{
  "id": 15872178,
  "title": "Even in the 21st century, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s words resonate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/even-in-the-21st-century-sir-syed-ahmad-khans-words-resonate",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T10:17:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/even-in-the-21st-century-sir-syed-ahmad-khans-words-resonate-10930644/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the 21st century, the words of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan continue to hold great significance. As students and alumni of Aligarh Muslim University around the world commemorate the 209th birth anniversary of this influential figure, it becomes evident that his ideas have remained pertinent in the face of modern challenges. A versatile personality who played a pivotal role in shaping India's history during the latter half of the 19th century, Sir Syed's work transcended a single label, as he was far more than just the founder of Aligarh Muslim University. His genius and methods defied categorization, as they belonged to an entirely unique school of thought.\n\nIn a world grappling with the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence, Sir Syed's foresight becomes even more relevant. He faced a similar crisis when Western science, confined within foreign languages, disrupted the existing social order. To bridge this gap, he established the Scientific Society, which focused on translating scientific works from English and other European languages into Urdu and Hindi, thus making scientific knowledge accessible to a broader audience.\n\nSir Syed's enduring legacy lies in his ability to balance education for social progress and national integration. In a speech delivered on January 27, 1883, in Patna, he emphasized the importance of education in the prosperity and development of the nation. He stated, \"It is the categorical verdict of all the nations and great seers of the world that national progress depends on education and training (of the people). If, therefore, we desire the prosperity and development of our nation, we should strive for a national system of education to educate our people in science and technology.\" This statement resonates strongly in today's digital age, where an educated mind is vital for discerning the answers provided by machines.\n\nBeyond his educational pursuits, Sir Syed envisioned a social compact that brought together Hindus and Muslims. He aimed to liberate both communities from medieval thought patterns and guide them towards reason, open-mindedness, and progress. By inviting Raja Dev Narayan Singh as the patron of MAO College, he fostered a spirit of fellowship between the communities, a principle that was integral to the foundation of MAO College itself.\n\nHowever, Sir Syed was not without his critics. Some historians have questioned certain remarks he made regarding the social order of his time, while others have pointed to potential close ties with the colonial government. Despite these criticisms, his emphasis on the social-educational empowerment of Muslims is seen as a necessary response to the fact that Hindus had already made significant strides in modern scientific education and social reforms. Sir Syed even criticized the reluctance of Muslims to embrace a modern scientific temperament and linguistic versatility, which he perceived as a \"fatal shroud of complacent self-esteem.\"\n\nRecently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a significant role in reviving Sir Syed's relevance in the contemporary political landscape. At the centenary celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University in 2020, Modi cited Sir Syed's words, \"The first and foremost duty of one who is concerned about his country is to work for the welfare of all people, irrespective of the caste, creed or religion of the people.\" This quote encapsulates the essence of Sir Syed's vision and aligns with the core principles of \"nation first\" and \"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.\" Through his words and deeds, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the timeless importance of education in fostering national progress and social harmony.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}