Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Glowing tributes were paid to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the legendary academician and visionary whose values and principles continue to inspire the world, at a function to mark the 201st Founder’s Day of the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University.
The function at the weekend was organized by the Jeddah chapter of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMOUBA). Consul General of India Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh was the chief guest. Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur and recipient of Padma Shri, a civilian award conferred for distinguished services, was the guest of honor. As per the tradition, the senior most Aligarian among the audience, Dilshad Ahmad Khan (1954 alumni), presided over the function.
In his welcome address, AMUOBA President, Noor Uddin Khan, highlighted the activities of AMUOBA in various spheres of life in line with the mission and vision of Sir Syed. In his eloquent style, Khan stressed on the salient qualities of Sir Syed and his propagation of tolerance and a scientific approach to life. Sir Syed, he said, always avoided the path of confrontation and followed the path of reasoning and changed the mindset of the people. He highlighted how the well-being of his countrymen was of utmost concern to Sir Syed by citing examples. He said that despite all odds, Sir Syed never lost faith in the philosophy of co-existence and had therefore opened the gates for MAO College for all communities. This was exemplified by the composition of the first batch of students of MAO College which included the son of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh. He emphasized that the vision and mission of Sir Syed is as relevant today as it was in the past and it is for the torch-bearers of AMU to take it forward.
Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh exhorted all those present to live up to the ideals set by Sir Syed. He stressed the role of education and tolerance in today’s time and age and how everyone must perform his/her duty toward the nation. The consul general noted that during his recent visit to the southern Saudi city of Abha he found out that over 250 Aligarians were part of the faculty in the university there. “It gave me immense pleasure,” he said.
The consul general also assured AMOUBA of full support in all its endeavors toward spread of knowledge and assistance to the needy and capable students.
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey praised the path of Sir Syed who felt and analyzed the problems faced by India’s Muslims 200 years ago and commended the futuristic vision he held and his undying and selfless determination to establish an educational future for the coming generations. “His vast visualization of the educational needs and his unceasing efforts made it possible for this august gathering to become reality,” he said.
Prof. Wasey exhorted the alumni of the esteemed institution to not only limit themselves to remembering the great visionary Sir Syed but also take forward his legacy by adhering to the ideals he stood for.
An AMU souvenir-cum-directory was released by AMOUBA Vice President A. G. Danish and his team. It consists of valuable articles specially written for the souvenir by renowned writers. The directory is beautifully designed and has an excellent art work. The photographs of AMU buildings are marvelous. Data of more than 500 Aligarians has also been arranged.
A quiz on Sir Syed and AMU was put together by Shams Tabrez Alam and Athar Rasool making people jog their memories to answer the questions.
Ghufran Nishtar, Mohammed Zaki and Zaheer Khan conducted a raffle draw where prizes were given to the lucky winners who received their presents from sponsors of the directory.
A slide show, prepared by Rab Nawaz Khan and Mohammad Siraj, highlighted the activities and achievements of AMUOBA Jeddah.
A skit titled “Mera Chaman” was staged stressing the responsibility of Aligarians toward their alma mater. The play was well received by the audience. It was conceptualized and written by AMUOBA General Secretary Ateeq Siddiqui, who also acted in it. His team included Asim Zeeshan, Shams Tabrez Alam, Ghufran Nishter, Rab Nawaz, Nashet Khan and Master Shazy. Technical support and prop designing was done by Asim Zeeshan.
The audience was spellbound when the Tarana (anthem) team comprising Ateeq Siddiqui, Mohammed Siraj, Athar Rasool, Asim Zeeshan, Mohammad Zaki, Jawed Akhtar, Nayyar Mumtaz and Zain Rizvi echoed the venue with a beautiful rendition of the university anthem with live music. Saudi and Indian national anthems followed the AMU tarana.
Ateeq Siddiqui, adding flavor, humor and splendor to the event, ingeniously anchored the program, deftly and meticulously. The vote of thanks was proposed by the A.G. Danish.
Senior officials of Indian consulate, leaders of the community and a large number of Aligarians from Jeddah, Makkah, Taif and Yanbu attended the function.
The program ended on high note with a sumptuous dinner.
