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JEDDAH — The alumni of New Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia recently marked the 96th Foundation Day of their alma mater with great enthusiasm.
The event, organized by the Jeddah chapter of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association – Western Region, was a modest way to pay tribute to the premier institution of learning for the colossal amount of education and knowledge gained by them as students.
The whole initiative of bringing the Jamiaites together and keeping the spirit of companionship alive, far away from the motherland has been a commendable effort of the association. With the able administrative prowess of President Naweid Siddiqui, enterprising efforts of General Secretary Naseem Ahmad, the untiring endeavor of Treasurer Afzal Nisar Khan and the unconditional and worthy support of the ladies’ wing Vice President Sadiqa Tarannum, the association has surely bridged the gap between all those who are and were a part of Jamia Millia Islamia.
The program commenced with remembering in prayers all those suffering in Syria, India, Palestine, Egypt and elsewhere in the world. The recitation of a few verses of the Holy Qur’an by Farzan Ul Haque along with their translation gave a reminder for the extreme need to truly understand and follow the teachings of the holy book.
About 30 children participated in various events with great enthusiasm and vigor. Some exciting games were organized by Meher Naseem, a senior executive member of the alumni association. These games included segregating of colors and stacking cups, which created an ambience of fun and eagerness among the participants of all age groups. Tokens of encouragement in the form of small gifts were handed over to the participants.
Sadiqa Tarannum compered the program with true liveliness and encouragement. Her diligent and solicitous attitude made every single activity stand out. She conducted the quiz, which included Islamic teachings and general knowledge covering topics of science, geography, history and current affairs. Master Khalid Mohammad Zaki was the star of this show as he answered most of the questions effortlessly.
All the children then individually showcased their talent by giving speeches, singing poems and above all reciting verses from the Holy Qur’an. There was an amalgamation of shy, hesitant, embarrassed, comfortable and super confident performances, each being an inspiration for the other.
In his welcome address, association president Siddiqui stressed the importance of the role of the alma mater in bringing its students to all the high and respectable posts and positions that they represent today. He surely struck the right cord by mentioning that the essence lies in the lasting bond that has been made because of being a part of the same institution. “Despite belonging to different batches and stream of education, the feeling of oneness and carrying on the legacy of togetherness is the essential factor,” he said.
A kaleidoscope creatively prepared by Naseem Ahmad was projected to highlight the history, achievements and accomplishments of Jamia Millia Islamia and an insight into the untiring efforts of the association’s Jeddah chapter. This was followed by Jamia Tarana. which indeed brought back memories of the time spent by the alumni at the university.
A senior Jamiaite and a paramount personality, Dr. Intekhab Alam, dwelt in detail on the achievements of Jamia Millia Islamia since its inception.
Dr. Alam, currently associated with King Abdulaziz University, has authored a dozen books and is the editor and associate editor of many educational journals across the globe.
Dr. Alam emphasized the role of a mother as an institution who inculcates cultured elegance and knowledge in a child, which should be acknowledged. The same holds true for the role of the alma mater as a mother institution, which deserves acknowledgement as well.
He stressed that the sense of contribution on behalf of the alumni does and must go on at all levels. “Our children are now coming out of Jamia Millia Islamia with such finesse; surely, they would serve the community and take our alma mater and their parents to greater heights. The bond thus continues and grows on.”
He appealed to the alumni to move forward with the ideas of the founders of the university. “It is the need of the hour to devote some time, with all the constraints of being in a megapolitan city like Jeddah, to build the confidence of our children.”
He finally urged all those present not to forget the means, which is the institution, that has enabled them to stand at a prestigious pedestal in life.
Siddiqui distributed awards to all participating children. The following shining stars of the alumni were felicitated for their outstanding achievements in academics at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Sadia Shafi (Graduated in English (Hons) 1st division with a scholarship given on merit basis); Anam Tazeen (M.Ed with distinction); Iram Mehreen – M.Sc (Physics with distinction).
The evening, being as memorable as it could be, was concluded with a vote of thanks by Naweid Siddiqui followed by a sumptuous dinner. The exceptional efforts of Mohammad Zaki and Dilnawaz in capturing the moments of the celebration are praiseworthy. The selection of gifts which brought a sparkle in every little eye was successfully managed by Naseem Ahmad and his wife.
The association has indeed spent the evening by creating an enduring relationships with each other that would be cherished and be an inspiration for all times to come.
