We call them “Traditions” at AMU

All Old and prestigious educational institutions have some things in common. They have good old buildings that boast of their being emblems of modernity in the past, their unique and distinct culture and their distinguished alumni. Likewise, my beloved alma mater – AMU, has these things as well.

AMU has a history of its own. It has old buildings with marvellous architecture. And it has a set of traditions for its students to follow. These are unwritten rules which are passed on by students to the later generation of students. While the student pursue their academic goals, they take out time for the AMU traditions so much so that it hardly takes anything to follow them. They become one’s lifestyle. Most of these age old traditions must have been written by the first generation of AMU students. Some of them must have been added by, later, as and when felt.

I am listing down some of which I remember. It is just to fulfill my task of passing it on to the younger lot.

1. Knock before you enter
Knock and wait for an answer before you enter anyone’s room except for your own though.

2. Greet everyone with common muslim greeting – Salam alaikum and try to grab the opportunity of being the first to do that. Probably, that’s one reason why Aligarians seldom give the common reply “wa- alaikum as-salaam“. Even if they fail to greet first, they reply with Salam – alaikum.

3. Following the dress code everywhere.
Step out of Hall/Hostel premises in Shirts, trousers and shoes. No folded sleeves. If wearing a kurta pyjama, sherwani is compulsory. The same rule applies for Dining Hall and Entertainment Room (“Common Room” as we call it).

4. Black sherwani, kurta -pyjama to be worn on all important occasions and university functions.

5. Introduction (a name given for a very mild ragging) is mandatory for all freshers even if they join university for Ph. D.

6. A student who spent at least 3 years is eligible to sit and watch the Introduction sessions. A 5 year senior can ask questions but a senior of 7 years or more actually leads the Intro sessions. A fresher’s room-mate can never sit in his room-mate’s Intro session.

7. If a student moves to another Hall then he has to give Introduction in the new Hall as well.

8. Respect the seniors (Senior students)

9. Queues for everything and everywhere. Seniors to be given preference.

10. Addressing another aligarian with the word “partner” in case one is not aware of other person’s name.

11. Men can’t carry or use umbrellas. They are supposedly meant for ladies. Raincoats/Rainsuits are allowed though.

12. Men shouldn’t be found running or panicking when it starts raining. Walk gracefully to the nearest shelter.

13. Shouldn’t call dining hall attendants as waiters. Ask for their name and add “miyan” or “bhai” to their names. The idea is to treat them with complete respect.

14. Tea, after meals
Tea after lunch and dinner is almost like a tradition. One who doesn’t have tea is looked down upon. It is disgraceful, shameful and very Un-aligarian not to have tea at all.

15. “A guest is a guest”. Any student’s guest should be treated as a guest by all.

16. Share home-made food with room-mates and hostel mates.

17. Chausanth (64) chawanni ka fatiha
Give a treat to friends/roommates by spending at least sixteen rupees. The denomination is set to 25 paisa coins so as to make the figure look big and respectable.

18. The procedure was to get sweets and read fatiha for Sir Syed and then distribute the sweets. It served many purposes:
– Homage to the Honurable Founder of AMU
– Sweets for the craving ones
– The victim can strengthen bonds with the predators.

19. Going to Aligarh Exhibition ( Numaeesh)
Going to Aligarh Exhibition at least once a year was mandatory for all students. It was preferable that students go all the way walking. I know people who used to have 100% attendance there.

20. Tipping the postman if you received a money-order, a parcel or registered post(which means a bank draft).

21. On a Dhaba, Cafe or in any canteen, a senior has to pay if a senior and junior are eating together.

22. In Students’ Union elections, the electoral candidates need to prepare and distribute their election manifesto.

23. During election campaigns, Campus walls shouldn’t be used for painting or pasting posters/bills etc.

24. Use of four-wheelers is also banned in elections.

25. Candidates for the posts of President, Vice-President and Secretary, have to give a speech from the dais of Union Hall. It is the most decisive event in AMU students Union elections. The final speech can turn the tides in anyone’s favour.

26. Before the Final speech, the candidates are carried on the shoulders and their supported take three rounds of Union hall cheering for their candidate.

27. One must cover his/her head at least while addressing a public gathering at AMU.

28. To begin all public gatherings, functions and events with recitation of Quran and ending them with University Tarana (Aligarh tarana).

29. See-off tea
How can I forget this one?
People have to treat everyone who came to see them off with Tea. And Tea could be not just it. It could include biscuits and other snacks. Later, it also meant soft-drinks when i was in Aligarh.

30. A vanished tradition – Mock Convocation was conducted by students as a part of extra-curricular activity. A leaflet was also brought out giving the details of the degrees and certificates awarded and their claimants.

The list could be longer, I know, but I need help from other Aligs. I will be happy to be told about the traditions i missed mentioning here. You can email me on: qaismujeeb@gmail.com

~ Qais