By Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui
By Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui
Hyderabad – The Indian President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Osmania University at a mammoth gathering in Hyderabad, the capital of the southern Indian state Telangana on Wednesday.
In his inaugural address, President Mukherjee stressed on the enhancement of quality in education and research. He urged the industry to come forward to fund academic and research activities in universities to produce quality talent. He also emphasized the need for free exchange of ideas and the significance of dialogue as propounded by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.
It may be recalled that Osmania University, which attracts students from 32 countries – including Arab and African countries, was founded by the last Siddiqui ruler of the Asaf Jahi Kingdom of Hyderabad, His Exalted Highness (H.E.H) the Nizam VII, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur. While inaugurating the Osmania University hundred years ago, H.E.H the Nizam had advised the students thus:
“Make the most of your study time. Talented teachers, comfortable accommodation, well stocked library, modern laboratories are all for you and you must avail them to the fullest. Acquire knowledge, skill and good character. You will not get this opportunity once you are caught in the struggle of life. Prepare not just for the exams but to tackle the tough times in life. Be broad hearted and considerate with your friends. This is such a sterling trait which perfects ones character. Attaining good character is more important than mere study of books. And this is the main purpose behind setting up the university.’’
The Glorious Nizam had concluded his address to the students with a fervent supplication to the Almighty to let the university progress by leaps and bounds and let ‘my country’ draw lasting benefits from it. The Almighty answered his prayers! More than 10 million students have so far graduated from this illustrious university, which produced stalwarts in different fields with international acclaim. Osmania University has produced eminent scientists, economists, politicians, sportsmen, doctors, engineers and journalists. It gave one Prime Minister of India in the form of late P. V Narasimha Rao, innumerable Governors and Chief Ministers.
From H.E.H the Nizam to President Mukherjee, the message to students remain the same over these hundred years: Work hard, excel in sciences, research and innovation and to let ‘my country’ draw lasting benefits.’
The Governor of Telangana E.S. L Narasimhan, Chief Minister of Telangana K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Deputy Chief Ministers Kadiyam Srihari and Mahmood Ali and several other dignitaries participated in the inaugural ceremony of centenary celebrations of Osmania University.
Personally, I am proud to be an alumnus of this great Osmania University. What an honour to receive my PhD degree during the centenary year! I earnestly hope that my fellow Osmanians will excel in all fields, inspire the future generations for a peaceful, strong and glorious Republic of India!
_______________________________________________________
Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui is a felicitated journalist, columnist and political analyst based in the Middle East. During his stint in The Deccan Chronicle, he was mentored by eminent journalist M. J Akbar (presently, India’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs). His articles have seen the light of the day from seven cities across the world.
