“Sir Syed of Northeast India” Chancellor Hoque Pledges Oath to AMU Founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s Vision

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Friday, October 17, 2025: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) community assembled early in the morning at the Sir Syed Hostel, a facility built by its Founder and Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, in honour of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan — the renowned reformer, philosopher, and educationist who founded one of India’s largest universities.

Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, an AMU alumnus who earned his MCA with distinction, is widely regarded as the “Sir Syed of Northeast India” for his transformative contributions to education as an institute builder.

Addressing students, faculty, and staff at the hostel grounds, he reflected on Sir Syed’s enduring impact: “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan planted the seed, but did not live to see the expansion of Aligarh Muslim University, which became one of the largest universities in our country, where the alumni celebrate his life all over the world.  All established globally in powerful scientific capacity, AMU has produced the President of India, the Vice President of India, the Army General, all different levels of ministers, and governors.”

Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said, “I hope that everyone will envision that I am not receiving education for myself with a torchlight in my hand to only protect me, rather, I be a torchbearer to enlighten the society through education.

To a gathering outside the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) building at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) campus,Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque also read out the last speech of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, where he said, “I lost my hair, my eyesight, but not my vision. My determination never dimmed. My determination never failed. I built this institution for you and I am sure, you will carry the light of this institution far and wide till darkness disappears from all around.”  Chancellor Hoque pledged an oath to carry forth his legacy in spreading the light of education everywhere.

USTM is built along similar vision as AMU, with its spirit of inclusiveness, modernization, diversity and scientific advancement