65th Annual Convocation of Aligarh Muslim University was held on 7th
March 2018 on Athletic Ground.
Excellency Sri Ram Nath Kovind President of India’s visit, heavy security was deployed
at the university. Apart from local police, Rapid Action Force personnel have
also been stationed. Mobile phones, cameras were banned in AMU
convocation. Even polyester tents were not used for the ‘pandal’ as
they are susceptible to fire.Only Doordarshan was allowed to record the visuals
and the president’s speech provided by the AMU staff.
![]() |
6 5th Annual convocation of AMU.Aligarh |
students union had said— “We are not opposing the President, but we
oppose the ‘Sanghi’ mindset. In 2010, the President had said Muslims and Christians
are alien to country that bothers us till date but we welcome him,”.
India Ram Nath Kovind was the chief-guest of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)’s
65th annual convocation. It was after 32
years that an Indian President was Chief Guest at AMU convocation.Earlier;
Giani Zail Singh during his tenure attended the 1986 AMU convocation. Before
that, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad was in the University for the 1976 Convocation and
Dr S Radha Krishnan was the chief-guest in 1966, and Dr Rajendra Prasad attended the 1951 convocation.
![]() |
President of India Sri Ram Nath Kovind-Chief Guest at 65th Convocation of AMU. Aligarh |
the Annual Convocation of AMU, female students outshone male counterparts. Out
of 218 medal recipients, 122 were female students while 96 were males. A total of 5, 381 degrees were awarded to 2891
graduates, 2094 postgraduates, 25 M Phil students and 371 PhD candidates.
recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor delivered the Welcome Address, welcoming
the Honorable President of India, Sri Ram Nath Kovind, the Honorable Governor of
Uttar Pradesh, Sri Ram Naik and other distinguished guests & the students.
![]() |
Members of AMU Horse Riding Club guarded the Procession of President of India |
focused on AMU’s achievements in the near past.
AMU is ranked as the 6th best university in India by Times Higher Education,
2nd best University in India by the US News & World Report & 11th best
Institution of Higher Education by the Ministry of HRD, Govt of India, said
Prof Mansoor.
Prof Mansoor urged students to serve the
motherland in the best of ways. “Move ahead in life with ideas of nation building and academic excellence”.
He also read the Annual Report &
focused on AMUs achievements in the near past. AMU is ranked as the 6th best university in India by Times Higher Education, 2nd best University in India by the US News & World Report & 11th best Institution of Higher Education by the Ministry of HRD, Govt of India, said Prof Mansoor. |
His Excellency Sri Ram Nath Kovind came to deliver the
Convocation Address with a huge round of applause from the students.Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Aligarh Muslim
University has played a special role in India’s development and noted that it
is going to complete 100 years of its establishment as a university in 2020.
Gold Medalist (5) Mr.Harsh Gupta Mechanical Engineering student |
only in India but also in the other parts of the world, particularly in Asia
and Africa. Shri Kovind also shared
an incident that made him surprised, when he was on his state visit to Ethiopia
last year, he met the wife of the current Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Roman
Tesfaye & she had also been alumni of AMU.
Sana Saud of BUMS got 4 Gold Medals |
Acceptances of
alternative ways of thinking and mutual respect are “India’s natural way
of life”:AMU
students, who are awarded degrees today and the students, who will be awarded degrees
in future, are Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, and they will take India to new heights
with contributions in nation building,” said the President.
He also said that he was also quite
interested in visiting the Aligarh Muslim University as AMU has had a glorious
history & has also been a seat of national importance.
![]() |
Vice Chancellor Prof,Tariq Mansoor with recipients of Degree at Sir Syed House |
The President said that there is a very long list of
distinguished students of AMU. They have excelled in politics, administration,
education, law, science and technology, literature, arts and sports. He noted
that Bharat Ratna awardee Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, anti-apartheid activist Dr
Yusuf Mohammad Dadu, and former President of India Dr Zakir Hussein were
students of this university. He also mentioned the contributions of, among
others, Dr Syed Zahur Qasim, Professor A.
Salahuddin and Dr Shahid Jameel to modern science.
![]() |
Recipients of Degree at Lawn of Sir Syed House at High tea Party hosted by Vice Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor |
The President said that we live in an age of globalization – of
building a world that does not just accommodate but celebrates diversity. And
that combines the best of modern technology with the traditions and cultures of
our society to build the India of our dreams. Such an India will help every
Indian, every boy or girl – irrespective of background or identity – to realise
his or her full potential. And such an India will be a beacon of hope for a
restless world in the early 21st century.
President said that in today’s era, students of AMU are expected to take their
place as among the best students of not only our country but the world. This is a period of mobility. We are all part of a Global
Knowledge Society. In such a dynamic environment, engaging with teachers and
students in other institutions will be helpful in cross-pollination of
learning.
that he was quite surprised when he came to know that the Gown he’s wearing is
60 years old and it has been worn by C. Rajgopalachari, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, S.
Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussain & Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He added that he
himself feels quite honored to be present at the 65th Convocation
of Aligarh Muslim University.

of the University, Ram Naik Governor of Uttar Pradesh said that on the eve of
International Women’s Day (March 8), women students have bagged 56 per cent of
medals for their academic excellence.
further said that today women are making their marks in all aspects of life.
“Women are part of all professions including the elite Air Force and other
defense services,” said the Ram Naik.
“There are no short cuts to success and it is equally
important to appreciate good work and avoid belittling others,” said Ram Naik.
“I pray for AMU students to keep moving on the path of ‘Charaivithi
Charaivithi’, which means moving forward for progress.
medals) and Sana Saud, BUMS (four medals) also delivered speeches at this graceful occasion.
and Prof Habibur Rahman Khan (Honorary Treasurer) were present on the occasion.
Mr Mujeeb Ullah Zuberi (Controller of Examinations, AMU) and Prof Javaid Akhter
(Registrar, AMU) conducted the programme.

Tariq Mansoor hosted a traditional high tea at the lawn of Sir Syed House to
facilitate degree recipients and the guests.
![]() |
University Tarana Team Members with President of India Sri Ram Nath Kovind |
Kovind was much pleased and impressed by Traditional University Tarana “Ye Mera
Chaman hai Mera Chaman”, that later he invited University Tarana Team at his
place of stay University Guest House to listen Tarana again and honored the
team members by a group photo session. Jai Hind.
Written and posted by Engr
Maqbool Akram, with help of materials available on various sites on Net and
some photos are from sources with thanks.
Maqbool Akram, with help of materials available on various sites on Net and
some photos are from sources with thanks.