JUBAIL, 11 October 2004 — The Sir Syed Day celebration at the Petrokemya Beach Camp here turned out to be a big success. Aligarians from the medical, academic and professional faculties were present.
Nadeem Tarin, from Riyadh, was the chief guest. Guests of honor were Professor Saeed and Ghayas Ahmad, who is the country manager of Rolls Royce, and an executive of the Milli Council. Abdul Malik delivered the welcome address. S.M. Zulfiqar conducted the proceedings.
Dr. Ehtesham of Jubail Industrial College in his keynote address emphasized Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s message of development through education.
Children of International Indian School-Jubail presented a chorus depicting an inspiring ‘naat.’ Muhammad Haris gave a detailed account of Sir Syed’s educational dream, which became a reality. Abdul Malik presented a poem urging the audience to shake up lethargy and take positive actions.
Nadeem Tarin reminded the audience that the debt to the society and the community remained unpaid “unless all of us did our bit to return at least a little of what we had received.” It was not necessary to have grand plans but if each one could educate at least one person who was otherwise deprived of the means, it would be worthwhile. “If one had the means one should start even a small school, even a one-room one, who knows, it may be the nucleus of a prospective future college.”
The Naghma-e-Aligarh and the “tarana” lent an air of nostalgia and for a few moments all the Aligarians were back at the campus, reliving the magic of that era. One was transcended into euphoria of those youthful days, of that golden period. Sabir Imam, Afroz and Hashim Abidi led the tarana team.
Convener of the function, Dr. Suhail Ahmad thanked all participants who with their efforts, sincerity, dedication and commitment had made the function a success. He specially thanked senior Aligarians among the organizers — Dr. Anis Uddin Malik, Nafis Ullah Khan, Syed Jamal Zaheer, Dr. Wajahat Umar Farooqi, S.M. Zulfiqar, Muhammad Ismail, Dr. Zahra Malik, Abdul Malik, Dr. Akhtar and Dr. Mobin.
