ALIGARH: A gathering of esteemed scholars and academicians convened at Sir Syed Academy, Aligarh Muslim University, to discuss Dr. Laurence Gautier’s recent book, Between Nation and ‘Community’: Muslim Universities and Indian Politics After Partition. The event explored the complex interplay of community, nation, secularism, nationalism, Muslim identity, and the evolution of Muslim universities.
Organized in collaboration with the Aligarh Society of History and Archaeology, the discussion was graced by Dr. Gautier herself.
Prof. Irfan Habib, a noted historian and Professor Emeritus at AMU, presided over the event. He reflected on the challenges faced by Aligarh Muslim University post-partition, highlighting how the Kumaon Regiment was deployed to protect the institution. “Despite financial pressures, the University Act of 1951 ensured that the government took responsibility. Maulana Azad provided vital assurances,” he stated.
Prof. Habib emphasized the remarkable communal harmony in Aligarh during 1947-48, crediting leaders like Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel for maintaining peace. Sharing his experiences as a student during that tumultuous period, he noted the commitment to education, saying, “Even when teachers left, classes had full attendance, showcasing resilience amid turmoil.”
In her address, Prof. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of AMU, pointed out the need for a deeper exploration of the relationship between AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Indian politics. She commended Dr. Gautier for filling this gap, noting that both universities acted as intermediaries between Muslims and the central government in the absence of a strong Muslim political party.
Prof. Khatoon underscored the book’s insights into Muslim identity and its role in nation-building, praising Gautier for highlighting the contributions of AMU and Jamia in preserving pluralism and democracy.
Dr. Gautier clarified that her book is not merely a comparison of the two universities but an exploration of their roles in nation-building. Prof. Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi provided a critical view, praising Gautier’s scholarship while suggesting a bias toward Jamia. He contested interpretations that portrayed Jamia as progressive and AMU as regressive.
Prof. Farhat Hasan advocated for viewing the book through an academic lens rather than as a rivalry between the two institutions. He appreciated its empirical research approach.
The event concluded with the release of Dr. Gautier’s book, with Dr. Mohammad Shahid proposing a vote of thanks and Syed Hussain Haider conducting the proceedings.
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