ALIGARH: President Ram Nath Kovind is to be the chief guest at the Aligarh Muslim University 's 65th annual convocation today. President Ram Nath Kovind (File | PTI)

The president has accepted the invitation extended by the university's vice-chancellor, Tariq Mansoor, they said here.

It is after 32 years that an Indian president will attend convocation of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).Giani Zail Singh during his term as president had attended the 1986 convocation.

An anxious calm spread through the prominent Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) ahead of President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit for its 65th annual convocation as The students of the university seem to be divided over his attendance on the campus – mainly because of the controversial remarks made by Kovind in 2010 where he allegedly said “Islam and Christianity are alien to the nation.”

Having taken opposition to this remark, some students, headed by AMU Students’ Union (AMUSU) vice-president Sajad Subhan Rather, have conflicts the president’s AMU visit.

Talking to the media, Rather firmly stated that “the president’s visit is unwelcome till he does not give a public apology”.

“The 2010 remark stated by the President of India is an anti-national statement which tenders the sentiments of Muslims… If he wants to uphold the unity, peace and diversity of the country, he should admit his mistake and give a public apology. Then we will welcome him”, He said.