Aligarh: Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit who was a chief guest on the founder's day celebration at Women's College of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) described her visit to this institution a sentimental journey because of her nostalgic memories of this place.

She mentioned with great pride how she still cherishes her brief meeting with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder of this college when her late husband was the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Khair in Aligarh district.

Mrs. Dikshit focused on skill-based learning in the institutions for female component. She appreciated AMU as young and vibrant and highlighted the need to open a separate department for environment and ecology learning foreseeing challenges ahead in the world.

She said that although she is the product of Delhi University (DU) but likes AMU for its culture, beautiful gardens and heritage buildings while giving awards to the meritorious students of the college.

Ms. Fatima Javed of English (main) received most coveted Papa Mian Padma Bhushan Award for over all outstanding performance in academic and co-curricular activities.

In his presidential remarks, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis said that this institution has decided to establish five special centres in different parts of the country to meet the challenging needs of the marginalized and excluded social class and would replicate the AMU model in all its centres.

Prof. Azis said AMU means brilliant dedicated persons and we need institution builders to create a new environment.

He said that the University has made rapid progress, succeeded in providing ICT facilities to all its staff and students, thus creating information highway on their fingertips.

A Digital Resource Centre was also established at Maulana Azad Library of the University.

Earlier welcoming the guests, Prof. Bilquis Naseem Waris, Principal of the Women's College said that on the eve of founder's day, we also celebrate the achievements of the young minds today.

She said that this college now consists of 95 teaching faculty, 75 non-teaching staff and 2563 students including overseas students on the rolls and added that the students of this college have always been great achievers be it in academic and other co-curricular activities.

Ms. Ameena Arif, a student of B. Sc. (Biochemistry) gained the top position among all the six faculties, securing the highest percentage of marks, with an aggregate of 89.9% during the last session.

Prof. Bilquees highlighted the achievements of teachers and pointed out that 31 teachers participated in various national and international conferences, workshops and symposia.

On this occasion, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis and Prof. Zakia Ather Siddiqui, Secretary, female Education Association presented the awards to Aiman Siddiqui, Ilma and Saeeda.

Students presented group songs while Dr. Romana Siddiqui conducted the programme.

Earlier, AMU VC welcomed Mrs., Sheila Dikshit at Vice Chancellor's lodge, senior faculty members and top officials were present.