Mohammad Gulrez: A Legendary Figure in Academics and Administration
Dr. Suhaib Ahmad Khan
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been the cradle of numerous scholars and intellectuals who have left an indelible mark across various fields such as literature, politics, science, education, and social reform. Many of these figures have not only influenced India but have also earned international acclaim. Their contributions reflect the university’s progressive spirit and its rich intellectual tradition. AMU has been more than a center for academic excellence; it has played a crucial role in social and political movements that have shaped modern India.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the visionary founder of AMU, believed that the Muslim community’s backwardness was rooted in the lack of modern education. He championed a balanced approach, merging traditional Islamic teachings with modern Western sciences. His vision aimed at bridging the divide between Eastern and Western knowledge systems, a critical step for the advancement of Muslims in British India. This vision has been carried forward by many renowned scholars, among whom Prof. Mohammad Gulrez stands out as a key figure in furthering Sir Syed’s dream.
Prof. Gulrez is a distinguished academic and administrator at AMU. He is recognized for his expertise in international relations, peace studies, and Middle Eastern affairs, alongside his vital role in steering the university’s administration forward. His leadership and scholarly contributions embody the spirit of AMU’s mission, reinforcing its legacy in both national and international academic arenas. In recognition of his contributions, Prof. Gulrez was honored by being selected in the prestigious list of “100 Notable Alumni of Aligarh Muslim University” by Edu Rank for the year 2022, further highlighting his significant impact in the field of education and international relations.
Prof. Mohammad Gulrez has had a long and impactful career at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), serving in various esteemed academic and administrative capacities. Among his key roles, he has served as the Dean of the Faculty of International Studies, Director of the Centre for South African & Brazilian Studies and Coordinator for the Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies Programme. His leadership in these areas reflects his deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and research.
Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of West Asian and North African Studies at AMU, where he specializes in international relations with a primary focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. His research delves into the contemporary political dynamics of the Middle East, India’s foreign policy towards the region, and crucial issues in peace and conflict studies. Through his work, he continues to contribute to a deeper understanding of global geopolitical trends and India’s role in international diplomacy, particularly in relation to West Asia and North Africa.
Prof. Mohammad Gulrez has an extensive and distinguished international academic and administrative career. He was on deputation from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, serving as the India Chair at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from July 2017 to December 2017. His global contributions also include his role as visiting faculty at the National University of Rwanda, Central Africa, from January 1999 to January 2004, where he played a pivotal role in the Department of Political and Administrative Sciences.
Prof. Gulrez further contributed to Rwanda’s development as a Consultant and Researcher on Good Governance for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) Project, under the Government of Rwanda in 2002. His academic influence extends across Asia, as he serves on the International Advisory Board of the Asian Review Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, and as a Member of the Academic Forum at the Asia Pacific Observatory in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Additionally, Prof. Gulrez has been associated with several prestigious international programs, including the Foreign Policy Analysis Program at the Mershon Center, Ohio State University, and the Muslim Politics Project at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, USA. His wide-ranging expertise and global contributions reflect his deep commitment to international relations, governance, and education.
Prof. Gulrez’s scholarly work in international relations has been highly respected, particularly his studies on the geopolitics of West Asia. He has written extensively on the political and economic developments in the Middle East and their implications for India and the global community. His insights into the region’s conflicts, peace-building efforts, and diplomatic strategies have made him an important voice in academic discussions about the MENA region.
His work is marked by a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts of West Asian countries, making him a significant contributor to the field of area studies in India. His research has been published in various national and international journals.
Prof. Mohammad Gulrez has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) through his administrative leadership. As Pro-Vice Chancellor, he contributed significantly to policy-making, strategic planning, and academic advancement. His tenure has been distinguished by efforts to modernize the university’s infrastructure, expand academic collaborations, and elevate the quality of education. Additionally, he served as the officiating Vice Chancellor following the superannuation of Prof. Tariq Mansoor in April 2023, guiding the university through a smooth leadership transition until the appointment of Prof. Naima Khatoon in April 2024. His effective leadership during this period ensured continuity and stability at AMU.
Prof. Gulrez is also involved in fostering international collaborations between AMU and other global academic institutions. He has represented AMU at several international forums and has participated in numerous academic conferences and symposia, particularly in areas related to international diplomacy, peace efforts, and foreign policy.
One of Prof. Gulrez’s notable areas of work is in peace studies, where he has researched the complexities of conflict resolution in regions like West Asia and South Asia. His advocacy for dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of conflicts has been a consistent theme in his academic and professional work.
Prof. Gulrez has actively participated in numerous international seminars and workshops across the globe, including the United States, Iran, Pakistan, Libya, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, and Kuwait. His global engagements reflect his commitment to contributing to international academic discourse and diplomacy.
Prof. Gulrez stands out as a dedicated academic and administrator, making notable contributions to the study of international relations and the geopolitics of West Asia. His scholarly work, coupled with his leadership roles at AMU, has enriched the university and elevated its profile on both national and international stages. His leadership and academic vision align seamlessly with AMU’s mission of promoting education, knowledge, and global engagement. Given his accomplishments, Prof. Gulrez deserves the opportunity to lead a university as a full-fledged Vice Chancellor, where he can continue to foster growth and innovation.
(The author, Dr. Suhaib Ahmad Khan is currently associated with a multinational company and serves on the editorial board as the Associate Editor of the multi-lingual journal “Naqeebul Hind.”)
