Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is celebrating Sir Syed Day on 17 October 2026, the 209th birth anniversary of its founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India, is the chief guest at the main function at Gulistan-e-Syed, presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon.
Guests at the main function
According to the official programme released by the university, the guests are:
- Chief Guest: Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge, Supreme Court of India
- Presided by: Prof. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor, AMU
- Guest of Honour: Justice Satya Veer Singh, Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad
- Guest of Honour: Rear Admiral S.M. Urooj Athar, Principal, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala
- Special Guest: Dr Faruk G. Patel, Chairman and Managing Director, KP Group, Surat, Gujarat
How the day began
Amar Ujala reported on 17 October 2026 that the programme began at 6 am with Quran Khwani at the University Mosque, followed by chadarposhi at the grave of Sir Syed at 7 am. An exhibition based on Sir Syed’s writings and books was opened at Sir Syed House at 9:30 am.
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At the main function, the Vice Chancellor escorted Justice Masih to the stage, and the proceedings opened with recitation from the Quran. Registrar Prof. Asim Zafar delivered the welcome address, the newspaper reported.
Sir Syed Excellence Awards
- International Sir Syed Excellence Award: Prof. Hossein Nasr, Islamic philosopher and scholar at George Washington University, USA. The award was received on his behalf, and he addressed the gathering online.
- National Sir Syed Excellence Award: Khaja Education Society, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
Speeches by students and faculty
Amar Ujala reported that Ayesha Jamal, a student of Women’s College, AMU student Abu Dawood and Prof. Azra Musavi spoke at the function, and Mohd Ali Jauhar delivered a speech in Urdu.
Watch the celebration online
The AMU Public Relations Office said on 16 October that the Department of Mass Communication is webcasting the celebration live on YouTube so that alumni and well-wishers who cannot attend in person can follow it. The webcast is available at youtube.com/live/7mm50QDRYIc.
Read more: AMU VC reviews Sir Syed Day 2026 preparations, rehearsal held at Gulistan-e-Syed and Why AMU celebrates Sir Syed Day on 17 October.
Source: Amar Ujala, 17 October 2026; AMU Public Relations Office, 16 October 2026. This report will be updated when the university releases its full account of the function.
