Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Over 500 alumni of Aligarh Muslim University along with their families and representatives of prominent cultural and social organizations of Jeddah gathered here at a gala evening to pay glowing tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the legendary academician and visionary whose values and principles continue to inspire the world.

The weekend event, organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) Jeddah chapter, was to mark the 202nd birth anniversary of the founder of the university. Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed graced the function as the chief guest while Consul General Noor Rehman Shaikh and Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Hyderabad) Dr. Aslam Parvaiz were the guests of honor.

As per the tradition of Sir Syed Day celebrations across the world, the most senior alumnus of AMU present in the audience was nominated to preside over the event. This year the mantle was bestowed upon Siraj Siddiqui, who joined the university in 1964.

The event began with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Farooq Sahab.

In his welcome address, AMUOBA President Nooruddin Khan highlighted the importance and existence of solidarity among the alumni of AMU all over the globe. Khan’s speech put forth new insights derived from current research. In his eloquent style, Khan motivated the community to stick to the roots of Sir Syed’s vision. He also thanked the Aligarh fraternity in the Western Region for their support in raising funds for various social and charitable causes.

Ambassador Sayeed spoke about how AMU, as a premier institution of India, must live up to the ideals set by Sir Syed and maintain its ranking.

He also spoke about how the lack of higher education opportunities in Saudi Arabia for expatriates has resulted in the separation of numerous families when children are forced to leave the Kingdom to attain higher education. Hopefully, he said, those days will soon be over as Saudi Arabia and India have recently signed a plethora of important agreements which includes opening branches of various Indian universities and institutions in the Kingdom.

The ambassador shed some light on the improving relations between the Kingdom and India. “These relations have evolved from being buyer and seller countries to being strategic business partners,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of education and in particular the education of women. He said women in general enjoy a healthier and happier life these days mainly due to the importance attached to promote girls’ education. There are also important benefits for society as a whole. “An educated woman has the skills, information and self-confidence that she needs to be a better parent, worker and citizen,” he said.

Dr. Aslam Parvaiz praised the path of Sir Syed who, he said, sensed the problems faced by Indian Muslims 200 years ago. He commended Sir Syed’s futuristic vision and his undying and selfless determination in establishing an educational institution capable of preparing generations to tackle the vagaries of life.

He also spoke about the relation between the Holy Qur’an and science and how the Book of Allah encourages a kind of general reflection but also contains infinitely more precise data which are directly related to facts discovered by modern science. “To understand all such verses of the Holy Qur’an, one is required to have an absolutely encyclopedic knowledge of many scientific disciplines,” he said.

He further emphasized that the alumni of the esteemed institution should not limit themselves to remembering the great visionary Sir Syed Ahmad Khan but should embrace his legacy and the values he expounded.

Consul General Noor Rahman Shaikh thanked the AMUOBA Jeddah Chapter for their hospitality. 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 also assured AMOUBA of full support in all its endeavors toward the spread of knowledge and giving assistance to the needy and capable students.

Vice President of AMUOBA Jeddah, A.G. Danish, and his team released a directory cum souvenir. The directory consists of valuable articles specially written by renowned writers. Data of more than 500 Aligarians has also been painstakingly arranged.

The more than three-hour program was meticulously and dexterously compered by indomitable AMUOBA General Secretary Ateeq Siddiqui, who with his ethnic, poetic style and witty comments stole the limelight. There was never a dull moment as Siddiqui added humor and rendered apt Urdu couplets in a trailblazing manner.

Excitement and enthusiasm was observed among the audience when Athar Rasool and Ghufran conducted a quiz competition on the topics of AMU and Sir Syed. The winners received valuable gift hampers.

A slide show, prepared by Rabnawaz Khan and Mohammed Siraj, was shown highlighting last year’s activities and achievements of AMUOBA Jeddah, detailing their active involvement in organizing a host of social, religious, charitable and educational projects.

A skit titled “Muqadma” was staged highlighting the responsibility of Aligs toward their alma mater. The play was conceptualized and written by Ateeq Siddiqui and performed by himself, Asim Zeeshan and Arshiyan Baig. Technical support and prop designing was done by Asim Zeeshan and was highly appreciated.

Jawed Akhtar, Mohammad Zaki and Zaheer Khan conducted a raffle draw where prizes were given to the lucky winners.

Shams Tabrez proposed a vote of thanks.

The audience was enthralled when Ateeq Siddiqui and his team presented a beautiful execution of the university anthem “Tarana”. The Indian National Anthem was played next.

The evening drew to a close with a sumptuous dinner.