His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, head of the Dawoodi Bohra community and Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, presided over a special convocation in which Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa). The honorary degree was in recognition of Mr Chandrasekaran’s exemplary leadership of the Tata group of companies and his contributions towards enhancing business thinking and practices in India and elsewhere.
Accepting the degree, Mr Chandrasekaran said: ‘I would like to thank the honourable Chancellor, Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the Vice chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor and the distinguished office-bearers and the AMU for this very prestigious honour. It is truly a humbling experience and I feel inspired to follow the tradition that includes many stalwarts and leaders. It is my privilege to accept this honour on behalf of all my colleagues at the Tata Group—who are the torch bearers of this Group. Our founder, Jamsetji Tata, firmly believed that the community is not just a stakeholder in business, but is in fact the very reason for the existence of any free enterprise.’
Mr Chandrasekaran called for greater collaboration between academia and the private sector on developing a strong research and development culture that can unleash a tremendous cycle of innovation.
‘Every Indian must be provided with a ‘mini pad for life,’ a smart device with data and connectivity allowing them access to education, health and upskilling, if India wants to go from a $ 3 trillion to $ 12 trillion economy,’ he continued, in a strong call to action.
As Chancellor, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin addressed the attendees prior to the culmination of the event. His Urdu address has been rendered below in English.
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate.
All praise be to Allah and salaams upon His chosen disciples.
Vice Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor Sahib,
Chairman of Tata Sons Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran,
Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Zameeruddin Sahib,
Respected guests and my dear students, professors and administrators, ladies and gentlemen.
Al-salaam alaikum.
It is a source of joy for me that we are meeting today after such a long time. Such meetings strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect.
Today, Aligarh Muslim University felicitates the chairman of Tata Sons, Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, in recognition of his numerous services to society.
I welcome him to this prestigious university and pray that his efforts in the service of the nation and society continue to grow and see fruition.
Islam has obligated the pursuit of knowledge on all Muslims. Knowledge gives sustenance to the human soul. The seeking of physical sustenance by earning a livelihood is a similar process. The Quran references trade and commerce in multiple verses and has deemed the livelihood one receives as His ‘fadl’ (blessing). The Prophet Mohammed has alluded to the commitment and dedication one requires when engaging in trade in his following statement: ‘Seek livelihood in the most obscure places.’ Through his pious words and actions, the Prophet illustrated how one should conduct themselves when engaging in trade or business. The tenets, principles and ethics of commerce outlined by him enable man to live a life of purity and prosperity. He once saw a young man striving to earn a livelihood for the sake of his family and praised him, affirming his deed as ibadat (worship).
He has also stated, ‘All Creation is a family dependent upon Allah for its sustenance and the most beloved to Him is the one who benefits His family the most.’ This tradition encompasses the secret of humanity’s loftiness.
It was for the sake of this humanity that the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husain, sacrificed his kith and kin in Karbala in the name of Allah. The benefit of his munificence will continue to reach Allah’s Creation just as it has throughout the past.
I pray to Allah that peace prevails in the world and that He protects humanity from sickness, hardship and strife. Throughout our beloved homeland of India as well as the rest of the world, may He ease all difficulties, financial or otherwise. May He keep the delightful gardens of knowledge and literature ever fresh and verdant. Aamin.
Our final prayer is that all praise is for Allah, Lord of the worlds.
