Aligarh, Aug 15 (IANS): The 73rd Independence Day was celebrated with passion and fervour at the Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor, while addressing a gathering of teachers, students and other staff members, after hoisting the national flag, said: "This day reminds us of the valour and sacrifices of our great forefathers who were the torch bearers of the freedom movement."

"Independence Day provides us an opportunity to recall the services rendered by the indomitable heroes of the freedom movement led by the father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose and others," he said, adding that the nation cannot forget the sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and others.

"It is a matter of great satisfaction and pride that India has made great strides since Independence in the field of education, infrastructure, technology, economic development, space exploration, poverty alleviation, food security, and stabilizing the democratic institutions."

India is an epitome of unity in diversity and religious tolerance and despite having such diversity, our nation remains by far the largest one to have people living peacefully with each other, he said.

The Vice Chancellor also said that women education will be the focal point for University Centenary Celebrations 2020 and that seats for women were already increased in various courses.

He also highlighted the role of AMU in environmental protection of the Taj Mahal and smart city projects of Aligarh and Agra.

The professor added that they are committed in making everybody aware and focussed on water preservation, water harvesting, importance of renewable energy including solar and wind energy.

"We have re-established Centre for Promotion of Science for Modernization of Madarsa Education and the Maulana Azad Education Foundation has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for the first programme to be held soon," he said.