In fact, PM Modi is the third prime minister to visit the academic institute. Before Shastri, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had also visited AMU. According to a report by PTI, Jawaharlal Nehru visited AMU four times. He visited the first time in 1948 when an honorary doctorate was conferred on him at the annual convocation, followed by visits in 1955, 1960 and 1963.
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In his address today, PM Modi said that AMU represents 'mini India'.
"In its 100 years of history, AMU has shaped millions of lives, giving them modern and scientific thinking and inspiring them to do something for the society and the nation," said PM Modi during his speech delivered via video conferencing.
He also acknowledged the research work being done in the University and said, "In Aligarh Muslim University, the research done in Urdu, Arabic and Persian language is commendable. Especially the research conducted in Islamic history elevates the position of India in the Islamic world and gives new energy to India's relation with them."
He also said that India is moving in a path that assures every citizen gets their constitutional rights.
"The country is marching forward on the path where every citizen would get the benefits of development happening in the country without any discrimination. The country is on the path where every citizen should rest assured about their constitutional rights & their future," said PM Modi.
AMU became a University in 1920, through an Act of the Indian Legislative Council by elevating the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College to the status of a Central University. MAO College was set up in 1877 by Syed Ahmad Khan.