A.M.U Students Union Election 2018:In Camera of Engr Maqbool Akram

The AMU Campus: Center of learning and higher education most of the time remains peaceful, silent, and engulfed in an academic atmosphere, was suddenly wake up from its kumbh karan sleep. Black and white campus became colorful and noisy.

The campus was flooded with Colorful banners, posters and flags of contesting candidates.Candidate supporters were running motor bikes in full speed with ear bursting horn sounds.Social sites as Face book,U-Tube and tweeters were spammed by messages and video clips in support of candidates. 

The reason was notification of Chief Election Officer for Aligarh Muslim University Students' Union (AMUSU) elections 2018. Prof Zaheer-ud-din announced that polling for AMUSU Office bearers and representatives of University Court will be held on November 3, 2018 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in respective faculties.

AMU. Aligarh Students Union acts as a mediator between the administration and the students fraternity, because they have the power to work for the welfare of the students.Union is primarily responsible for building and preserving a healthy political culture and an atmosphere of open debates on the campus. 

The main attraction of AMU. Students Election 2018 was the final speech by chair candidates, from Union hall terrace on November 1, 2018 from 2:00 pm onward. This final speech may be said as semi declarations of winning candidate.

Over 18,886 students are expected to vote in the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union Elections, where around 3,014 are women voters, but only 65 % voters turned to use their power.

Shahzad Alam Barni (2012-13) was first Ph. D Scholar who became the president of AMU Students’ Union.

Contestants for President of AMU Students union Election 2018 were

(1).M salman Imteyaz,(P.hd-Social works)

(2)Mohammad Ghaznabi-(P.hd-Hindi)

(3)Mohd.Alauddin-(P.hd-Arabic)

(4)Mobashshir Husain Shah-(P.hd-Public Administration)

(5)Asad Murtaza-(B.A.Linguistic)

Contestants for Vice President of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were

(1)Yasin Ghazi-(M.A.Human Rights)

(2)Hamza Sufian-(M.A.Mass Com

(3)Mohd. Arif Khan-(M.A.Human Rights)

(4)Son Veer Singh-(M.Tech)

(5)Zaid Shervani-(M.S.W)

 Contestants for Secretory of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were

(1)Huzaifa Amir-(M.A.L.L.M)

(2)Salman Ahmad-(PhD-Geology)

(3)Ghufran Ali-(PhD-Geology)

   (4)Mohd. Sufian-(M.A-Economics)

Contestants for Cabinet Member of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were

There were 28 candidates for 10 Cabinet Member.

Contestants for Court Members of AMU Students Union Election 2018 were

There were 32 candidates for 11 Court Members.

A Brief History of AMU Students Union

Sir Sayed, in 1884, established a debating club, on the pattern of Cambridge University. Known as the “College Union Club”, then became famous as “Sidon’s Union Club”, as its first President was Henry George Sidon’s.

First Vice President of Sidon Club in1918 was Dr Zakir Husain, who later became Vice chancellor of AMU .Aligarh and then President of India.First president of AMU.Students Union in 1920-21 was K.M Khuda bux.

The first Vice President was a student named Sajjad Husain. The first Hony. Secy. was Sayed Md Ali with 10 cabinet members of the Union. The main objectives of the Union Club were to produce good orators and wise leaders. From 1902 on wards, it also started having an honorary librarian; Nawab Ali was the first librarian. On 22 February 1905, Morison laid the foundation of “Sidon’s Union Debating Hall”.

In 1920, when it got the status of university with massive political mobilization (1898-1920), it came to be known as “Muslim University Union”, and its first Vice President was Sayed Nurullah, (who later on became the Pro Vice Chancellor of AMU, has co-authored a book on history of education).

The President used to be the Vice Chancellor. In 1952-53, it came to have a new constitution for itself and was probably the only Students’ Union in the world to have got a formal registration. Then it came to be known as “Muslim University Students’ Union”. And the Vice Chancellor became “Patron”, rather than the President of the Union.

In 1953-54, for the first time, a girl was elected as a cabinet member of the Union. She was Ms Zahra Naqvi, M.Sc. Physics, final year. Then, even the western countries did not have women franchise.Mahatma Gandhi was the first life member of the union and was conferred upon him on 1920. 

Result of AMU.Aligarh Students Election-2018

 After a peaceful polling Results of winning candidates were declared early in the morning of 4^th November 2018 at 4.00.

President—Mr. Salman Imtiaz elected as the new President of Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union 2018 (AMUSU), Salman hails from Aligarh and is a student of PhD Social Work.He got 5,705 Votes

 Vice President—Mr.Hamza Sufyan was elected for the post of vice president, Hamza is a student of Social Science department.He got 5,577 Votes.

Secretary—Mr.Huzaifa Aamir grabbed Secretary Post. Huzaifa is pursuing MA in Language and Media Management.He got 5,731 Votes.

10 winning Cabinet Members of AMU. Aligarh Students Union 2018

(1)Syed Shahrukh/Senior Cabinet (8,913)

(2)Gautham.K (7,332)

(3)Fakhra Khan (6,604)

(4)Ferdous Ahmad Barbhuiya (5,810)

(5)Nishant Bhardawaj (5,790)

(6)Naved Aalam (5,029)

(7)Maryam batool (4,798 votes)

(8)Moiud-din (4,505)

(9) Hasan Mustafa (4,828)

(10)Fahad Ayyub jinjani (4,342)

AMU Students Union Court Members

Faculty of Arts: Abdul Waheed
Faculty of Law: Raas Masood Khan
Faculty of Theology & Agriculture Science: Shafiq-ur-Rehman
Faculty of Medicine: Md. Raashid
Faculty of Commerce;Md. Bilal Khan
Faculty of Life Sciences: Md. Ghayasuddin
Faculty of Science: Mohd. Khalid
Faculty of Management Studies: Anas Ahmad Khan
Faculty of Engineering: Arshe Alam
Faculty of Social sciences: Salman Ahmad
Faculty of Unani Medicine: Maaz Ahmad

Ending this blog with the message of Mr Sonveer Singh an M.Tech student,a candidate for Vice Presidential post of A.M.U Aligarh Students.He posted this message on his Face Book.

Sonveer Singh for Vice Presidentship AMUSU 2018-19

4 November at 18:15 · 

#दिलों_का_सदर_बनना_है_या_सिर्फ_यूनियन_हॉल_का
सर सयैद के चमन के बुलबुलों को मेरा प्यार भरा नमस्कार!! अस्सलाम वालेकुम !!
मेरी तरफ से इस वर्ष चुने गए एएमयू छात्रसंघ के नवनिर्वाचित पदाधिकारियों और कैबिनेट सदस्यों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं ,जिन्होंने दिन रात की मेहनत के बाद इस सफलता को प्राप्त किया है।
अलीग बिरादरी ने इस भरोसे के साथ आपको अपना नेता चुना है कि आप अब उनके हक़ की बात करेंगे, न कि लीबिया , सीरिया, फलस्तीन पर अटक कर रह जाएंगे।
आप हमेशा उनके हक़ के लिए लड़ेंगे न कि अपने व्यक्तिगत स्वार्थ के लिए।
आप उनके बीच मे रहकर राजनीति करेंगे न कि राजनीतिक पार्टीयों के बीच जाकर नेतागिरी करेंगे।।
आप हर उस शख्स के साथ खड़े होंगे जो अलीग बिरादरी से सम्बन्ध रखता है न कि सिर्फ अपनी लॉबी वालों के साथ देंगे।
आपको हर समुदाय के लोगों ने चुना है तो हर समुदाय के लोगों के हक़ की बात करेंगे, न कि महज एक समुदाय की बात करेंगे।
आप प्रशासन से हर मसले पर बात करने के लिए आगे रहेंगे,न कि प्रशासन से मिलकर उसके मोहरा बनेंगे।
आप हमेशा ज़मीन से जुड़ कर छात्रों की ज़मीनी हकीकत को समझेंगे न कि यूनियन में आने के बाद आसमान में उड़ना शुरू कर देंगे।
आप हॉल टू हॉल जाकर हर हफ्ते छात्रों से रूबरू होंगे न कि यूनियन हॉल में बैठ कर मुलाकात करने के लिए छात्रों से इंतज़ार करवाएंगे।
आप हर उस वादे को निभाने की कोशिश करोगे जिन को आपने अपने मेनिफेस्टो में शामिल करवाया था।

अगर आप जरा सा भी छात्रों के भरोसे को कायम रखने में सफल हुए तो आप यूनियन खत्म होने के बाद भी हमेशा छात्रों के नेता बने रहोगे, वरना यूनियन हॉल से निकलने के बाद कब आपको अपनी बाइक चलवाने तक के लिए एक व्यक्ति का ढूढ़ना पड़ जाएगा, आपको पता भी नही चलेगा।
उम्मीद करता हूं अब तक चुने गए नेताओ की राह पर न चलकर खुद की राह बनाओगे और इस अलीग बिरादरी के भरोसे पर खरा उतर कर एक मिसाल कायम करोगे।
धन्यवाद!!

आपका-
सोनवीर सिंह, प्रत्याशी उपाध्यक्ष पद,

एएमयूएसयू 2018-19

Written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.

Travelogue of Araku Valley: An Epic life Time journey A Balm For Tired souls

Journey to Araku Valley was an epic life time journey. Araku Valley is a Balm for tired souls.This journey was long time since we were planning a trip to one of the southern hill stations, a memorable trip for me and hence, I decided to pen this, so that the memories remain a fresh.

I was in Hyderabad after a long travelling from Aligarh (near Delhi) at a a distance of 1750 Km.Now We planned a tour of Vizag (Visakhapatnam) and Araku Valley.

Araku is a famous hill station of AP. It is located at a distance of 120 KM from Visakhapatnam (Vizag). It is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the Eastern Ghats, water falls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads. The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams.

Journey for Araku Valley starts 

Kirandel passenger leaves at 6.30 AM from Vizag railway station.we were in retiring room, so after a cup of hot coffee with special aroma and some snacks, we took our reserved seats.Fortunately my seat was window side seat. To add my excitement, train moved and left the platform and got speed.

It was early morning, a light breeze was blowing, sky was clear Blu and red sun was playing hide and seek with a chain of hills the train was passing from one hill to other hill, in sharp curve. I was very excited in clicking and clicking.

The journey on this route is an epic in itself. I stopped counting the tunnels coz there are plenty of them. One after one, a lot of tunnels, bridges and splendid views across.

The rail passes through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges. Marvel The Kottavalasa-Kirandul line on East Coast Railway is engineering marvel of Indian Engineers.

On the way to Araku is Shimliguda, a station perched at 997 m above sea level, which was the first highest broad-gauge railway station in the country till the construction of Qazigund in Jammu and Kashmir. On this route, there is only one train that leaves Visakhapatnam early in the morning and returns late at night.

After 3.30 hrs magical  journey ,we reached Bohra ghoul station.Out side station there were plenty of taxis waiting for tourist for a  pleasant trip around valley.We also hired a Tata sumo for our ride of valley and in last drop us to Araku railway station.

Borra caves-our first stop

The million-year old Borra Cave is located at a short distance from railway station. It is deep in the Earth; the cave is at a height of 800-1300 m from mean sea level and was discovered by British geologist William King in 1807. 

One baba was sitting inside a tiny hole where the natural Shiv ling was. There was no light so couldn’t see and discuss much. The total length of the cave is about 200 meter.

The beauties of the stalactites and stalagmites inside the caves, that have stood the test of millennia, have now been enhanced with a thematic lighting scheme. The Paleolithic cave is revered by the natives and is a tourist's delight.

Natives believe that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana lived in the caves for a while during their 14-year- exile and that the forest was a part of the mythological Kishkinda forests. The way and stairs inside cave are very sharp deep and slippy, it needs special care to walk.

Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki  Waterfalls was our next stop. The falls is named after Katiki, the place where it is located. The waterfall is about 50 ft high and lies around 4 km away from Borra Caves. Katiki Waterfalls originate from the Gosthani River and contains greenery and clear water in its vicinity.

Considered as the most beautiful waterfalls of Araku Valley, the surroundings of this water fall is very popular for trekking activities. At the foot of the waterfall there is a pool formation.

Landscapes and gardens are located surrounding this place.One can experience the beauty of water gushing through natural rocks.

Bamboo Chicken

On way to every tourist point, local tribal women were selling bamboo chicken- Bamboo Chicken is a traditional tribal cuisine of Araku Valley Tribal near Vizag, locally known as “Bongulo Chicken”.

Bamboo Chicken is cooked inside a piece of green bamboo stalk without oil, making it healthy but delicious.

Bamboo Chicken is cooked inside a piece of green bamboo stalk without oil, making it healthy but delicious.

Galikonda view point

Galikonda view point (3800 ft above sea level) the view of valley is excellent.  On the way from Anantagiri after 15 KM there is a small market place known as Sankarmatha.

 This serves as a market place for local tribal and many traditional vegetables and forest products are available in this rural market It is a popular point among film and T.V serials shootings.

Araku Tribal Museum

Araku Tribal Museum is situated on Araku Road in the heart of Araku Valley. Located in the vicinity of Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, the museum offers a glance at the lifestyle and cultures of the tribal communities indigenous to the Eastern Ghats. Araku Tribal Museum is built with mud and clay and has a rugged theme to it. 

Araku coffee aroma captures global market

Araku is popular for its famous coffee plantations. India’s first tribal growers' organic coffee brand was launched in the Araku Valley in 2007.Organic Coffee cultivated at Araku and Anantagiri in Visakhapatnam district has earned a name for itself in the international market.

The organic coffee cultivated in non-traditional areas is being marketed as “Araku Emerald.On our way we found in plenty tribal women selling hot coffee on road,at different tourist points.The coffee was rich with unique flavor and aroma.

After a long drive and walking to enjoy the natural beauties of the  Araku valley, we were tired and hungry. So asked taxi driver to drive fast for main Araku town. There we have our lunch in a hotel.After a visit to local market, we reached Araku Railway station.

Our return journey ticket to Vizag was reserved in a sleeper coach .Station was in a small building .a clean and peaceful place,no crowed and loudness .Some lazy local tribal folk were lying on floor ,tribal ladies were selling guavas and some wild fruits. The train was late by one hour. There were some group of tourists from Colcatta and Andhra Pradesh.

 I utilized this time in clicking some good shots of Araku locals at station .Refreshed us with coffee, selling on platform .The train arrived, we took our births.We were tired ,so laid down on our births.After 4 hours journey train reached Vizag railway station.

The end of journey

The beauty of Araku Valley the gushing rivulets, surging waterfalls, plantations and swathes of green fields sprinkled with small villages, was etched in my heart for ever. My camera is fully loaded with shots of sweet memories.

Though civilization has made deep inroads, still steeped in the culture of its ancient tribes. In the interior parts of Araku valley, the PTG (primitive the valley is tribal groups) have still not changed their lifestyle, and are hospitable to outsiders.

This ends ,Travelogue of Araku Valley: An Epic life Time journey A Balm For Tired souls.

Written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram

Sir Syed Day-2018: Through Camera of Engr Maqbool Akram

It was a nostalgia occasion for hundreds of Aligarh Muslim University alumni and AMU fraternity, to attend the AMU celebration of Sir Syed Dy.2018.They assembled again in a huge pandal .constructed at Athletic ground of Chaman-E-Syed to connect with each other to refresh their old memories.

For AMU Fraternity all over word this day i,e 17^th October is not  an ordinary day of the year. For them It is above many festivals.They celebrate Sir syed day in full sprit. After sun set ,all the main buildings specially,Bab-e-Syed,Maulana Azad Libray,Arts Faculty, Victoria gate ,University’s grand Masjid and residential halls are well decorated with special light effects.

 People of all ages use to roam in campus, special to mention that young students use to run on their motor cycles to show breath taking stunts.

The proceedings of the day began with a Quran Khawani (Quranic Recitation) at the University Masjid. Prof Mansoor with senior professors and officers of the university paid floral tributes at the Mazaar (grave) of Sir Syed after the traditional ritual of 'Chadar Poshi'.

  Earlier in the day, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Mansoor inaugurated an 'Exhibition of Books and Photographs pertaining on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan' at the Sir Syed House. The exhibition was jointly organised by Maulana Azad Library and Sir Syed Academy.

Main function of Sir Syed Day was started in pandal at Athletic ground by recitation of Holy quran Shareef. Chief guest of Sir Syed Day 2018 was Former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi.

Dr S Y Quraishi today delivered the commemoration address as the chief guest on Sir Syed Day, the 201st birth anniversary of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan at the University's Athletics Ground.

 "Sir Syed initiated English education and scientific temper among Indians, which made us world citizens. Sir Syed's message was not anti-Islam and among his admires were equal number of non-Muslims and Muslims," said Dr S Y Quraishi.

Dr Quraishi pointed out that during his trips to US, European countries, African countries and West-Asia, he always met AMU alumni, which is reflective of the famous line from AMU anthem, 'Jo abr yahaṅ se utthega, wo sarey jahan par barsega' (The cloud which rises from here, will rain all over the world).

In the welcome address, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said that Sir Syed changed the destiny of the nation by devoting his entire life for education, plurality and secularism through his versatile writing and farsightedness.

 Prof Mansoor pointed out that the supreme interest of Sir Syed's life was education in its widest sense as he wanted to create a scientific temperament among the common Indians.

"There are positive changes and developments in AMU with active cooperation of all concerned," said the Vice Chancellor adding that Times Higher Education has ranked AMU as the fifth best Indian University, while National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) has ranked AMU as the 10th best Indian university.

"AMU has started new courses such as Masters in Architecture, B Voc (Hons) and M Voc. We are in the process of starting a MBA course in Hospital Management," he said adding that the University has also increased courses running through the distance learning mode which includes a Bachelor in Computer Sciences. 

Dr S Y Quraishi and Professor Mansoor honored Professor Christian W Troll (Noted theologian and Honorary Professor for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at the Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule St. Georgen in Frankfurt).Dr Victor Edwin received a cash prize of Rs two lakhs with a citation on behalf of Professor Christian W Troll who could not travel to India due to health problems. 

and Mr Sanjiv Saraf (Founder, Rekhta Foundation) with the International and National Sir Syed Excellence Awards respectively.Meanwhile, receiving a cash prize of Rs one lakh and citation for the National Sir Syed Excellence Award, Mr Sanjiv  Saraf said, "We, the lovers of Urdu language, take great pride in how this language conveys complex emotions and experiences." He pointed out that Rekhta is an initiative, which targets to bring Urdu's charming cadence in dimensions of poetry, aesthetics, and tradition to the masses. 

The top three winners of the 'All India Essay Writing Competition' on the topic of "Importance of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's Thought on Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence in Today's World" also received their prizes from the Chief Guest and the Vice Chancellor.

With a cash prize of Rs 25,000, Ms Jagriti Sanghi, a BALLB student at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi, Kerala bagged the first prize while Mr Mohd Umair Khan, student of MA Economics at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh won the second place with a cash prize of Rs 15,000. 

Ms Kiran Francis, student of M Phil (Applied Geology), University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu has emerged third with a prize of Rs 10,000.

Fourteen other participants representing different states have been given State Topper prizes with prize money Rs 5,000 each.

Prof.Seemin Hasan (Department of English), Prof Abdur Raheem Kidwai (Director, UGC HRD Centre), Mr Wajahat Monaf Jilani (BA LLB, Final-year student) and Ms Aafia Rizvi (BA Hons, First-year student) delivered special speeches on teachings, philosophy, works and mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

The programme ended with University Tarana and National Anthem.Fully packed Pandal at Atheletic ground was burst into clapping like a thunderbolt.

Ye dasht-e-junoo diwano ka, ye bazm-e-wafa parwano ki
 ye shahr-e-tarab roomano ka, ye khuld-e-barin armano ki

Whole day function of Sir Syed Day 2018 was concluded with a grand dinner in every Halls.

Written, photographed and posted by Engr Maqbool Akram.