AGRA, Oct. 18 -- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) marked the 209th birth anniversary of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, with a solemn and celebratory "Sir Syed Day" on Saturday. The event, held at Gulistan-e-Syed, drew distinguished dignitaries who emphasised the university's enduring legacy of academic excellence and communal harmony. The event featured Supreme Court Judge Justice Augustine George Masih as the chief guest, who challenged students to look beyond personal success and focus on creating opportunities for future generations. "The most meaningful tribute to Sir Syed is to continue building for the future," Justice Masih remarked. He also drew parallels between Sir Syed's historical perseverance and modern-day challenges, advising students to view setbacks as stepping stones when faced with courage and patience. AMU vice-chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon presided over the event, describing Sir Syed as a transformative thinker who empowered his community to transition from passive witnesses of history to active participants in shaping it. A significant highlight of the celebration was the announcement by special guest Dr Faruk G Patel, chairman of the KP Group, who pledged a donation of Rs.5 crore to establish a "KP Excellence Centre" at the university. The ceremony also featured addresses by guests of honour Justice Satya Veer Singh of the Allahabad high court, who shared personal reflections on his time spent at the university's Maulana Azad Library, and Rear Admiral S M Urooj Athar, principal of the Indian Naval Academy, who lauded the university as a mission built on character and intellectual capacity. The "Sir Syed Excellence Award" was presented during the event: the international accolade went to Prof Hossein Nasr of George Washington University, while the national award was conferred upon the Khaja Bandanawaz Educational Society in Gulbarga, Karnataka....