By Mohammed Naushad Khan
NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Dr Asiya Islam, an alumna of Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, has been appointed Assistant Professor as a permanent faculty at the Department of Gender Studies, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London.
Retd. Professor Kaniz Khwaja Ahmed, who had taught Asiya Islam Communicative English at Women’s College, told India Tomorrow, “I remember her as an ideal student as I taught her long back. Of all the students, I have taught so far, she stands out as the most ideal student. Although the subject I used to teach her was elementary, used in our daily life conversation, she always took it very seriously. She was very regular, attentive and punctual. In her, I saw the spark to achieve something in her life. I hope she still remembers me. We all are proud of her achievement and wish all the best for her career ahead.”
Before joining LSE Gender Studies, she was a Lecturer in Gender and Work at the University of Leeds. Before that, I was a Junior Research Fellow at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. In these positions, I taught on feminist global political economy, Black feminist theory, and intersectionality.
Asiya completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Cambridge, her MSc in Gender, Media and Culture at the London School of Economics, and her BA(Hons) in Communicative English at Aligarh Muslim University.
Another teacher Professor Nikhat Taj, who also taught Asiya, said, “Asiya, indeed has made us very proud. Her achievement comes as no surprise for she had been a meritorious/promising student. She excelled not only in academics but was an ace performer in extra-curricular activities as well. She won the Zakir Hussain Medal for Academic Excellence at the undergraduate level, and that was just the beginning of her success story. I recall her as a diligent and committed worker, who would fulfil (most satisfactorily) any task, or project either given to her or taken up by herself.”
Professor Nikhat added, “Her appointment as an associate professor at the London School of Economics is just another step for many other achievements to come her way in the future. I see her as an inspiration and a role model for all the students of AMU – her alma mater.”
AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, who was earlier Principal of Women’s College, while congratulating Dr. Asiya Islam on her achievement, said, “Asiya’s appointment at the London School of Economics will encourage our students to pursue higher studies abroad and work hard to make an academic career in prestigious foreign universities.”
Congratulations to Dr. Asiya Islam on her impressive appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Gender Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her journey from an exemplary student at Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, to a distinguished academic is truly inspiring. The accolades and support from her former professors highlight her dedication, excellence, and the promise she has shown throughout her career. This achievement not only reflects her hard work and commitment but also sets a shining example for students aiming to make their mark in academia. Wishing Dr. Islam continued success and many more accomplishments in the future.