JEDDAH: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was remembered by the AMU alumni, Jeddah Chapter, who marked his birthday with a mix of speeches, a talk show, a quiz program and ghazals at the Jeddah Marriott Hotel this weekend.
While highlighting the recent achievements of AMU and also its elevation to the 8th rank among Indian universities in terms of research publications, all Aligarians were asked to live up to the spirit of the founder.
But the most pertinent point made was by Shakeel Ahmed, India’s consul for education, who stressed the need for institutions such as AMU to further their role in the uplift of the community while revealing that the university is establishing five new centers, including in Bihar, Kerala, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh.
Professor Rida M.S. Obaid, a former member of the Saudi Shoura Council and former rector of King Abdulaziz University, was the chief guest.
Obaid lauded the role of Sir Syed as one of the greatest educators of his time. He also praised the vision and efforts of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in the development of education in the Kingdom.
His sentiments were echoed by L. Ramnarayan Iyer, associate editor of Arab News, who emphasized Sir Syed’s role as one of the greatest educators and social reformers of modern India, and who achieved his goal truly in a secular manner. “Spread the torch of knowledge which Sir Syed handed to you,” he told the Aligarians.
Rashid Khan, consul commercial at the Indian Consulate, was the guest of honor. Syed Iqbal Hasan Alvi was the senior visiting Aligarian who presided over the function.
Between the speeches, Farzan Rizvi, a senior Aligarian, took the audience on a trip down memory lane highlighting the Aligarh movement and Sir Syed’s efforts in forming the university.
His rollicking speech, interspersed with Urdu and English, had the crowd applauding.
But the highlight of the evening was a talk show presented by Khurram Ilyas and Imran Ansari that relived “The Spirit of Aligarh.” The memories of Aligarians’ activities during their days and the present day actions were rekindled — especially, the varied tastes of Aligarh’s famous tea haunts, the introduction of juniors, watching movies at Tasveer Mahal, visiting cousins at Abdullah Girls college, and going to Aligarh Exhibition.
The most outstanding quality Aligarh has produced among its students & alumni, the art of repartee “Hazir Jawabi,” was also mentioned to the loud cheers of the crowd.
A quiz on Aligarh and Sir Syed was also part of the function and the vote of thanks from senior Aligarian Hasan Arabi was followed by the rendition of the Aligarh tarana. Asim Zeeshan hosted the function. The gathering enjoyed a ghazal program presented by Nizam Ali Khan.
