texas, United Sates in November,
2010.
Dr. M. Amirullah Khan, Dr. Raashid Nehal and Faiz Zaidi attended a one-day
workshop on Effective uses of English Dictionaries by Peter A. Sokolowski,
Editor at Large, Merriam-Webster, Inc, at American Centre, New Delhi. February
2011.
Dr. Raashid Nehal and Dr. M. Amirullah Khan attended the Trainers' workshop
on Training of Access Trainers at the American Centre in June, 2010 and May,
2011.
Dr. Faiz Zaidi, Dr Sajidul Islam, Dept of English, AMU and Mr. Viqar Akbar, AMU
Secondary School Teacher of English participated in the series of Webinar on
EFL facilitated by Department of State, Washington DC and sponsored by RELO,
American center, New Delhi in June, 2011.
Dr. Vibha Sharma and Dr. Faiz Zaidi awarded Scholarship to join an online
course of three months on Critical Thinking offered by University of Oregon, United Sates and sponsored by RELO, American center, New Delhi in September
2011.
Mr. Viqar Akbar and Dr Sajidul Islam nominated for the online course on
Integrating the Internet into the ESL/EFL Classroom sponsored by RELO,
American center, New Delhi in September, 2011.
Dr. Shahla Ghauri, Dept of English, AMU nominated for Scholarship to participate
in an online course on Teaching English to Teens offered by the University of
Maryland in Baltimore, United States. Sponsored by RELO, American Center,
New Delhi in September, 2011.
Mr. Mohd Naeem and Ms. Naheed Anwar, AMU Senior Secondary School
Teachers of English nominated for series of Webinar on EFL facilitated by
Department of State, Washington DC and sponsored by RELO, American Center,
New Delhi in October, 2011.
Dr. M. Amirullah Khan, Dr. Vibha Sharma and Dr. Faiz Zaidi awarded Scholarship
to participate in an online course on Teaching English to Teens. Offered by the
University of Maryland Baltimore County, United States. Sponsored by RELO,
American center, New Delhi. 2011.
Dr. Raashid Nehal, Reader at the Department of English awarded Scholarship by
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State on E-course
in EFL Assessment by Indiana University. 2011
Dr. M. Amirullah Khan and Dr Raashid Nehal, Dept of English and Dr. Faiz Zaidi
AMU Senior Secondary School, selected as Resource Persons their training
services to Madarsa teachers drawn from North India at Indian Institute of
Social Sciences, New Delhi and MCE Society Azam Campus, Pune. Sponsored by
RELO, American center, New Delhi. 2011.
Dr. Munira T., Lecturer in English, AMU Women s College selected for the Access Teachers Workshop to be held in the US in March 2012.
Several ELT experts from the US and India visited the AMU and Interacted with
the AMU faculty and research scholars as part of their sponsorship by the
Americal Centre, New Delhi.
Ms. Hira Sultan, a former student of the Access and a student of University
Polytechnic visited the US in June-July 2012.
AMU Vice ChancellorLt. Gen. Zameeruddin Shah felicitates Ms Hira Sultan
under EAMP before attending workshop in United States
Ms Hira Sultan an EAMP student was felicitated
on 6th June 2012 at the UGC Academic Staff
College, AMU premises by the AMU Vice
Chancellor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameeruddin Shah
before she made her voyage to the United States.
He congratulated the team of teachers and Ms
Hira on this achievement and expressed hope that she would act as the
Ambassador of AMU in US.On this occasion teachers of the EAMP, principals of
the AMU schools, Access beneficiaries from AMU Schools (Under privileged
children) and family members of Ms Hira Sultan were present.
Hira has done proud to her teachers, AMU and India” Mrs. Sabiha Simi Shah,
wife of Lt. Gen Zameeruddin Shah, Honorable Vice Chancellor, AMU
Ms. Hira Fatima shares the experiences of her visit to the United States
under the English Access Micro-scholarship Programme at ASC, AMU
In a programme organized at the UGC Academic Staff College on August 28th
2012, Ms Hira Fatima a Diploma Engineering Student at AMU shared her
experiences after coming back from the United States. She had gone to the US for
four weeks to attend Access English Workshop as a former student of the English
Access Micro-scholarship Programme fully sponsored by the American Embassy.
This programme is in progress at the UGC ASC AMU since 2007 and has enrolled
500 children in the 14 – 18 age group from AMU schools who belong to under
privileged families. Felicitating Hira and her teachers the Chief Guest Mrs. Sabiha
Simi Shah, wife of Lt. General Zameeruddin Shah, Vice Chancellor, AMU said that
she had done proud to the AMU community and the entire country. She wished
Hira and her family the very best for a bright future and hailed the students of
the Access Programme to try to follow in her footsteps. Professor Abdur Raheem
Kidwai, Director, UGC Academic Staff College, AMU welcomed the Chief Guest
and said that since English is the
key to success in the modern
world the Access programme is
doing great service to the
community by providing free
English language skills to under
privileged children. He informed that earlier too a student and three teachers of
AMU had visited the US under this programme and 10 English teachers have
completed online courses.
Speaking at length of her stay in the United States Hira Fatima informed the
audience that looking back she feels very happy about her exposure which was
possible due to her English teachers in the Access Programme and constant
support of her mother. She said that she stayed at the University of Arkansas for
the Workshop, camped at Vermont in the hills and also visited Washington DC
and New York. Strongly endorsing the congeniality and cooperation of the
American people she met she said that they respected her both as an Indian and a practicing Muslim. She was particularly elated about her manager s satisfaction with her performance and a short stay with an American family during which the
host mother and father showered a great deal of love and affection on her
parting with a charming souvenir. She made special mention of her batch mates
from all around the world in whom she could find solace away from home and
said that she could overcome her loneliness due to this global brotherhood in the
study group as for several days she could not communicate with any one back
home.
EAMP coordinator Dr. Amirullah Khan conducted the programme and
encouraged Hira as well as all the students present to strive towards excellence
continuously in life. ASC Faculty Dr. Faiza Abbasi introduced the chief guest Mrs.
Sabiha Simi Shah as a woman of substance whose grace and demeanor could be
an inspiration for all. Dr. Reshma S. Jamal, ASC Faculty moved the vote of thanks.
British High Commission Workshops
for Madrassabackground students of
Aligarh Muslim University
Fully funded by the British High Commission New Delhi, the UGC Academic Staff
College, AMU in collaboration with the Dept. of Political Science AMU organized
three workshops (five-days each) on Understanding the Threat of Violence and
Terrorism in a Multicultural World for AMU students including those from
Madrasa background on the following dates:
50 Undergraduate students 1.3.2012 to 5.3.2012
50 Post Graduate Students 12.3.2012 to 16.3.2012
50 Research Scholars 19.3.2012 to 23.3.2012
During these workshops the students interacted with resource persons on topics
like Tolerance in Islam, the Multicultural Society in the UK and aspects of cultural
diversity such as linguistic diversity, secularism, pluralism etc. Short film shows
and cultural evenings were also organized and poster making, essay and speech
competitions were held. In the valedictory function, Mr. Iain Twigg, Second
Secretary, Political Dept., British High Commission, New Delhi, handed over
certificates to all participants along with prizes to winners of competitions.
The Valedictory Function of the Workshops on Understanding the Threat of Violence and Terrorism in a Multicultural World by the UGC-Academic Staff
College, AMU in collaboration with the Dept. of Political Science, AMU and British
High Commission, New Delhi was held at the UGC-ASC on 23rd March 2012.
Students and research scholars from different faculties of AMU including some
from the Madrasa background were enrolled in the three workshops for
undergraduates, Post-graduates and research scholars respectively. On this
occasion the Chief guest Mr. Iain Twigg, Second Secretary, Political Department,
British High Commission, New Delhi, said in his address that it was a matter of
delight to find students in AMU being involved in such meaningful dialogues and
he looked forward to exploring new areas of engagement on behalf of the BHC.
Prof. A.R. Kidwai, Director Academic Staff College, reiterated the message of
peace and tolerance as an essential element of Islam and encouraged the
participants to uphold these values.
Mr. Twigg gave away
prizes to winners of the
competitions held earlier
in a cultural function and
distributed participation
certificates to students.
Poster making, essay
writing and speech
competitions were
organized on themes of Islam prohibits terrorism, Multi-culturalism and My idea
of a Multi-cultural world respectively for all levels of participants. Books for
language improvement, self-help and life of the Prophet spreading the message
of peace were given as prizes to the winners.
Ms. Kahkashan Khanam, Mr. Obaidullah, Adil Ghaznavi and Parth Sarthy gave
their feed back opinions. Prof. A.R. Vijapur, Chairman Dept. of Political Science,
AMU and workshop coordinatior; and Mr. Asad Mirza, Muslim Outreach Officer,
British High Commission, New Delhi also graced the occasion. Dr. Reshma Jamal,
ASC Faculty moved the vote of thanks and the programme was convened by Dr.
Faiza Abbasi, ASC, Faculty.
ASC AMU Website refurbished and a
Common access URLhostedfor staff
The website of the UGC ASC AMU at www.ascamu.org has been refurbished to
increase information sharing and make it more user friendly keeping in mind the
prospective participants. More tabs have been added in the Main Menu on the
home page. These include Home, About Us, Courses, Faculty profile, Publications,
Statistics, Tenders and Notices, Repository of lectures and Contact us. Under
rolling titles the schedule of the present academic year, a PDF copy of the form
and current news and events have been hosted. Picture gallery has been updated
with representative pictures of the ASC AMU Campus and its functions. To
increase the functionality of the website Query Submission and Frequently
Asked Questions have been enabled. Automated reply is sent to the e-mail ID in
each query and FAQs are hyperlinked through the home page. Online submission
of forms is also facilitated on the website. Relevant links links to UGC and AMU
websites are also inserted.
Staff Commons
Recognizing the importance of quick and easy information sharing to save time
and efforts of the staff members the UGC ASC AMU has taken the all new step to
host a free of cost URL for staff members. A restricted group named
www.ugcascamu2012.yahoogroups.com has been initiated with membership by
invitation and request only. All staff members including the teaching and
technical personnel are made to subscribe to this group by sending a blank email
to [email protected] The moderator ID of this group
is [email protected] and responsible officials can upload files, pictures and
messages of common interest to the URL of the group. These remain accessible
to all the members as long as the moderator desires to put them up. General
notices are also circulated through this group as any email sent to
[email protected] is delivered to the inboxes of all the
subscribers.
A Visit to the AMU Fort
Dr. Badre Alam Khan
Summer School Computer Applications
13.07.2012 to 01.08.2012
One of the most important things we learnt during the Summer School was an
excursion tour to the University Fort on 21st July 2012.
The historic AMU Fort was built in the 13th Century by the Governor of
Kol (former name of Aligarh and still official name of Aligarh Block) in the regime
of Ibrahim Lodhi and later rebuilt under the Mughal Emperors Farrukh Siyar and
Muhammad Shah respectively. It served Indians, French and the British.
Presently it is being possessed by AMU, and managed by Botany Department of
AMU. A botanical garden has been developed there with a small green house. The
different parts of the Fort were demonstrated along with their utility for safety purpose such as ridge moat etc by Dr. Faiza Abbasi, ASC Faculty, which were very important in terms of historical monuments. She explained the different
varieties of plants, flowers and wild birds. It was astonishing that she was able to
identify wild birds from their voices. She shared with us her concern for the
safeguard and upkeep of the fort as the encroachments are there.
The participants were not only enriched by practical visit but also
developed their confidence in these areas and increased their knowledge. The
participants not only suggested approaching the local authorities to check the
encroachments but also to contact the bio diversity board to develop
biodiversity base in the Fort. For this the biodiversity board at Chennai can be
contacted. Another suggestion was to use the moat area by filling water in it and
preserve the aquatic plants there and aquatic animals as well. Again the state
Pollution Control Board, Lucknow, Central Pollution control Board (CPCB) New
Delhi and Bio-Diversity Board. Chennai be contacted. One more suggestion was
that the names of plants, trees and birds be displayed by displaying the image of
birds and at the trees. It there is any medicinal value of tree or plant that be also
available in the form of literature.
VISITS AND TOURS
Along with the regular visits to the library and University campus the following
new visits have been introduced for Course Participants at the ASC AMU.
A. Home Visits
In a new concept introduced recently by the UGC ASC, AMU the outstation
participants are taken to visit the homes of some resource persons for an
informal interaction. This provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the
local culture first hand. Cultural exchange is made and homemakers in the host
families exhibit their social presence. The role of implicit in society during these
visits and respect, recognition and regard for the housework done by women is
warranted among the participants. Such home visits are also a brilliant avenue
for removing misconceptions about a particular community, if any, specially,
those related to the status and treatment of the women.
B. Biodiversity sites
Keeping in mind the cultural and natural heritage of the Aligarh city situated in
the doab region of the upper Indo-Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh, the UGC ASC
AMU supports various significant sites of this nature by way of organizing field
visits for Course Participants to the AMU Fort and Sheikha Lake to understand
nature in natural surroundings. Participants of OP and SRC as well as school
children of the Access Programme enjoy a few sessions at these natural
ecosystems watching birds, walking nature trails and also some times taking a
plunge in the lake waters. Conservation awareness is generated this way and
public opinion is built against the vandalistic abuse of nature and biodiversity by
man in terms of anthropocentric growth.
C. Heritage Centers
Aligarh city and specially the Aligarh Muslim University stand for its unique
colonial history, which has contributed tobuilding the composite culture of India.
When course participants visit the museums of cultural artifacts or sites of
natural and biodiversity value these monuments receive support and
encouragement for their sustainability. Regularly participants are taken to the
Ibn-e-Sina Academy for its Indo-Persian heritage and some times literary
programmes are also held at the Academy.
D. Visit to orphanage
In 2012 the participants of the Orientation Programme 121 at the ASC AMU
made the first visit to the orphanage governed by Sisters of Charity at Nirmal
Hriday Home of Mother Theressa in Aligarh. The participants hailed the visit as
an eye-opener and the philanthropic side of all the visitors was invoked. This
visit was not only for the benefit of the OP participants, but also on the receiving
end the inmates were delighted by the interaction. It can be hoped that beyond
the course too some teacher candidates would respond to their inner calling of
helping the poor, destitute and homeless children and volunteer to do their bit. If
passed on to their students too this would have magnified impact in getting the
due for these children from the society.
Literary and Cultural Evenings
The multiple cultures of India find a space at the premises of ASC AMU in the
cultural evenings organized for participants of all courses. In these programmes
the art, music and literature of the land is showcased for the participants.
Colourful vignettes of local and ethnic culture are thrown open for participants
from far and wide. These events also give patronage to the local and folk artists
to perform and keep their art alive. The vernacular genres of cultural expression,
which are not duly rewarded by the present entertainment industry under the
western influence, get a breather at the ASC AMU.
As participants throng the ASC AMU from states exotic to U.P., which have an
entirely different socio-cultural milieu, an attempt is made to make the
environment at the College very congenial and conducive. An important step in
this regard is the special state Cultural evening put together for specific regions
say for example the North-East India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, south
India etc. As part of these cultural and literary evenings the visiting contingent is
given a chance to showcase its dance, music poetry and even cuisine. In these
evenings those natives of the particular state who are residing and working in
the Aligarh Muslim University at various teaching and non-teaching positions are
also invited for an informal interaction over the Cultural Programme. Altogether,
these cultural and literary evenings are a wonderful opportunity for cultural
exchange and building of brotherhood.
The Role of Media in National Integration
Assignment BY: Mr. Sateesh B. Alagundagi
OP 120 Mar 13 to Apr 11 2012
Asst. Prof. (English)
KSS Arts, Commerce and Science Degree College
Gadag, Karnataka
Introduction
In the current context many people in our country hold the view that any venture that we
undertake should be based on a grand world-thought capable of rendering good to the
whole of humanity eschewing all narrow limitations of the country, community and religion.
In support of this view, some proclaim that in this age of missiles, rockets and internet
distance has vanished, boundaries of countries have become meaningless and the whole
world has shrunk. They, therefore, feel that the very concept of country nation, etc., has
become outdated, that the spirit of world unity alone should inspire all our activities. They conclude that the modern isms which have taken up internationalism as their watchword can alone lead us to hat cherished goal.
At the very outset, let it be made clear that it is not that modern thinkers who are the first in
the field to think in terms of world unity and universal welfare. Long, long ago, in fact, long
before so-called modern age had set in, the seers and savants of this land had delved deep
into this vital question. The ideal of human unity of a world free from all traces of conflict
and misery, has stirred our hearts since times immemorial. Our one constant prayer all
thought the ages has been:
SARVEAPI SUKHINAHA SANTU SARVE SANTU NIRMAYAAHA
This means Let everyone be happy let everyone be free from all ills. While the present day West has not been able to go beyond the motto of the greatest good of the greatest number , we have never tolerated the idea of a single human being – why, of even a single living
organism – being miserable. Total good for all beings has always been our glorious ideal.
But coming to the plane of the present-day world, we are faced with the hard reality of the
all-round discord and disruption ravaging human society. Today, humanity is divided and
subdivided into so many small exclusive groups called nations or states, each one of them
devoted to its own narrow self-interest. And it is a matter of common experience that
whenever groups inspired only self interest, there is bound to be mutual conflict. Obviously,
human unity and welfare is impossible so long as this type of conflict continues. The present
state of strife and wars resulting in human destruction and misery has led many thinkers to
conclude that the sentiment of nationalism which nourishes exclusive self-interest is the
major obstacle in the way of world unity and human welfare. They therefore declare that
nationalism should be rooted out from the minds of men all over the world. The communist, Capitalist and Wahhabi ideologies which claims internationalism s its sheet-anchor often
talks in this strain.
The Indian Communist, i.e. Communist Party of India (Marxist), has concluded recently that they are no more communist but Capitalist . The capitalists are the people for whom nothing
National Integration Assignment by: S. B. Alagundagi (OP 120)
comes first but the financial profits and the Wahhabi s who say that theirs alone is the purest
part of Islam and thereby dejecting the revered savants of India like that of Sant Kabir, Khwaja Mohinuddin Chisti and the like, are all demanding for a internationalism of their own kind. Similarly if you go out and speak to a Naxalite he would say that he wants the
whole world to be a part of his Naxal Movement. Like Wahhabi Islam, Fanatic Christianity
and the Communism, Internationalism is a bygone and lost cause. To testify let me take the
following two cases:
Soviet Russia which sought to discard nationalism in a bid to take to sentiment
deprives the people of the incentive for dedicated effort. In the first flush of revolution,
material progress was no doubt achieved in Russia in a certain measure. Their first few
seven year plans were to and extent successful. But, by and by, the enthusiasm of the people
began to wane; their incentive for work began to die away. Eventually labor in big factories
had to be forced too wok at the point of bayonet. And again during the Second World War, when (itler s tank were relentlessly pressing forward on the Russian Soil, the slogan of internationalism ling with Communism failed to enthuse the Russian people. This served as an eye opener to the Russian leaders who found it absolutely essential to rouse the
dormant patriotic sentiments of the Russian people by invoking their age old loyalty to motherland their heroic ancestors. )t is evident, therefore, that it is devotion to one s motherland, society and tradition experienced under the concept of nation that inspires the
spirit of real and sacrifice in the individual.
League of Nations, formed after the First World War, was also and experiment in avoiding
wars and achieving world unity. But within just two decades of its birth, the League of
Nations was shattered into pieces on the rock of unbridled national ambitions and
consequent conflicts. A more terrible war than all the previous ones besmirched the face of
the earth with death and destruction. The UNO too, formed after the Second World War, is
faring no better. Our own experience in the case of Kashmir issue tells us that it is incapable
of meting out injustice, of pulling up the erring members and bringing about an honorable
amity among nations.
We can thus conclude that nationalism cannot and should not be destroyed. Then the
problem boils down to one of achieving a synthesis of national aspirations and world
welfare. Synthesis If various kinds have been, in fact, attempted from time to time in the
past. Imperialism has sometimes been claimed to be one such large scale effort to eliminate
conflicts between smaller nations by making them limbs of a single empire. But as it was
basically motivated by self-aggrandizement, leading to revolts by the subject nations against
their oppression and exploitation, imperialism failed to eliminate the international conflicts.
We can also understand from these cases that nations are not prepared to come together in
a spirit of amity for the welfare of mankind. On the contrary, the national entities are getting
more and more exclusive and their ambitions whetted day by day.
But it is sad that none have understood those lessons of history and the various kinds of )nternationalisms continue to exist.
The Solution of the Vedas & the land
However, we Hindus have a solution to offer. But our solution is not based on materialism. All attempts and experiments made so far were based on theories or isms
National Integration Assignment by: S. B. Alagundagi (OP 120)
stemming from materialism. And materialism has no answer to the very salient and fundamental question: Why at all should people aspire for world unity and human welfare? Why should they at all feel pained at the sight of man set against man? Why should we at all
love each other? from the materialistic point of view we are all gross entities, each separate and exclusive in itself, who can have no bonds of mutual affinity or affection. There can also
be no inner restraint in such beings which can make them control their selfishness form
running amuck, in the interest of the humanity as a whole.
After all, any arrangement evolved for achieving world welfare can be fruitful only to the
extent the men behind it are inspired by real love for mankind which will enable them to
mould their individual and national conduct in tune with the welfare of humanity. Without
that supreme urge, any scheme, however good its purpose may be, will only provide one
more alluring mask for the aggrandizement of power-drunk stations. That has been the
uniform verdict of history right up to the present times.
The Indian Media
Friends, India needs a free press, or media, in particular the poor of India need it. If public
attention cannot be drawn to problems – such as deep alienation of our people in the North
East or the plight of the tribal - the problems will not go away, in fact, they will fester and
eventually blow up, blowing much of the country with them. Pakistan, Iran and other
countries provide the examples.
Who needs a free media in India?
The rich and the middle class are well organized and connected, they control and man the
state; if the system is close tomorrow it will be closed ;on their behalf and to their advantage.
They do not therefore need a free press as much as the poor do who though so numerous,
are unorganized, divided and so manipulated.
The country and the people need a free press even more than they did decades ago – during
independence struggle, as other institutions that could ensure accountability – the
legislature, the judiciary and so on – have become progressively ineffective.
India is one of the free societies in which free expression and discussion have the
opportunity to make a difference. Threw is scarcely a country outside the opportunity to
make a difference. There is scarcely a country outside North America and Western Europe
that affords the media man the freedom we enjoy in India.
We often make much more noise about this restriction or that about, about this pressure form the government or that but it is only when we encounter evidence of, say, psychiatric hospitals in the former soviet union or when we read Jacob Tiberman s account of the conditions that an holiest pressman has to contend within Argentina that we get a glimpse of
what real restrictions and real pressure mean. In )ndia by contrast restrictions means laws that are in fact helpfully worded, that are in any case not enforced, pressure means a telephone call from a amore or less fraternal official.
National Integration Assignment by: S. B. Alagundagi (OP 120)
The power of a Journalist: Media-man
Journalists or media people have for more power than individuals, far more power to
influence events than any; other profession. It is easy to show how powerful the media is:
The Washington Post brought down President Richard Nixon; Indira Gandhi convinced the world s press to support against Pakistan – in 1971 struggle to free Bangladesh. And it was
newspaper coverage of the Bofors Gun Scandal that cost Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, then,
his job. Blanket News coverage and, for the first time, graphic color Television Pictures of the
horrors and cruelty of the war in Vietnam helped bring that to an end – it was partly West German s television portrayal of life beyond the communist world – (its broadcast could
receive in large parts of the soviet empire)- that caused people of eastern Europe to rise up
and end the cold war.
Challenges in National Integration
National Integration remains a crucial issue in India not withstanding the fact that we boast
of a civilization, which is nearly 5,000 years old. True, some of these diverse factors may be
inherent in the history geography and culture of our country, but there are also forces that
accentuate these factors. Religious fundamentalism is one such force while linguistics
diversities constitute another. There are people in this country who hold an exclusive view
of religion which drives them into sectarian frenzy that does not admit tolerance of other.
Despite a shared culture of so many years, linguistics diversities have often generated
tensions and conflicts among different communities threatening the fabric of national unity.
The same holds good for regionalism exacerbated no doubt by inequitable development
amongst different region of this country. All the above forces and factors do pose a challenge to )ndia s unity and integrity and therefore conscious efforts will have to be made by all concerned to preserve the same.
Press History in India
The printing press arrived in India at Goa by default. It was on its way from Africa, and since
missionaries carrying the equipment fell sick the printing press stayed on in Goa.
The launch of James Augustus (ickey s Bengal Gazette on January is considered the founding date of newspapers in India. After the first newspaper was published, many other
journals – all British owned - were produced, many of them with official patronage. Some
had missionary orientation and were addressed to Indians, thus included publication in
Indian languages. Among the missionaries who initiated newspaper publishing, Serampore journals are significant. Dig Darshan , a monthly Bengali magazine for youth, Samachar Darpan , a weekly Bengali, and Friend of )ndia , a monthly in English, have been noted. The missionary character of these magazines is said to have prompted a response and to assert
national self-respect , a few newspapers were published, a move initiated by Raja Ram
Mohunroy.
The launch of three journals around , Sambad Kaumudi Bengali , Mirat-Ul-Akbar Persian and Brahmunical Magazine English and the context in which they were
National Integration Assignment by: S. B. Alagundagi (OP 120)
launched, have earned him the credit of being the Father of )ndian Press . The publications endeavored to counter the tirades of the missionaries and to educate the population about
social reforms. There is a consensus that Raja Ram Mohunroy s publications marked the beginning of Indian Journalism. According to Rev. J Long cited in Natarajan, the Kaumudi saw the abolition of Sati by Lord Bentik. The first newspaper, however, Bengal (urukaru which was started in 1836, under the editorship of James Sutherland, is considered as )ndia s first Daily newspaper.
The Death of an Ideology
The question that is raised at the end of almost every seminar, convention or meeting about
journalism is: why journalism becomes so insane and ineffectual?
In a scenario where the state has ceased to acquit its bounder duty, where corruption has
permeated to every levels and governance has collapsed, where the Legislature is divorced
from its basic role and judiciary bursting at the seams with a back log of cases, where
Executive is burden on the system, why do topics pertaining to the frivolities of societies
take center stage? And when journalism manages somehow or other, to do its job, why is it
that its intervention does not bear any fruit?
Juxtapose scenarios from the years 1947 and 2005, a number of secrets start unfolding. Until
1947, the mere allegation of a MP taking even a modest bribe would swell into a notional
issue. In 2004-05, the bureaucracy of India is alleged to take astronomical bribes: not a
single question is heard in the parliament! How has corruption become so commonplace,
how such a sea-change in the space of decades?
The root cause of change is that ideology has deserted politics completely. When thinking
idealism and dreams vanish from politics, it becomes infertile. Indian politics is going
through this phase of lack of thought, of sterility, hence is bereft of any initiatives towards
change. By itself journalism – or any other profession for that matter – is not powerful
enough to re-mould a society. Journalism, at best, can act as a watch dog. But power to bring
about a change in society rests only with politics inspired by thinking and principles.
If we want to see how ideology and principles can change a society, we need to go back to
the annals of Indian Struggle. The rise of Gandhi metamorphosed and enslaved and illiterate
India. Gandhi epitomized a lifestyle, an ideology and a value based political culture. This
influence created social servants, each one excelling the other. Gandhian values injected a
new strength, aura and energy into all walks of life, be it law, education or journalism.
The period of the freedom struggle is regarded as the golden period of Journalism. The
contribution and the sacrifice of the newspaper called Swarajya wax published at the time. When post of the Editor was advertised, it came with the corollary that only those who were
ready to go to the Andaman Jail should apply: Editors of Newspapers were routinely
deported to Kalapani. Even so the editors queued up for the job, Ready to go for jail for the
sake of their principles and idealism – ready to face the suffering! They were not the ones
who wanted to jump on the bandwagon or become MLAs, MPs or Ministers, unlike today.
Gandhian thoughts remained an inspiration long after freedom. But in the 1980s leaders
bereft of principles started gaining a foothold. That was a time when Indira Gandhi
National Integration Assignment by: S. B. Alagundagi (OP 120)
dismissed corruption as )nternational Tendency , when the tyranny of the Congress (igh Command increased and the internal democracy of the party was eclipsed. Institutions
suffered a body blow. The tribe of flatterers, brokers and rank opportunists for whom
principles and values were mere means to grab power – increased. When such people
assumed power, they brought an end to the value based politics. Politics devoid of ideology
and leaders switching parties overnight became the order of the day.
It reminds me of the great words of Benjamin Franklin, who once said:
The darkest period in life of a young man comes when he wants to get money without earning it .
Conclusion
As of now, the center of attraction is the market and its management philosophers though
whose perspectives the world is being explained afresh. Markets, however, take profits as
the over-riding factor and this is indifferent to the human needs. What is foremost is the
profit or loss of corporate houses because the market is in the grip. Where is common man
in such thing?
Today in general the English language press represents the interests of the upper middle class, the ruling elite, the global village of the wealthy class. )t is the same press that has entrenched the new culture of Page 3 journalism. Fashion, sex, spicy gossip from elite
parties, food, entertainment, pictures of half-clad people, the glamorous lifestyle of the rich
and these forms the contents of Page3 – a celebration of the hedonism of the few, which
ignores the cruel reality of the deprivation of the many.
Those who sit in the government have either brought or terrorized journalists and newspaper owner s into aligning with the system. )n his previous term, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav Made journalist beholden to him through valuable plots of
land and large amounts of cash. This entire list has been made public. Former Supreme
Court Judge P.B. Savant did many important things as President of the Press Council. It was
during his term that a list was made public of major journalists of the country who for
decades have illegally occupied government housing in Delhi. Some even had government
residences in their name and rented them out. In the world of journalism there has been no
discussion on such serious issues. If journalists and journalism are so open to the influences
of money, alcohol and land, how can they possible work for the good of the Nation or
National Integration?
This is a major drawback that has to be tackled for the media to be active participants in the
National Integration process. Should we fail we might just see that same India which exist
when the British East India Company step in this land.
ASC AMU PUBLICATIONS
Impact Study
UGC Academic Staff College Courses: An Impact Study of Subject
Refresher Courses BY Dr. Zahid Ali and Dr. Reshma Jamal. UGC Academic
Staff College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh - 2004
Higher Education: Issues and ChallengesEdited BY: A. R. Kidwai, Viva
Books 2010. ISBN 978-81-309-1735-1
Collection of articles and papers on various components of the
Orientation Programme of ASCs
UGC Funding Schemes for Universities/ Colleges/ Teachers. UGC ASC,
AMU – 2011
The ASC AMU has published a compendium of UGC Schemes that provide
information on the funds available, eligibility for applying and the
modalities of programmes. This volume is intended to facilitate the
funding mechanism of the UGC by making information on projects
accessible and compiled together for perusal of potential beneficiaries.
Empowerment of Indian Muslims: Perspectives, Planning and Road
Ahead EDITED BY: Mirza Asmer Beg and A.R. Kidwai. Concept Publishing
Company, New Delhi – 2012
Papers by the AMU faculty presented at the One Day Meet of HODs on 23
April 2011. 173 pages. Concept, 2012, ISBN: 81-8069-886-6
National Integration Editors Asmer Beg and A R Kidwai. Viva Books. In
Press. A volume of papers on National Integration/ Coexistence/
Pluralism/ Communal Harmony will be brought out soon for distribution
as Study Material among the UGC Academic Staff College course
participants. The papers of this book are presented in English, Hindi and
Urdu
ASC AMU: for Minority Education
In a programme on Minority Education held at the UGC Academic Staff College, AMU, the former Principal of Women s College, AMU and newly appointed Member HRD Ministry Committee on Minorities education Professor Zakia A.
Siddiqui said that education is the key to improve the standards of Muslims in
India in that school education, specially that for girls is the backbone of any
society. She was speaking to a group of around 25 educationists from the AMU
who had earlier deliberated upon the issue at a meeting at UGC ASC organized
last year. She invited concrete proposals on minority education, which she
promised to push forward to the HRD Ministry. On this occasion she also
released a book titled Empowerment of Indian Muslims: Muslims’ Perspectives, Planning and Road Ahead which addresses the issues of marginalization of
Muslims and seeks such remedial that can be woven in to the national policy
framework while maintaining the feasibility of monitoring their impact at the
grassroots. Edited by Mirza Asmer Beg and A.R. Kidwai the book is a compilation
of 14 essays and research papers contributed by the academicians present at the
meeting.
Speaking at the programme Professor A. R. Kidwai, Director, UGC ASC, welcomed
Professor Zakia Siddiqui and felicitated her on her new position. He reiterated
that Muslims should never feel shy of raising the issue of Muslim education as a
country cannot progress or march if 20% of its population is uneducated or ill
equipped to earn a decent living.Professor Nazim Ali, Professor Rais Ahmed,
Professor C.P.S. Chauhan, Prof Ziaul Hasan, Professor Ali Mohammad, Professor
Parvaiz Talib,Dr. Seemin Hasan, Dr. Abdul Matin, Dr. Ayesha Munira, Dr. Rashid
Nehal and Dr. Zafar M. Nomani made their presentations. Professor Chauhan
suggested her to look into the possibilities of reserving 5% seats in all schools for
the children minorities within the quota of 25% seats reserved for the children
of weak and marginal sections made obligatory under the Right to Education Act
(RTE). Others also present at the programme were Professor Wazahat Hussain,
Professor Anwar Jahan Zuberi, Dr. Nafees Ansari, Dr. Sajidul Islam, Dr. Arshi
Khan, Dr. Munira T., Dr. Abdul Waheed, Dr. Reshma Jamal and Dr. Faiza Abbasi.
Professor Asmer Beg thanked the audience and urged for implementable
proposals leading to macro level changes.
Details of Courses completed
A) Subject Refresher Courses
S.No. Course
No.
Subject Duration
No. of
Participants
1. 353
Human Rights*
14.11.2011 to
03.12.2011 81
2. 354
Library and Information Science
14.11.2011 to
03.12.2011 27
3. 355
Women s Studies* 31.01.2012 to
21.02.2012 54
4.
356
Research Methodology in Agricultural
Sciences* (Agricultural Science/Botany/Wild
Life Science)
31.01.2012 to
21.02.2012 26
5. 357
Hindi
13.03.2012 to
02.04.2012 31
6. 358
Environmental Studies* 01.05.2012 to
19.05.2012 45
7. 359
Environmental Studies* 01.05.2012 to
19.05.2012 39
8.
360
Business Studies
(Economics/Commerce/Management)
13.07.2012 to
01.08.2012 24
9. 361
History 13.07.2012 to
01.08.2012 20
10. 362
Special Summer Course 13.07.2012 to
01.08.2012 37
11.
363
Research Methodology in Oriental Studies*
(Arabic/Islamic Studies/Persian/
Theology/Urdu)
28.08.2012 to
16.09.2012 24
12. 364
Computer Application* 28.08.2012 to
16.09.2012 49
Total 457
* Interdisciplinary
B) Orientation Programmes
S.No. No. of Orientation
Programme
Duration No. of
Participants
1 OP – 118 Orientation
Programme 31.01.2012 to 27.02.2012
43
2. OP – 119 Orientation
Programme 31.01.2012 to 27.02.2012
45
3. OP – 120 Orientation
Programme
13.03.2012 to 11.04.2012 58
4. OP – 121 Orientation
Programme
13.07.2012 to 09.08.2012 35
Total 181
C) Short Term Courses (For the AMU Faculty and Research Scholars):
S.No. Title Date No. Of
Participants
1. Research Methodology &
Recent Advances in Research in
Geology
12.12.2011 to 14.12.2011 38
2. e-Resources for Research
Scholars
16.12.2011 to 21.12.2011 45
3. Research Methodology in
Business Studies
26.12.2011 to 31.12.2011 46
Total 129
D) Interaction Programme
1 Interaction Programme for the
AMU Research Scholars of the
Faculty of Social Sciences
24.01.2012 to 14.02.2012 78
E) One Day Meet (For the Principals/Heads of the Departments, AMU).
1
Interaction with the NAAC Peer
Team
24 January 2012 45
SOME EMINENT RESOURCE PERSONS
S.
No.
Name/Designation Topic Address
1 Professor Ranbir Singh, VC Environmental
Law
NLSUI, Bangalore
2 Professor S. Abdul Kareem,
(Formerly Member, UGC
Committee)
Education Hubli, Karnataka
3 Professor Irfan Habib, Emeritus
Professor
Secularism History Dept.,
AMU
4 Professor Xavier Alphonso,
Member UGC
Higher education Member UGC
5 Mr. C N Kumar, Behavior
Scientist
Personality
Development
New Delhi
6 Professor Harikesh Singh Education BHU, Varanasi
7 Professor M Muzammil, VC
Rohailkhand University
Economics Rohailkhand
University
8 Professor Fuad Mehmood, IRS Financial
Management
Faridabad,
Haryana
9 Dr. V S Ravindran, Psychologist Counseling Ghaziabad
10 Col. A P Choudhry, TSO-I
(Admin)
Stress
Management
Meerut, Cantt.
11 Professor Farhatullah Khan
Professor Emeritus
Philosophy of
Education
Department of
English
AMU, Aligarh
12 Mr. G.A. Kaleem, Formerly,
Indian Police Academy,
Hyderabad
Personality
Development Lucknow
13 Professor Purushottam Agrawal
Member UPSC
National
Language Policy
Dholpur House
Shahjahan Road,
ND
14 Professor Basheer Ahmad, VC
Business
Management
Dumka University,
Jharkhand
15 Professor Shameem Jairajpuri,
Founder VC
Advancements in
Science
MANUU,
Hyderabad
SCHEDULE 2012 - 2013*
SUBJECT REFRESHER COURSES
ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES S.No. Dates Orientation Programme Last Date
1. 13 – July – 09 Aug
2012 OP – 121 Orientation Programme 01.06.2012
2. 21 Sept. – 16 Oct. 2012 OP – 122 Orientation Programme 30.07.2012
3. 22 Feb. – 21 March
2013 OP – 123 Orientation Programme 31.12.2012
4. 31 March – 27 April
2013 OP – 124 Orientation Programme 31.01.2013
Teaching Training Programme for Iraqi Teachers in October and November 2012
Three weeks Summer School in Teaching Methodology and Computer Skills from
13th July to 1st Aug 2012
Six Short Term Courses for the AMU faculty, Academic Administrators and Research
Scholars
Note: There might be a slight change in the dates of the courses.
* Interdisciplinary.
Copy to:
1. Registrars of all Universities; 2. All Colleges / Institutes of the cathchment area; 3. All
Departments/ Institutes, AMU, Aligarh; 4. Secretary Higher Education, UP; 5. Director,
Higher Education, Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad; 6. UGC, New Delhi; 7. Regional Higher
Education Officer, Agra / Meerut / Bareilly.
Subject to UGC approval
Professor A.R. Kidwai
Director
S. No. Dates SRC Disciplines Last Date 1. 1 – May - 19 May 2012 358 - Environmental Studies* (open to all) 15.04.2012
2. 13 – July- 01 Aug 2012 359 - Business Studies
(Economics/Commerce/Management)
360 – History
01.06.2012
3. 28 Aug. – 16 Sept. 2012 361 - Research Methodology in Oriental Studies*
(Arabic/Islamic
Studies/Persian/Theology/Urdu)
362 - Computer Application* (open to all)
30.06.2012
4. 3 – 22 December 2012 363 - English
364 - Human Rights* (open to all)
365 - Library and Information Science
01.10.2012
5. 30 Jan. – 19 Feb. 2013 366 - Women s Studies* Open to all 367 - Research Methodology in Agricultural
Sciences*
(Agricultural Science/Botany/Wild Life
Science)
30.11.2012
6. 31 March – 19 April
2013
368 - Hindi,
369 - Research Methodology in Social Sciences*
(Education/PoliticalScience/Psychology/Sociology)
31.01.2013
Book Release Function held at ASC AMU
Science of Human Embryology
Dr. Ahmad Mutee Siddiqui, M.D., F.A.C.S.
By
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameeruddin Shah, SM, VSM, PVSM
Honorable Vice Chancellor, AMU
UGC Academic Staff College, AMU, Aligarh
Wednesday September 5th 2012
Schedule
Recitation of the Holy Quran
03:00 to 03:02 pm
Dr. Tauquir Alam,
Dept. of Sunni Theology, AMU
03:02 to 03:08
Introductory Remarks
Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Director, UGC
Academic Staff College, AMU
03:08 to 03:09
Book Release
Copy of the Book presented by Professor Fasih Ahmad
Siddiqui to Vice Chancellor
03:09 to 03:15
Observations about the Book
Dr. Tauquir Alam,
Dept. of Sunni Theology, AMU
03:15 to 03:22
Observations about the Book
Professor M. Shamim Jairajpuri
Former Vice Chancellor, MANUU, Hyderabad
03:22 to 03:29
Presidential Remarks
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameeruddin Shah
Vice Chancellor AMU
03:29 to 03:30
Vote of thanks
Dr. Reshma Jamal
ASC Faculty
Programme Convenor Dr. Faiza Abbasi
ASC Faculty
ASC AMU Premises – some vignettes
Library
Lecture in progress
Computer Room
Classroom
