Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is playing a transformative role in connecting first-generation learners with higher education opportunities, according to Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NAAC and former Chairman of AICTE. Speaking as the chief guest at MANUU’s 29th Foundation Day celebrations in Hyderabad, he described this work as revolutionary and life-changing for countless families across the country. Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of MANUU, presided over the function held to commemorate the university’s establishment.
Prof. Sahasrabudhe praised MANUU for its comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The university offers diverse programs including law school, para-medical courses, sciences, commerce, polytechnic and skill development courses. He highlighted that the biggest advantage of NEP 2020 is its flexibility, allowing students who drop out to receive certificates for completed coursework and resume their education after a gap of one or two years. The policy also enables students participating in sports and other competitions to earn academic credits.
The former AICTE Chairman emphasized MANUU’s unique position in the Indian education landscape. The university provides education in mother tongue from Class 1 to doctoral level through its various campuses across the country. He noted that no other university in India matches MANUU’s distinctive character and advised both teachers and students to become life-long learners. Prof. Sahasrabudhe observed that continuous progress is visible at MANUU, making it a model institution for inclusive education.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Ainul Hasan reflected on MANUU’s journey from scratch to becoming a superior quality institution. Despite being a young university, the institution has made remarkable progress in serving the highly marginalized sections of society. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for their full support, acknowledging that running such a large institution would not have been possible without government backing. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that MANUU has a unique national character dedicated to uplifting underserved communities.
Prof. Ainul Hasan highlighted the university’s achievements in women empowerment, noting that MANUU started with only 5% girls intake and now has 47% girl students. This dramatic increase reflects the university’s mandate to give special consideration to female students. He stated that MANUU is implementing NEP in its entirety with emphasis on social inclusion, multidisciplinary education, and outreach programs. The Vice Chancellor advised the academic community to always help marginalized groups and work towards uplifting women’s education.
Prof. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar of MANUU, delivered the welcome address and provided details about the university’s infrastructure and facilities. The main campus spreads over 200 acres of land and is dedicated to advancing research and education through Urdu medium of instruction. The university is named after freedom fighter and India’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, whose vision laid the foundation of modern technical, scientific and higher education in the country. Upholding principles of equity and social justice, MANUU seeks to empower the Urdu-speaking population by offering inclusive and high-quality academic opportunities.
The Foundation Day celebrations included felicitation of eminent personalities Prof. Majeed Bedar, Ms. Dilnaz Baig, Ms. Farida Raj, Ms. Neeraja Giri, Ms. Mateen Ansari and Mr. Mohammed Lateef Khan for their valuable contributions in their respective fields. The university also honored retired teachers Prof. Syed Aleem Ashraf Jaisi and Dr. Masroor Fatima along with retired non-teaching employees Dr. K.U.S. Sastry, Mr. R. Srinivas and Mr. K.T. Raju for their dedicated service. Late Prof. Najmus Saher and Late Mr. Shaik Abdullah received posthumous recognition for their contributions during their tenure at the institution.
