DAMMAM — Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association, Dammam Chapter, celebrated the 97th Foundation Day of their alma mater with a function at Golden Tulip in Al-Khobar on Dec. 16.

JMI, a central university of repute in New Delhi, is among the top 15 universities in India.

JMI Vice Chancellor Prof. Talat Ahmad was the chief guest on the occasion. He was introduced by Tashkin Akbar, 1st general secretary of JMIAA-Dammam Chapter and former chairman, IIS Jubail.

Prof. Mohd Muzammil, former VC of Rohilkhand University and Agra University, was the guest of honor at the program, which was chaired by Ali Imam Siddiqui, president of Dammam Chapter of JMIAA.

The program started with recitation of the Qur'an by Master Abdul Samad.

Chief guest Ahmad highlighted the achievements of the JMI over the last few years. He said the admission process, examination and form filling of all types are available on the Web and the budget and accounting processes are quite transparent.

He also informed that new scholarship schemes had been started and coaching scheme for IAS had become star attraction in JMI for students from all over India.

He asked the alumni to contribute in all possible ways to the development of Jamia and remain connected with their alma mater. Prof. Ahmad shared the good news that JMI was awarded University of the Nation by Indian Brave Hearts organization on the day of the function in Dammam.

This was welcomed by the alumni and the guests with thunderous applause.

Prof. Ahmad lauded the contributions of the alumni and specifically asked teh alumni to get involved in the development and progress of the university. He promised that feedback from the alumni would be given utmost priority.

Ali Imam presented a brief account of the activities of JMIAA in the Kingdom, especially in the Eastern Province.

Ghizal Mahdi, ex-president JMIAA-Riyadh, was presented a memento by Prof. Ahmad in recognition of his contributions in launching the first ever Jamia alumni scholarship for school and university students. He urged the alumni to support each other and strengthen their bond with university.

Prof. Muzammil, the guest of honor, was introduced by Nadeem Ahmad of Al-Marafiq, Jubail.

In his address Prof. Muzammil underlined the multi-dimensional role of the alumni association and its relations with the stakeholders — the students, teachers, guardians, the authorities, and society at large.

He identified the four international institutional forces that have an impact on the system of higher education in India and other developing countries — international economic organizations, foreign governments, MNCs and NGOs. He underlined the triangular issues in higher education — quantity, quality and equality.

He suggested that JMIAA can help in promoting new courses, career counseling and guidance and financial support for the needy and meritorious students.

Rehan Alam Siddiqui from Al-Aythabi Jubail announced scholarships worth 2 million Indian rupees to support research programs at Jamia.

Irshad Haider and Farhat Abbas, Jamia alumni, businessmen and philanthropists, announced scholarships worth 1 million rupees for the poor and needy students Jamia on behalf of Hasan Alamdaar Trust.

The moving spirit behind the entire event was Tashkin Akbar. While proposing the vote of thanks, he expressed his gratitude to the management committee, Arman Hayat, Ahmad Sukri, Farhat and the sponsors for their contributions.

Naseeruddin of National Blue Corporation, Meraj from Dolphin Steel, Reyazul Haque, a JMI alumnus, Saboor Siddiqui of Delhi-6 restaurant, and Naseem from RATTAL were felicitated by JMIAA, Dammam.

Javed Alam, Jamia alumnus, was appreciated for his efforts in the development of the Dammam Chapter and making the alumni meet a success. The program was attended by many family members, invited guests and friends from across the Kingdom.

Fahad, master of the ceremony, kept the audience engaged with his friendly banters. He was ably supported by Tashkin Akbar who regaled the audience with snice Urdu couplets. The function ended with a lavish dinner. — SG