ALIGARH July 28: Lt Gen (Retd) Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University appreciated the efforts of UGC Academic Staff College for reaching out to higher education teachers of the nation projecting secular and democratic image of the University. He was addressing the valedictory function of the 131^st and 132^nd Orientation Programmes of the UGC Academic Staff College as chief guest.

Gen Shah expressed satisfaction at the edifying remarks received in the participants’ feedback session. He said that he was delighted to learn that the course participants had developed an appreciation for Urdu. He further said that Urdu is a language of every Indian who belongs to the Indo-Gangetic plains and it should not be linked with any religion.

The Vice Chancellor also released a book, ‘New Directions in Higher Education’, edited by Professor Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Director, UGC ASC and published by Viva Books, New Delhi. The book will be distributed as study material amongst the course participants. It comprises scholarly articles from 40 experts of various fields.

Professor AR Kidwai said that Academic Staff College has relentlessly tried to spread the message of equal participation in nation building, peaceful coexistence and brotherhood, which are the cultural ethos of our great nation. He said that the existence of Aligarh Muslim University in itself is a living testimony to the secular credentials of our beloved country. Professor Kidwai also facilitated the distribution of contributor’s copy of the book and certificates of participation to the course participants. Mrs Sabiha Simi Shah, wife of AMU Vice Chancellor gave away the certificates and congratulated all the participants on their success.

Ms Pallavi Saikia, Assam, Mr Jameer Momin and Mr Pranav Ratraparkhi of Maharashtra gave their valuable feedbacks regarding the courses on behalf of other participants. They acknowledged the achievements such as communication skills, time management and linkages of education with society during the course. They also felicitated the chief guest and Academic Staff College staff with souvenirs.

Dr S Reshma Jamal conducted the programme and Dr Faiza Abbasi proposed the vote of thanks. Ninety-nine University and College teachers from various states of India including Assam, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and UP participated in the four-week long courses.