JUBAIL, 19 October 2004 — A prominent Congress party leader has called on Indians in general and the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University in particular to close their ranks and help India become an economic superpower.
Wasim Ahmad, former Rajya Sabha member and presently member of the Congress Working Committee, was addressing a function to celebrate Sir Syed Day, birth anniversary of AMU founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
He said at a time when the entire world was passing through a turbulent period, it was essential for Indians to bury their petty differences and forge a cohesive unity to fight the communal forces in the country. “India is on the verge of becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council. We could expedite this process by portraying ourselves as one strong nation,” he said.
Ahmad said India always took pride in its unity in diversity. Great Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and Nehru always stressed this philosophy which eventually became the very foundation of the country.
Speaking about the growth and development of the country, Ahmad said without education nothing could be achieved. He said that despite so many efforts and hundreds of educational projects, illiteracy was still high in India.
“We must translate the dreams of great Sir Syed into a reality by carrying his message of education to every nook and corner of the country.” he said.
Mukarram Ali of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and one of the senior most alumni of AMU, was the guest of honor. Syed Muhammad Ashraf of Saudi Aramco presided over the function which was held at the picturesque SADAF beach.
There was also a cultural program followed by traditional Sir Syed Day dinner.