Press Release 

Bicentenary celebrations of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in Mauritius

     In collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the High Commission of India, the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Alumni Association (Mauritius) organized a series of events from 15-18 July 2017, to mark the 200th birth anniversary year of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (born 1817). The events, held at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), included a calligraphy exhibition, an evening of ghazals and a two-day academic conference on the life and works of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. A ten-member delegation, supported by ICCR, from AMU in Aligarh, including Prof. Samina Khan and singer Johny Foster, visited Mauritius for the celebrations. 

     Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in his message on the occasion, said that the AMU, established at the initiative of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, has become a symbol of modern education in India. As a reformist and statesman, Sir Syed played an important role in enhancing access to modern education for all Indians, especially the Muslim community. 

     The exhibition “Creative Connections”, containing calligraphy, paintings and sculptures by Indian and Mauritius artists, on 15 July 2017, was opened in the presence of Hon. Mrs. Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, Minister of Education and Human Resources, Government of Mauritius, Hon. Mr. Raouf Bundhun, former Vice President of Mauritius and Shri Abhay Thakur, High Commissioner of India. 

     A special ‘Commemorative Day Cover’ by Mauritius Post was released at the opening of the academic conference on 17 July 2017, alongwith a souvenir magazine of the AMU Alumni Association. The conference highlighted the reforms and contribution made by Sir Syed in the field of education, and included papers on women’s empowerment, traditional systems of medicine and promotion of languages. The ghazal performance in the evening by singer Johny Foster was graced by Hon. Prithvirajsing Roopun, Minister of Art and Culture and Mr. Farad Dowlut, Mayor of Vacoas-Phoenix. 

*****

18 July 2017

Port Louis