ALIGARH, June 30: Prof Mohammad Gulrez, Professor in the Department of West Asian and North African Studies, Faculty of International Studies, and former Vice Chancellor (officiating) of Aligarh Muslim University, retired from university services today after an illustrious career as a teacher, scholar and administrator.
A farewell ceremony was organized in his honour at the Faculty of International Studies, where faculty members, colleagues and well-wishers recalled his long association with the University and his significant contribution to its academic and administrative life. The dignitaries present on this occasion included Vice Chancellor, Prof Naima Khatoon, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof M. Mohsin Khan, Registrar, Prof Aasim Zafar, Dean, Faculty of International Studies, Prof Aftab Alam. Senior faculty members, research scholars and non-teaching staff members were also present during the programme.
Prof Gulrez served as Vice Chancellor (officiating), AMU from April 2, 2023 to April 22, 2024, after serving as Pro-Vice Chancellor from June 22, 2022 to April 2, 2023. He also held several important positions, including Dean, Faculty of International Studies; Dean, Students’ Welfare; Chairman, Department of West Asian and North African Studies; Founder Coordinator, Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies Programme; and Founder Director, Centre for South African and Brazilian Studies.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor, AMU, appreciated the academic and infrastructural development undertaken during Prof Gulrez’s tenure as Vice Chancellor. She said his leadership was marked by administrative maturity, institutional commitment and a deep concern for the academic advancement of the University. It was during his period that the Bohra Spiritual Leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin granted a buxom donation for the construction of the building for the College of Pharmacy, AMU, she added.
Prof Mohammad Azher, former Dean, Faculty of International Studies, highlighted Prof Gulrez’s long association with the Faculty and described him as a committed academic who contributed significantly to the growth of area studies, international relations and peace studies at AMU.
Prof Vibha Sharma, Member-in-Charge, Public Relations Office, said Prof Gulrez brought dignity, balance and clarity to the responsibilities he held, and noted his constructive role in strengthening institutional communication and public engagement. She underlined that his experience will be of immense value for the academic community.
Prof Shafey Kidwai, former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Director, Sir Syed Academy, recalled Prof Gulrez’s scholarly temperament and his commitment to the intellectual traditions of Aligarh Muslim University.
Prof Tauqueer Alam Falahi, former Dean, Faculty of Theology, praised Prof Gulrez for his humility, integrity and inclusive approach, saying that his services to the University would be remembered with respect.
Dr Shamim Akhtar, Director, Centre of Continuing and Adult Education and Extension, appreciated Prof Gulrez’s encouragement of academic initiatives and extension activities. He also referred to his contribution in preparing the proposal for upgrading the Centre of Continuing and Adult Education and Extension into a full-fledged department in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Prof Naseem Ahmad Khan , former Chairman, Department of Social Work, described Prof Gulrez as a widely respected academic and an able administrator who combined scholarship with humility and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.
Prof Gulrez’s academic interests include global governance, international relations, multiculturalism, comparative politics, peace and sustainable development, with special reference to South and South-West Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has authored and edited seven books and monographs and published more than forty research papers, articles and encyclopedia entries. He has also guided a substantial body of doctoral and M.Phil. research.
His international academic engagements include service as ICCR Visiting Chair at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and as Visiting Professor in the Department of Political and Administrative Sciences at the National University of Rwanda. He also worked as Consultant/Researcher on the Good Governance component of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper project of the Government of Rwanda. He has participated in academic programmes, seminars and conferences in several countries, including the United States, Iran, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Kuwait and Turkiye.
In his farewell address, Prof Mohammad Gulrez expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, colleagues, teachers, non-teaching staff and students for their affection and cooperation throughout his career. He said that AMU had been central to his academic and personal journey, and that serving the University in different capacities had been a matter of great honour. He urged the teaching community to continue working for academic excellence, institutional discipline and the welfare of students.
Source : Aligarh Muslim University News