AMU secular, largely misunderstood: Vice chancellor

The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), moving towards the goals set by scholar and nationalist Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, is "totally secular" albeit with an Islamic flavour, said its vice chancellor Saturday.

"We are a university largely misunderstood. We stand for total secular values but with an Islamic flavour," said Lt. Gen. (retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah during the inaugural ceremony of a year-long programme to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Azad organised by the Iran Society here.

"We are marching ahead towards the missions and the goal set by Maulana Azad. AMU has benefited greatly by the efforts of Maulana Azad towards the cause of modern scientific education," he said.

Also present was former chief justice of India Altamas Kabir, who called for being in sync with the leader's ideas.

Hashim Abdul Halim, patron of the Iran Society and former assembly speaker, said: "We need leaders like the Maulana to bridge the gap between the Hindus and Muslims."