Tributes paid to late Brigadier Qamar-us-Salam Khan

Rich tributes were paid to late Brigadier Qamar-us-Salam Khan (Retd), a member of the Board of Governors of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) at a memorial meeting held at the University campus recently.
The speakers spoke about his life and achievements as a worker of Aligarh Movement, Pakistan Movement, as a soldier during the 1965 war and during his posting in the then East Pakistan after the war and his contribution to literature, social services and propagation of the cause of education.
In his presidential address, SSUET Chancellor Z.A. Nizami recalled the services of Brigadier Khan and said that he was the soul behind the establishment of Aligarh Institute of Technology, where today over 3000 students are studying. He also arranged finances for the purpose, he said, adding that Khan was an active member of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association who focused on promoting the cause of education and literature. He also set-up Literary Arts and Culture Forum at the University and also established the debating society.
Nizami said that although Khan was a soldier but he had a very soft heart and he used to extend all possible help to poor students of this university. After his death his family sent a cheque for over Rs 0.35 million to the University to extend support to deserving students, he added.
He said that the University would establish a chair after the name of Brigadier (Late) Qamar-us-Salam Khan and a center of excellence in the Institute of Technology. He disclosed that the University is bringing out a book on the life and achievements of Brigadier Khan and asked his family members to provide complete information about him.
Professor Sehar Ansari described Brigadier Khan as a valuable asset from Aligarh and for Aligarhians. He said that Brigadier Qamar had deep interest in Islamic history. Professor Dr Waqar Ahmed Rizvi described Brigadier Khan as a proud son of Aligarh and a dedicated worker of Pakistan Movement. He said late Qamar was a fabulous writer and his personality was reflected in his writing on history, culture and humour. He has written two books - "Talatum se kanarey tak" and "Pas-e-Aaina". Khumar Farooqui, Honorary Consultant of SSUET's Literary Arts and Culture Forum and Saeed Siddiqi, a senior Aligarhian also spoke on the occasion.-PR