The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Centre, Malappuram, celebrated Sir Syed Day on Saturday, 17 October 2026, commemorating the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and reaffirming his enduring vision of modern education, social progress and intellectual development. The observance began with Qur’an Khwani in the Prayer Hall, followed by the main commemorative programme at the Centre’s Open Auditorium.
Dr Lubna Ansari, General Convener of Sir Syed Day Celebration 2026, delivered the welcome address. Dr Anver P.C., Executive Director of IQRAA International Hospital & Research Centre, Kozhikode, attended as the special guest. Other distinguished guests included Captain (Dr) Abdul Hameed, President of AMUOSAK; Adv. Najma Thabsheera, President of Perinthalmanna Block Panchayath; and Mr Aboobacker P., former President of KUTA. Prof. M. Shahul Hameed, Director of the Centre, presided over the function.
In his address, Dr Anver P.C. highlighted the significance of the AMU Centre in Kerala and encouraged collective efforts to strengthen the campus and make it more accessible to the community. The invited guests reflected on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s educational legacy and the importance of students’ active participation in society. Prof. M. Shahul Hameed delivered the presidential address. In his address, he highlighted the Centre’s continued progress in pursuing the vision and mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, with the cooperation and collective commitment of its teachers and students. He emphasised the importance of quality education, intellectual development, discipline, and the holistic growth of students. He also encouraged the campus community to work together to strengthen the Centre and carry forward Sir Syed’s legacy of educational reform, social progress, and service to society.
Faculty members also addressed the gathering in different languages. Dr Shahnawaz Ahmed Malik, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, spoke in Urdu about Sir Syed’s vision of an education that develops character, culture and good conduct alongside academic knowledge. Dr Firoz Ahmad, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, spoke in English, while Dr Muhammed Haris C., Assistant Professor, Department of Education, addressed the gathering in Malayalam.
As part of the celebrations, literary, artistic and creative competitions were organised from 12 to 16 October. The events included essay writing, speech, poetry recitation, display board, poster making and model making, along with calligraphy, sketching and painting. The competitions offered students from different programmes an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, communication skills and academic engagement.
Selected winners included:
• English Speech: Ahmad Zayan (B.A. LL.B. First Year) — First Prize
• Urdu Poetry Recitation: Alisha Raza (B.A. LL.B. Fourth Year) — First Prize
• English Essay Writing: Rushil Rumaisa Fatima (Law Fourth Year) — First Prize
• Poster Making: Noorul Hasan (M.B.A. First Year) — First Prize
• Model Making: Alisha Raza, Sidra Khan, Noor Afza and Nawaz Qasmi (B.A. LL.B. Fourth Year) — First Position
• Calligraphy: Alisha Noor (Law First Year) — First Prize
The Centre also honoured seven Urdu scholars and teachers with mementos in recognition of their service to the Urdu language and its teaching. The winners of the speech competitions, including Ahmad Zayan in English and Abul Qais in Urdu, addressed the gathering. Representatives of the Senior Halls, Mohd. Abdullah Shanib of Sir Syed Hall and Sifat Khan of Begum Sultan Jahan Hall, also shared their remarks.
Organising team: Dr Lubna Ansari, General Convener; Dr Sabeena P.S., Joint Convener; and Dr Hamza V.K., Convenor of the competitions. Faculty in-charges included Dr Jijo George (essay writing), Dr Maryam Azhari (speech), Dr Samrah Fatima (poetry recitation), Dr Sadaf Jafri (display board), Mr Syed Ahmad Saad (poster making), Dr Christi Anna George (model making) and Dr Basharat Hasan (Art Gallery activities).
Dr Sabeena P.S. proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Ms Fida and Mr Imran and concluded with the AMU Tarana, followed by the National Anthem. The celebration paid tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s lasting contribution to education and highlighted the Centre’s commitment to nurturing students’ intellectual, literary and artistic talents.
The celebrations were made successful through the dedicated efforts of the organising team, with Dr. Lubna Ansari serving as General Convener, Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed Malik and Dr. Sabeena P.S. as Joint Conveners, Dr. Jijo George as Convenor of the Programme Committee, Dr. Hamza V.K. as Convenor of the Event Committee, and Mr. Ghalib Nashter as Convenor of the Public Relations Committee Dr. Raghul V Rajan,Convenor of food Committee and Dr. Syed Hayat Basha,Convenor of Stage Committee.