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Aligarians in Jeddah, Riyadh, Asir celebrate founder of alma mater on birth anniversary
By M. Zakir Azmi Nadvi and Mir Mohsin Ali
RIYADH — Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Riyadh, observed the Sir Syed Day with traditional zeal and fervor at Riyadh Palace Hotel Friday night with the who's who of the Indian community in attendance.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s legacy remains a rich one as he paved the way for Indian Muslims toward modern scientific education while the major chunk of the Muslim population was mired in old traditions unable to compete in the era of emerging technologies in the aftermath of the industrial revolution in the late 19th century.
Sir Syed was deeply grieved over the prevailing situation in post-1857 when the British Raj was holding Muslims responsible for the revolt against the empire. Therefore, he worked with a missionary zeal to set up Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The function started with recitation of a few verses from the Glorious Qur’an by Chaudhry Abdul Ahad, followed by the welcome address by current AMUOBA President Suhail Ahmed.
The chief guest at the event was former Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Member of Parliament Manish Tiwari. Paying rich tribute to Sir Syed, Tiwari said: “His vision was not confined to a particular community or a specific region; rather he advocated universal brotherhood and respect for whole of mankind without any kind of discrimination."
Recalling Sir Syed's remarkable contributions to women empowerment he said, "At a time when there was an impression that the Indian women did not have much freedom Sir Syed created history by appointing Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum the first chancellor of AMU."
On the issue of AMU's minority character, he assured that according to his experience as a senior practicing lawyer it cannot be changed legally. However, should the need arise there are people in democratic India who will stand by AMU in its fight for restoring its historical minority character.
One of the main objectives of Sir Syed was to produce the "leaders of tomorrow" who can serve as the ambassadors of the Aligarh Movement.
However, if one looks at the current organizational structure of AMOUBA, Riyadh chapter, one would be surprised that the alumni association has become a selective body of a few old boys who have no intention to rise above the occasion to serve the larger interests of the community.
Remembering Sir Syed’s sacrifices to build the AMU, Saad Ur Rehman said, “He had not founded this institution just for education but for wider community welfare. If we have to celebrate 200th birth anniversary of Sir Syed in 2017, then we have to achieve a respected place in Indian society."
“We need to follow in the footsteps of our founder in simplicity and broaden the horizon of his educational mission. There is a need to revive the legacy of the Aligarh Movement, particularly in the current global scenario,” Feroz Khan said.
The hallmark of the evening was an interaction session with the younger generation of Aligarians They were of view that in line with what AMU alumni are doing in other parts of the world, particularly in the US, the Riyadh chapter should also provide the younger generation the opportunity to represent the alumni association so that they can exhibit their unseen talents. They also suggested that, in addition to the traditional dinner, a fund-raising campaign should be initiated to provide scholarships for less privileged students on a merit basis back home in India for the educational uplift of Muslims.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Marghoob Mohsin, a young engineer and poet, said, “The real homage to Sir Syed is to spread his message and support his mission by building another AMU brick by brick and block by block. I am not talking about building an AMU in its physical structure but I am talking about building the AMU in its spirit and soul.”
Another alumni Safeer Ahmed stressed that Aligs globally should look back 117 years after Sir Syed’s death and to reflect on the vision that he presented to a then sleeping community. “The light of knowledge that Sir Syed lit is still shining around the world as the graduates of Aligarh carry it forward,” he added.
It is painful to note that the graduates of AMU from all religious communities who work and prosper all over the globe have forgotten to support the mission and vision of the founder. The younger generation of Aligs advocated for a simple function, instead of a lavish party, with focus constructive dialogue.
The program, which consisted of two parts, was presided by veteran Alig Dr. Mohammad Salim. Mukarram Ali Khan graced the occasion as the guest of honor.
Mukarram Khan, an Alig and professor at KFUPM, mesmerized the audience with his unique sense of humor and nostalgic narration about AMU and its hostel life.
The first segment was conducted by Dr. Abdur Raheem Khan whereas the second one was compered by AMUOBA General Secretary Arshad Ali Khan.
Ashwin Shiva Prasad, a student of Yara International School, spoke briefly on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. More than 300 guests, comprising mainly AMU alumni, attended.
The cooperation and support of Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi, second secretary at the Indian Embassy, received by AMUOBA Riyadh for its community activities was recognized by the members. He was duly honored by a memento presented by the chief guest.
Earlier on Thursday, AMOUBA organized an interactive session and dinner with Sir Syed Day guests, seniors Aligs and association members at Red Onion Restaurant.
