Saiyid Hamid Library, MANUU

PRESS RELEASE

DECEMBER 15, 2025

Offline Orientation Programme on Turnitin for Faculty, Research Scholars and Library Staff at Saiyid Hamid Library, MANUU, Hyderabad

The Saiyid Hamid Library, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) conducted an offline orientation programme on Turnitin, a prominent plagiarism detection tool, on December 15, 2025. The event focused on faculty members, research scholars, and library staff, drawing more than 90 participants.
Dr. Faisal Mustafa, Incharge Librarian, addressed the audience, highlighting the significant issue of plagiarism, the various detection tools available, and the UGC regulations aimed at preventing plagiarism in higher educational institutions. He emphasized the wider implications for all stakeholders and reaffirmed the importance of such programmes in strengthening the university's academic ecosystem. Turnitin serves as a critical resource subscribed by our library to maintain academic integrity. Dr. Mustafa stated that this orientation provides faculty and scholars with the necessary skills to uphold integrity in their work.
The orientation session was conducted by Mr. Gautam Raval and Ms. Santhoshi Cheemalapati from the Turnitin team.
The programme demonstrated significant participation from individuals across multiple departments, highlighting MANUU's commitment to promoting professional development. The Saiyid Hamid Library is dedicated to facilitating access to Turnitin and various electronic resources to enhance research and educational results.
Dr. Mohammad Aadil Khan, Deputy Librarian at MANUU, delivered the formal vote of thanks.

PRESS RELEASE

AUGUST 19, 2024

National Conference on AI-Enhanced Digital Libraries: Transforming Access and Discovery
Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad

The Saiyid Hamid Library, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), organized a national conference on "AI-Enhanced Digital Libraries: Transforming Access and Discovery" on August 19, 2024, at its Hyderabad campus. In addition to MANUU faculty and research scholars, the conference witnessed the participation of library professionals from Bangalore, Gandhinagar, Visakhapatnam, Tiruchirappalli, Hyderabad, Delhi, and other cities.

Dr. Faisal Mustafa, Program Director and In-charge Librarian of Saiyid Hamid Library, MANUU, extended a formal welcome and expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Vice-Chancellor, MANUU for his guidance and support in organsing the conference. This was followed by an address by the Conference Director, Dr. Akhtar Parvez, former University Librarian, MANUU, who is currently heading the Jamia Hamdard library. Dr. Parvez provided the audience with an overview of the conference's structure and the subjects that would be discussed.

In her insightful and compelling address, Professor Devika Madalli, Chief Guest and Director of the esteemed INFLIBNET Centre, guided the audience through the evolution of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on the library and information sector. She conveyed her vision for the future, where libraries would be at the forefront of technological advancement, fully integrating AI features to significantly enhance user experience and service delivery.

The Keynote Speaker of the conference, Professor Deepak Garg, Vice-Chancellor of SR University, elaborated on the various applications of artificial intelligence in libraries. He emphasized the importance of using AI to perform numerous tasks that would strengthen various library services.

In his presidential address, Conference Chair and Vice-Chancellor of MANUU, Professor Syed Ainul Hasan, commended the Saiyid Hamid Library for its initiative in organizing a conference on such a timely and significant topic. He emphasized the crucial role that libraries play in academic institutions, highlighting the responsibility of librarians as custodians of knowledge. Professor Hasan stressed the need for librarians to embrace and apply artificial intelligence to keep pace with the evolving demands of the digital age.

The Vice-Chancellor's presidential address was followed by the launch of Knimbus 4.0, a federated search engine. During the launch, Mr. Viplav Baxi, Chief Operating Officer of Knimbus Online, provided a brief introduction to the new features of the product and encouraged participants to evaluate and implement it in their respective libraries.

The Registrar of the University, Professor Sk. Ishtiaque Ahmad, extended a formal vote of thanks.

The inaugural session was followed by two power-packed panel discussions on the themes "AI & Library Services" and "The Role of AI in Teaching, Learning, and Research."

The renowned professor and former Head of DRTC (ISI) Bangalore, Dr. A.R.D. Prasad, moderated the first panel discussion on "AI & Library Services," emphasizing the use and applications of artificial intelligence in research and academic activities. Other speakers included Dr. S. Sudarshan Rao, Tagore National Fellow (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India) and former Professor at Osmania University, Hyderabad; Dr. N. Varatharajan, University Librarian at the University of Hyderabad; Dr. K. Elavazhagan, Librarian & Chief Knowledge Officer at IIM Trichy; and Dr. Saiful Amin, CEO of Semantic Consulting.

Dr. N. Laxman Rao, former Professor at Osmania University, moderated the second panel discussion on the theme "The Role of AI in Teaching, Learning, and Research." The panel included Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal, Chief Library Officer at IIT Hyderabad; Dr. Achala Munigal, University Librarian I/c at Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Library, Osmania University, Hyderabad; Dr. J. Vivekavardhan, Head & Chairman of the Department of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad; Dr. Ravi Kumar Chegoni, Assistant Professor of LIS at Government City College, Hyderabad; and Dr. P. Raghavaiah, Librarian at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad.

The conference concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Mohammad Aadil Khan, Assistant Librarian at MANUU.

PRESS RELEASE

AUGUST 16, 2024

Visit of H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad at MANUU, Hyderabad

The Saiyid Hamid Library, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) organised an event to welcome H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad on its main campus in Hyderabad on August 16, 2024. Several faculty, staff, students, research scholars, and guests attended the event.
Professor Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, of MANUU, praised H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, in his presidential address. He discussed at length the contributions made by the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad, to MANUU. The Vice-Chancellor has advised OSD-I and OSD-II to formulate guidelines that will facilitate some faculty members of MANUU to visit the universities of Iran. The Consulate, H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, has agreed to be a liaison between intellectual collaborations of MANUU fraternity with their Iranian counterparts.
Professor Siddiqui Mohammed Mehmood, Registrar of MANUU, praised H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad, for his august presence in the MANUU Campus. Professor Siddiqi hailed all the distinguished deans, directors, and other guests present in the event.
Dr. Faisal Mustafa, In-charge librarian, informed the distinguished audience about the book donations made by the H.E. Mahdi Shahrokhi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hyderabad. He also mentioned that the valuable books donated by the Consulate of Iran will be made available to the faculty, students, and research scholars very soon.
Dr. Mohammad Aadil Khan, Assistant Librarian, MANUU, extended a formal vote of thanks.

Saiyid Hamid Library, Maulana Azad National Urdu University organised a ‘Special Lecture ’ by Prof. S.M. Azizuddin Husain, Honorary Professor at MANUU on August 01, 2024. The theme of the Lecture was ‘Functioning of Bodlein and British Library’.
Dr. Faisal Mustafa, In-charge University Librarian, Saiyid Hamid Library, MANUU welcomed the esteemed staff members, research scholars, and other participants and introduced the speaker, Prof. S.M. Azizuddin Husain. In his opening remarks, Dr. Faisal Mustafa spoke at length on the latest trends in the field of Librarianship. He emphasized the need for policies against misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Writings. He also cautioned about the unethical practices of plagiarism in research and publication and stressed the need to study the UGC Regulations of 2018 regarding Plagiarism.
The speaker, Prof. S.M. Azizuddin Husain has discussed the functioning and best practices of the British Library in detail with the participants. He emphasized the need to retain records of hard copies along with digital ones. He also emphasized the need for Discussion Spaces and other amenities in the Library which will strengthen the reading habits among the users. He also discussed the importance of open spaces around the Library Building keeping the safety in case of any disaster.
Dr. Mohammad Aadil Khan, Assistant University Librarian thanked staff members, research scholars, and others for attending the program. Special thanks are due to the entire team of Instructional Media Centre, MANUU for conducting the Lecture, he noted.

The UGC-HRDC, now renamed as MMTTC, and the Central Library at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, organized a Refresher Course in Library Science from October 30, 2023, to November 11, 2023. The theme of the course was 'Managing Academic Libraries: Learn, Unlearn, and Relearn.’

Libraries worldwide are undergoing a profound transformation, redefining the way they manage information and provide it to their users in a more user-friendly and efficient manner. This transformation is essential to meet the evolving needs and expectations of the academic community. The Refresher Course was aimed to empower library professionals and educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to these dynamic changes in the field of library science.

The course utilized a blend of interactive online sessions, expert lectures, case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises to provide a comprehensive learning experience. The programme provided a unique opportunity for library professionals, educators, and enthusiasts to stay at the forefront of academic library management.

Inauguration

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Furqan Qamar, a distinguished Professor from the Faculty of Management Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. Professor Furqan Qamar, who has previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, delivered an enlightening speech on various contemporary issues related to libraries and librarianship. He highlighted the increasing complexity of the library professional's role, emphasizing the need to manage not only electronic documents but also print materials. Professor Furqan also voiced concerns about the rising costs associated with open access publishing. Despite the digitalization of education, and the availability of the open educational resource (OER) materials, the physical presence of teachers will continue to be necessary in the classrooms’, he said.

Dr. Akhtar Pervez, the Course Coordinator and University Librarian at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University spelled out that the course objectives. Dr. Parvez stated that ‘the future lies with open access resources, but our greatest challenge is to manage and integrate both the print and the electronic resources,’. Professor Saneem Fatima, the Director of the UGC-MMTTC said, ‘it is our endeavour to provide the best of research and teaching practices to the faculty members and we have lined up many self-financed courses open to all. This will help the faculty members in the promotion and as well as in their knowledge upgrade.’

The course was attended by more than 60 participants including University Librarian, Deputy Librarians, Assistant Librarians, College Librarians, Assistant Professors and Associate Professors. The participants were from different states including Assam, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, etc.

Topics and Resource Persons

The topics covered included AI for Libraries, Best Practices at MANUU Library; Bibliographic Relationship: From Cutter to LRM; Building Digital Services with Dspace; Communicating Positively to Enhance Connect: Tools for Librarians, Copyright for Librarians and Teachers; Creating QR Codes for Library Services; Digital Transformation & Disruptive Technology: Changing Landscape of Higher Education; Digitization of Printed Documents: Techniques and Processes; Enabling Innovations in 21st Century Institutions: The Tech Stack Strategies for Libraries; Google Applications for Librarians: with Special Reference to Spreadsheets; How to Select a Journal for Publication; IRINS for Librarians; KOHA: An Overview and Live Demo; Leveraging Social Media for Academic and Research Purposes; Library Services in the Digital Era; Navigating the NAAC Accreditation Process: Spotlight on the Library; New Generation Library Services: How Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Can Help Librarians; Open Access Initiatives of INFLIBNET; Open Access Publishing and Article Processing Charges: Current Developments; Physical Stock Verification of Library Books: A Model Approach for Academic Libraries; Predatory Publishing; Publication Ethics; Recent Trends in Library Management; Research Data Management; Research Metrics; Resource Discovery through Web of Science; RFID Implementation in Libraries; Role of Libraries in Ranking of Institutions (NIRF) and Emerging Technologies in Library & Information Science; Status of Library Professionals in Academic Libraries; Weeding-out Process of Library Books; and, Writing a Research Proposal.

The distinguished panel of resource persons was meticulously curated, drawing expertise from esteemed institutions such as Aligarh Muslim University, the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, IIM Trichy, IIT Delhi, IIT Gandhinagar, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, INFLIBNET, Institute of Chemical Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jio Institute, Kalyani University, MANUU, National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR), National Institute of Technology-Warangal, Osmania University, University of Delhi, University of Hyderabad, and Vivekanand Education Society College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mumbai.

The feedback for the course was highly positive regarding the program's ex*****on. Participants commended the selection of topics covered and the choice of resource persons delivering their talks. Participants expressed a desire for the organizers to conduct a one-week short-term program on a specific topic that could assist librarians in managing their libraries.

Letter of Gratitude on the Occasion of Mr. Abdul Raheem's Superannuation:

Dear Abdul Raheem Sahab,

As you embark on this new chapter of your life after more than fifteen years of dedicated service to the Saiyid Hamid Library at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, we find ourselves filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration.

Your unwavering commitment and cooperation as a member of our library staff have not only been invaluable but have also played an instrumental role in the growth and development of our institution. Your contributions, both professionally and through your marvelous social skills, have set a remarkable standard for us all to strive towards.

You, dear colleague, have not merely been an employee but a guiding light, leading us with your exemplary professionalism and genuine kindness. Your warm presence and your ability to connect with students, scholars, and colleagues alike have left an indelible mark on our library community.

The Library Staff, without a doubt, feels privileged to have had the honor of your dedicated service. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, and we will fondly remember the countless moments we've shared working together.

As you step into the world of retirement, we want to convey our heartfelt best wishes. May your days be filled with the well-deserved rest and relaxation you've earned, and may your life continue to be as rich and rewarding as the countless lives you've touched during your tenure here.

Thank you, Abdul Raheem Sahab, for being a shining example of excellence, dedication, and compassion. Your impact on the library and our lives is immeasurable, and your presence will be deeply missed.

We wish you a long, healthy, and happy life ahead.

With the utmost gratitude and warmest regards,

Akhtar Parvez
University Librarian
Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad

To mark the 77th Independence Day festivities, the Saiyid Hamid Library at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad will be hosting a Book Exhibition centered around the 'Indian Freedom Struggle' starting from August 14, 2023, and concluding on August 18, 2023. Additionally, the library has also arranged an exhibit featuring posters highlighting the contributions of women in the Indian freedom movement.



The exhibition was formally inaugurated by the Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Syed Ainul Hasan on Monday, August 14, 2023. Deans of various Schools and Heads/Directors of various Departments, faculty, staff and students were also present during the inaugural. While congratulating the staff of the library, Professor Hasan emphasized the necessity of organizing such events on a consistent basis. It is crucial for students to comprehend the challenges confronted by the freedom fighters who played a pivotal role in India's quest for independence. He recounted several historical instances from the freedom movement to sensitize the students about the importance of preserving the literary works of these freedom fighters, particularly the writings of prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Bhagat Singh, and others.



Professor Hasan also highlighted that during the struggle for independence, poetry served as a significant tool for motivating the masses to engage in the movement. He underscored the necessity of cultivating a diverse society that celebrates unity amid differences. In conclusion of his speech, he called upon the MANUU community to recommit themselves to elevating the university into a globally acclaimed institution dedicated to enhancing societal well-being.



Professor Sk. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar, MANUU, appreciated the efforts of library staff in organising the exhibition, especially, in the selection of books for this important event. Certain books about the partition served as poignant reminders of the anguish and the significant loss of life that India endured as a nation.
Dr. Akhtar Parvez, University Librarian, expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Vice-Chancellor in extending his support for all such event.

The Saiyid Hamid Library, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) organised the ‘Professor Sadiq Naqvi Memorial Lecture’ on ‘An Outline History of Socio-Cultural and Mystic Life in the Deccan’ on its main campus in Hyderabad on July 19, 2023. Professor Suleman Siddiqi, former Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University, Hyderabad, delivered the lecture. The lecture was attended by more than 150 faculty, staff, students, research scholars and invited guests.

In his lecture, Professor Siddiqi discussed the magnificent synthesis of composite culture of the Deccan from the Bahmani Period to the Asaf Jahis 6 and 7, emphasising their contribution to the water bodies and generous donations to temples, as well as their overall contribution to the development of the Deccan. Professor Siddiqi stated that we must preserve the engineering marvels of the mediaeval period, which we have in the form of monuments from that era, while acknowledging the technological advances in the field. As responsible Indian citizens, society must recognise the significance of culture and act as a steward of heritage and culture.

Professor Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU, praised the late Professor Sadiq Naqvi, an eminent historian who spent a significant portion of his tenure teaching in the Department of History at Osmani University, Hyderabad, in his presidential address. Dr. Sadiq Naqvi's family members have established a Gold Medal to be awarded on a rotating basis to the top graduate of the Department of History, Department of Islamic Studies, Department of Urdu, and HKS Centre for Deccan Studies, according to Professor Hasan.

Ms. Saraswathi, a former student of Professor Sadiq Naqvi, introduced him to the audience and recalled him as a wonderful teacher and a kind individual. Salarjung Museum Board Member and Bhavan's New Science College Chairman, Dr. S. Jai Kishan reflected on his time spent with Professor Sadiq Naqvi as his former student.

Mr. Ali Naqvi, based at Chicago, USA, expressed his gratitude to MANUU for instituting a gold medal in the name of his father, late Professor Sadiq Naqvi.

Dr. Akhtar Parvez, the Programme Director, informed the distinguished audience of the book donations made by the family members of Professor Sadiq Naqvi. He also informed that Professor Deepak Kumar (an eminent historian and Honorary Professor, MANUU) and Mr. Mir Firasat Ali Khusrow have also donated a rich collection of books to the university's central library. In his brief address, Professor Deepak Kumar emphasised that faculty members should spend more time perusing research-oriented books in the library.

Professor Sk. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Registrar of MANUU, praised Professor Suleman Siddiqi for delivering the memorial lecture and hailed all the distinguished guests for their support to MANUU. Dr. Faisal Mustafa, Assistant Librarian, MANUU extended a formal vote of thanks.

Chaired by the Hon. Vice-Chancellor, the Library Advisory Committee Meeting in progress (May 24, 2023)