Nashra Naim becomes first woman vice president of Aligarh Muslim University students’ union in India

Nashra Naim has made history by becoming the first woman elected vice president of the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union (AMUSU) in India, as the university held its students’ union elections for the first time in eight years.

Naim, a law student from Uttar Pradesh and a national executive committee member of the Fraternity Movement, was elected to the post following a campaign for the restoration of an elected students’ union, Indian news outlet Maktoob Media reported on Friday.

Noman Ashraf, a PhD scholar in History, public speaker and Urdu poet, won the presidential election, while Mohammad Hamdan was elected honorary secretary.

Ashraf secured 7,797 votes, defeating his nearest rival by 4,121 votes. Hamdan received 8,385 votes, winning by a margin of 1,503 votes. Naim won the vice-presidential race with 7,091 votes, securing the position by a margin of 1,273 votes.

The 10 elected members of the AMUSU cabinet are Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Hania Khan, Areeba Dilshad, Shazia Shamim, Muhammed Muhsin K, Muhammed Murshid K, Arsalan Khan, Anika Rumman Rahi, Shaheen Parween and Mohd Faiz.

Speaking to Maktoob ahead of the election, Naim said students from minority institutions such as Aligarh Muslim University were often viewed with apprehension because they could emerge as leaders capable of voicing their communities’ concerns.

“They are afraid of leaders emerging from minority institutions who understand the problems of their community and can raise their voices on national and international platforms,” she said, stressing the need for student leadership that could represent their interests.

In a separate election at AMU's Women's College, Anam Riyaz was elected president of the Women's College Students’ Union, Ayesha Khan vice president and Maryam Jan secretary.