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S. Athar H. Rizvi
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — There is a growing need to strengthen primary education among Muslims in India, a noted academician and former vice chancellor of the prestigious New Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia University said here recently.
In his speech as the chief guest at the 95th foundation day of the premier Indian institute organized by Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association Western Region (JMIAA — WR) here at the weekend, Shahid Mehdi said measures need to be taken to stem the tide of dropouts due to various problems faced by the community.
Mehdi exhorted Jamia alumni to put their best foot forward in helping advance the level of education among Indian Muslims. “It will be the best tribute to the legacy of your alma mater,” he said.
In his keynote address, guest of honor Dr. Intakhab Alam Khan (Jamia alumnus and King Abdulaziz University faculty member) briefly described the philosophy and vision behind the establishment of the Jamia as a ‘Movement’. Elaborating on the achievement of the university, he mentioned that it currently ranks 10th among all the higher education institutions of India. He paid tribute to all the leaders of Jamia for making it a modern and disciplined seat of learning. He especially mentioned the contribution of the late Anwar Jamal Kidwai and Gen. Zaki (ex-vice chancellors). Dr. Khan congratulated JMIAA — WR office bearers and members for carrying forward the mission of the institution.
Ghizal Mehdi (president, JMIAA-Riyadh) recalled the noble agenda of Jamia that differentiates it from the rest of the universities.
Another guest of honor at the event, noted humorist and famed Radio Mirchi anchor Naved, a Jamia alumnus, regaled the audience with his popular satires. Naved won a huge round of applause when he mentioned his name and fame is not because of his well-liked and much sough-after satires but because of him being a Jamiite. “I have presented my programs all over the world, and the love and the affection I have got from fellow Jamites is remarkable,” he noted.
Among other guests were Saudi journalist Tariq Al-Mishkhas, Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi, several officials from the Consulate General of India including Dr. Irshad Ahmed (Jamia alumnus), Anand Kumar, Sanjay Gupta and Mahesh along with noted community members Mohammad Ahmad Ilyas and Ghazanfar Khan were also in attendance.
The program started with recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Farzanul Huque.
Welcoming the guests, Nadeem Nadwi, president of JMIAA — WR, recalled his days in Jamia about 35 years ago. “There is a sea of difference between the then Jamia and the premier institute it has become now,” he said.
Jamia, he said, has now developed into a top-ranking university of which every Indian is proud of. “This is all because of the vision and dedication of successive heads of the institution and its academic and administrative staff,” he said.
Syed Naseem Ahmad (general secretary), Nawed Siddiqui (vice president), Mrs. Sadiqa Tarannum (vice president-ladies wing) and Afzal Nisar Khan (treasurer) presented mementos to all the invited guests.
Later, proposing the vote of thanks, Nawed Siddiqui expressed his gratitude to B.S. Mubarak, consul general of India, for providing the consulate’s auditorium for the event, Ghazanfar Khan for sponsoring gifts for children and Mohammad Ilyas for providing unconditional supports to the Jamia alumni in the Kingdom.
Prior to the main programs, many activities were held for the children such as qira’t (recitation of the Holy Qur’an), quiz and elocution contests. The activities were conducted and compered by Syed Naseem, Mrs. Tarannum and Afzal Nisar Khan. Prizes were distributed to all the participating children.
