By Muslim Mirror Network
Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin laid the foundation stone for a new Institute of Pharmacy at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Monday, February 12, 2024, on behalf of his respected father, leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Upon its completion, the ‘His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Institute of Pharmacy’ will fulfil an urgent requirement for graduates equipped to meet India’s growing need for quality healthcare.
The state-of-the-art facility, gifted to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, will house the new Institute of Pharmacy, and will train and produce future leaders in the field. This will further enhance AMU’s educational capabilities and bolster its reputation as one of the premier universities in India.
Equipped with lecture halls, laboratories, a seminar room, an extensive library and interactive spaces, the eco-friendly building embodies a design that aligns with the Islamic philosophy of holistic healing. It optimises natural ventilation and daylight, incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and aims to provide a learning environment that nurtures student potential and stimulates innovation.
Shahzada Husain Burhanuddin initiated the day’s event by laying the foundation stone for the new institute and visiting Syedna Taher Saifuddin High School which is part of the University campus. At Kennedy Hall, after recitation from the Holy Quran by Shahzada Burhanuddin, the Registrar gave a welcome speech in which he said, “The teachers, students, and faculty are indebted to the act of generosity by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin and the community for taking up this project. We are sure that this institute will have world-class infrastructure and output, in line with the high standards that the [Dawoodi] Bohra community’s projects are known for.”
Professor Nadeem Khalil, University Engineer, provided a brief overview of the project and Professor Reza Abbas discussed the association of three generations of Dawoodi Bohra community’s leadership with Aligarh Muslim University. In his own address, Shahzada Burhanuddin indicated that the new institute of pharmacy will provide students of Aligarh Muslim University the opportunity to grow in all aspects of life. “The purpose of establishing this new institute is to give further impetus to thought and to serve humanity in new ways. Engaging in thought is considered an intellectual form of worship”, he said.
He also spoke of the need to adopt kindness and humility in one’s life, especially when seeking knowledge. While praying for peace throughout the world, he spoke of the need for individuals and countries to focus energies inwards, and adopt kindness to those who do one wrong as a philosophy of personal conduct and international engagement. Shahzada Burhanudidn remarked that there was a need to improve healthcare in the country, and expressed His Holiness’ aspirations that the new pharmacy institute would help contribute to that cause.
Thanking Shahzada Saheb, the Interim Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Gulrez said, “The need for such an institute has long been felt and today has come to fruition.”
The Kennedy Hall event concluded with the AMU tarana and national anthem, after which Shahzada Burhanuddin paid his respects at the tomb of AMU’s founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. He then proceeded for lunch at the Vice Chancellor’s lodge where he interacted with a large group of students and faculty.
The Dawoodi Bohra community and its leadership have an affectionate bond with the University spanning nearly 70 years. His Holiness the 51st Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin and his son the 52nd Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin both held Chancellorships at AMU during which they contributed to its development and growth. His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the 53rd Dai, accepted the Chancellorship of Aligarh Muslim University in 2015 and visited the campus on the occasion of its 63rd Annual Convocation in 2017.