Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you to pay tribute to a visionary, a scholar, and a pioneer of modern education in
India, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was born in Delhi in 1817. In his early years, he received a traditional Islamic
education, but he soon realized the need for modern education to uplift the Muslims of India, who were
lagging behind in education and were facing a lot of challenges in the British Raj.

Sir Syed dedicated his life to the cause of education, and in 1875, he founded the Muhammadan Anglo-
Oriental College in Aligarh, which later became the Aligarh Muslim University. The establishment of this
college was a turning point in the history of modern education in India. It aimed to provide modern
education to Muslims in India and bridge the gap between the two communities.

Sir Syed's vision of education was not limited to the classroom. He believed that education was the key
to social and economic progress and was essential for the upliftment of society. He also emphasized the
importance of learning English and advocated for the spread of Western knowledge among Muslims.

Sir Syed was not only a great educator but also a social reformer. He opposed many social evils
prevalent in Indian society, including the practice of purdah, early marriage, and the caste system. He
believed in the empowerment of women and established schools for girls, which were a rarity in those
times.

Sir Syed was a staunch advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity. He believed that the two communities should
work together for the progress and development of the country. He promoted a syncretic approach to
religion and was opposed to religious fanaticism.

In conclusion, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a man ahead of his times. His vision, dedication, and
commitment to education and social reform have left an indelible mark on Indian society. He will always
be remembered as a pioneer of modern education in India and a great reformer who worked tirelessly
for the betterment of society.