Aligarh: Sultan Jahan Hall of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organized its Annual Hall function recently. Addressing the function as a Chief Guest Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis, Vice Chancellor of the university said that women are the backbone of house building.

He said that, "This institution always provides equal opportunities to women and AMU elected Sultan Jahan as its first chancellor in 1920. AMU has established a Residential Coaching Academy for the preparation of Civil Service Examination to women, minority and SC/ST candidates and urged the female to join the coaching for women's empowerment."

Dr. Seemin Hasan, Provost of Sultan Jahan Hall said that the Hall Week christened 'femme fiesta' or the celebration of womanhood was divided into five segments.

The first three included literary, cultural and sports events. The fourth segment consisted of a lecture on women's issues delivered by Prof. Shireen Moosvi, Director, Women's Study Centre and also a lecture on health, hygiene and stress management by Prof. Zulfia Khan of Community Medicine.

The fifth segment was introduced three projects. "Chirag" represents a group of underprivileged children between the ages of 5-10.

The girls under the guidance of Neha Qasim of Biochemistry teach these children for three hours every week. "Bookworm" project is a vocabulary building exercise. Alia Hasan of MBA teaches one new word to the girls at dinner time. "Earthworm" project is gardening enterprise under the supervision of Huma Naaz. The girls are preparing to cultivate a kitchen garden.

While presenting the Annual Report, Ms. Sumaiya Ansari, Senior Hall said that during the year 2009-2010, Huma Naaz, Research Scholar has presented papers in eleven national and international conferences. Nazia Kamal has presented papers in nine national and international seminars.

Prerna Maheshwari has presented eight national and international seminars. Zeba Khaliq was the second toper of M.Tech. (P) and Shahnaz Ansari was the topper of BA-LLB II year.