The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Students’ Union elections witnessed a strong display of women’s empowerment. In the first elections held in eight years, female students not only participated enthusiastically but also secured victories for various positions, demonstrating their growing influence in student politics. For the first time, a significant number of female students have won various posts within the Students’ Union.
For the first time in 16 years, a female candidate contested for the post of President, while the participation of women in the race for the Vice-President position also drew considerable attention. Ishra Naeem made history by winning the post of Vice-President, becoming the first woman to be elected to this position.
Amina Irshad contested for the post of President, while Nashra Naeem and Irfa Khan were in the fray for the post of Vice-President. Previously, the presence of women in student union politics had not been as significant. This time, female students demonstrated a strong engagement—from contesting the elections to securing victories. Notably, five female students—Haniya Khan, Areeba Dilshad, Shazia Shamim, Anika Rumman Rahi, and Shaheen Parveen—also secured spots in the Students’ Union cabinet. Furthermore, Amina Faizan (from the Faculty of Unani Medicine) and Ilma Mashroof (from the Faculty of Commerce) were elected as student representatives to the AMU Court.
History Made for the Vice-President Post; Strong Female Presence in the Cabinet and the Court
Dr. Rahat Abrar, former Public Relations Officer at AMU, stated that the election of such a large number of female students is a positive sign for the university. Female students are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and are stepping forward to raise their voices. Their increasing participation in the student union will inspire other female students to come forward and take on leadership roles. This shift also reflects a growing acceptance of women within the university’s student politics.
Union to work for student welfare: Vice-Chancellor
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon congratulated the newly elected office-bearers, cabinet members, and student representatives to the AMU Court. She remarked that the students have once again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process. She commended the Chief Election Officers, the Proctor, the Deans of the faculties, and the university administration for conducting the elections with fairness and diligence. She also expressed her gratitude to the faculty members and the students. She voiced her hope that the newly elected representatives would work for the welfare of their fellow students with integrity and commitment.
Making history as the first female Court members
Since the introduction of the student quota for AMU Court membership in 1981, no female candidate had ever won—until now. This time, that barrier was broken, with Amina Faizan and Ilma Mashroof securing victories that took everyone by surprise. Student leadership born from a 142-year-old tradition of debate
At Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the roots of student politics extend well beyond student union elections. The university boasts a 142-year-old tradition of debate and democratic discourse. Established in 1884 at the then-Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, the ‘Siddons Union Club’ provided students with a platform to express their views, engage in argumentation, and develop leadership skills. Founded on August 26, 1884—modeled after the Cambridge Union Society—the club became the primary hub for student debates at the college. In those days, the college principal served as the club’s president.
Student representatives were chosen through a democratic process
The Vice-President and Secretary were elected from among the student body. Following the establishment of the university in 1920, the Vice-Chancellor served as the president of the club, while the positions of vice-president and secretary were filled through student elections. In other words, while the top university administrators initially held the role of president, student representatives were chosen through a democratic process.
The year 1951 is considered significant in the history of the students’ union. Through the efforts of Dr. Zakir Hussain—who later became the third President of India and had previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of AMU—the structure of the union was reformed. This change ensured that all three key positions—president, vice-president, and secretary—were held by elected student representatives, with the Vice-Chancellor designated as the patron of the union. This transformation established a tradition of student leadership in the union’s top positions, a practice that continues to this day.
