ALIGARH, Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Prof. Naima Khatoon formally inaugurated the commencement of swimming activities at the Women’s College swimming pool and described the facility as a significant step towards women’s empowerment, self-confidence and self-reliance.
Addressing the programme, Prof. Naima Khatoon said that learning swimming enhances self-confidence, which is essential in every sphere of life. She noted that the Olympic-size swimming pool has been developed to provide international-level facilities to female students in a safe environment.
Recalling the vision of Sheikh Abdullah (Papa Mian), she said that he had dreamt of establishing a swimming pool for girls so that they could learn swimming just like students in Britain. “Today, his dream has truly been realised with the commencement of swimming activities at this facility,” she remarked.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the physical, mental and academic benefits of swimming, stating that it helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving overall fitness and concentration. She encouraged teachers and students to actively participate in swimming activities and stressed the need to keep the facility fully operational.
Prof. Mohd Mohsin Khan, in his address, said that swimming is not only an important sport but also a life skill that contributes to physical fitness and mental well-being. He appreciated the efforts of the university administration and the Women’s College authorities in ensuring the revival of the swimming activities for girl students.
Guest of Honour Pratiksha Singh Jadaun described the initiative as highly beneficial for the physical and mental wellbeing of female students. She said that sports and fitness activities such as swimming play an important role in building confidence, discipline and a healthy lifestyle among young women.
Principal of Women’s College, Prof. Masood Anwar Alavi, thanked the Vice Chancellor and said that swimming promotes discipline, perseverance, confidence and cognitive development among students.
Secretary, University Games Committee, Prof. Yusuf uz Zaman Khan informed that the swimming pool measures 50 × 25 metres and is equipped with two female coaches and two lifeguards.
Prof. Fazal ur Rehman, President, University Swimming Club, expressed gratitude to the University Building Department and the Land and Garden Department for their support in operationalising the facility.
Among those present on the occasion were Registrar Prof. Mohammad Aasim Zafar, Proctor Prof. Mohammad Naved Khan, Provost, Abdullah Hall, Prof. Sheeba Jilani, Member Incharge, Public Relations Office, Prof. Vibha Sharma, President, Gymkhana Club and Deputy Proctor Prof. Iffat Asghar, University Librarian, Prof Nishat Fatima, Member Incharge, Land and Garden Prof. Anwar Shahzad, and Principal, AMU Senior Secondary School (Girls) Mrs. Naghma Irfan.
During the event, three students, Sumaiyya, Jaweria and Zyna demonstrated their swimming skills.
Source : Aligarh Muslim University News