Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his Historical Writings (Notes)

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was interested in history and history-writing. His areas of interest were Islamic and South Asian history. In this essay, we examine certain relevant facets of this interest and its manifestation. There are a vast number of studies on the life, achievements and goals of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan [1817-1898]. His essays have been collected from his journalism in 18 volumes by Muhammad Ismail Panipati1 and his other writings, lectures and letters have also received editorial attention. A useful tool in this regard is the compilation titled Kitabiyat-i-Sir Syed made by Ziauddin Lahori.2 As this paper focuses on Sir Syed’s historical writings, we may mention here a recent doctoral thesis of Syeda Jabin Zehra on this very topic.3 As a matter of fact, any and all of Sir Syed’s writings be they on education or religion now come under the ambit of history but our narrower focus will be on those writings that deal with history as history alone though they may also admit of other classifications.

University Students As Socially Responsible Leaders: Lessons from a Mixed-Methods Study in Gitgit-Baltistan

Today the global society faces complexities, creating challenges for leadership practices to fulfill the increasing and unlimited wants of the global community (Ali, 2015), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) is not an exception in this regard (Hunzai, 2013), where leaders with the notion of socially responsible leadership (SRL) is the immediate relevance to address the community issues. SRL is a concept that approaches leadership as a purposeful, collaborative and value-based process, resulting in positive social changes for the betterment of the society (Komives & Wagner, 2009). Therefore, the study aimed to explore the perceptions of undergraduate students of BS VIII of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at the ABC University, GB about themselves as SRLs and the practices of ABC University for developing students as socially responsible leaders (SRLs), as well as the factors/challenges which influence the SRL qualities of students in the context of GB. The study employed mixed-methods research: descriptive cross-sectional survey method and case study design. In the quantitative phase the whole population (N-123) was invited to participate, therefore, no sampling was required, while in the qualitative phase purposive sampling was used to select the six participants, with the criteria of experience of community services. The findings from the descriptive statistical analysis (responses to the 8Cs) and from the interviews illustrated that GB and ABC University have a pool of courageous youth [undergraduate students] as their greatest asset. Developing the youth population as SRL depends on the practices and facilities provided by the ABC University. The study illustrated that at the ABC University mentoring, group assignments and thesis as curricular activities, and sports week, talent hunt program, celebration of cultural events and involving students in leadership roles as the co-curricular activities are being practiced to further socialization among students resulting the enhancement in their SRL qualities. Additionally, the findings also demonstrated that sectarian issue, male dominated society, early marriage system, financial instability and lack of opportunities are the challenges for students in GB to become SRLs. The study suggests that involving students in extra-curricular activities and community service, arranging more cultural shows, networking of the ABC University with other institutions, 10 extended sports activities and working on quality education are the tools to overcome the challenges faced by students to become SRLs.