Safdar Hussain Khan, chairman of the Minorities Commission, Delhi, was the chief guest, and Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, consul general of India, was the guest of honor. Other dignitaries included senior Alig Mannan and consuls Shakeel Ahmed, Rashid Khan and Madan Kumar Ghildiyal of the Indian Consulate.

The evening was marked by speeches, a quiz competition and a docu-drama on the mission of Sir Syed.

Chief Guest Khan, an Alig, lauded the efforts of Sir Syed and his mission while sharing some of his bright moments in AMU. He briefed the audience on the activities of the Minorities Commission and the various schemes such as coaching, self-employment, training and scholarships.

Although around 84 percent among minorities are Muslims, only a minor percentage — less than one percent — of the community makes use of these schemes, said Khan.

He also briefed the gathering that the Minority Commission Delhi is making efforts, through awareness camps called “Minority Commission at Your Door,” and urged the community to avail of the facilities provided by the government.

“AMU as an educational institution has done great service to the community in the subcontinent,“ said Consul General Kidwai in his address. “But today after the Sachchar Committee report it has been realized that the education level of the Muslim population is still very low, and this should be seriously debated,” he added.

The highlight of the evening was a docu-drama presented by young boys and girls on Sir Syed. The skit focused on Sir Syed’s concern for Indian Muslims and how it finally culminated in the establishment of AMU. It stressed the condition of Indian Muslims today, and underlined the need for reformers and leaders like Sir Syed to guide the community. The skit was written and directed by Khurram Ilyas.

Asim Zeeshan hosted the program in his usual pleasing style, Ateeq Siddiqui recited Qur'an, Abdul Bashir gave the welcome address and Aqeel Jamil presented the vote of thanks. The program concluded with traditional AMU anthem "Tarane Aligarh.”