Sir Syed Day celebrated in EP

The Aligarh Muslim University’s alumni in the Eastern Province celebrated Sir Syed Day at the Dunes International School recently.
More than 450 graduates of the historic university and guests attended the function. Lt. Gen. Zameeruddin Shah, the AMU vice chancellor, was the chief guest and well-known educationist, Nadeem Tarin, the guest of honor.
Shah said the AMU was ranked ninth among the top 10 institutions in India, according to the Times Higher Education United Kingdom 2013 report. This included specialized and generously funded institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
The AMU is ranked second after Delhi University, he said, if institutions such as the IIT are excluded. “The importance of the AMU and its role in nation building was acknowledged by the founders of our nation. That’s why in the constitution of India, the AMU is among three institutions recognized as Institutions of National Importance,” he said.
Shah highlighted the challenges faced by the AMU and his vision to ensure it becomes one of the world’s best in two to three years. He appealed to former students to help the university.
Senior and most respected alumni Mukarram A. Khan of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and Jamil A. Qureshy of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University (PMU) and young AMU graduate Yasir Sultan shared their valuable thoughts. Javed Ali Khan entertained the elite gathering with a humorous speech.
Some of the most recognized members of the Indian community were felicitated at the event. They included educationist Nadeem Tarin; top businessman Shariq Jamal Shamsi, Younus Khan, a businessman; Dr. Anis Uddin Malik, director of research and development at Saline Water Conversion Corporation in Jubail; Tasneem Munir of International Indian School-Dammam (IISD) and Mariyu Sageer, also of IISD.
Well-known alumnus Mohammed Rahat Sultan presented the vote of thanks and described the event as a grand success. He thanked all those who came together to keep the indomitable spirit of Aligarh alive. He had a special word of praise for Kaleem Ahmad, who conducted the event.
Dr. Javed Hafeez of HANCO and and Shoaib A. Quraishi of KFUPM conducted the raffle draw.
Prominent among the organizers and attendees were Parvez Qader Askari, Anis Bakhsh, Dr. Javed Hafeez, Zia Malik, Mahroz Alam, Iftikhar Alam Khan, Shahid Hashmi, Mohammad Ajmi Khan, Sabir Imam, Mukhtarul Haque, Naiyer Siddiqui and Nasir Ata.