The Alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jeddah Chapter, marked Sir Syed Day with traditional zeal at the Holiday Inn here recently. A number of AMU alumni were present to pay tribute to AMU Founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on the eve of his birthday. Safdar Hussain Khan, Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission in India, was Chief Guest and Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Consul General of India, was the Guest of Honor. The evening was marked by speeches, a quiz competition, and the screening of a documentary prepared by children on the mission of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. The presentation focused on Sir Syed's service to Indian Muslims and stressed that Indian Muslims today need more leaders and reformers like him. The chief guest lauded the children for their presentation. Khan, who is among the alumni of the university, shared some of his past experiences with the audience. He briefed the audience on the activities of the minority commission and its various schemes, such as coaching, self-employment, training and scholarships. Although 84 percent of India's minorities are Muslim, less than one percent of these schemes is being utilized by the community, he observed. He also briefed the audience on the awareness campaigns the minority commission has been undertaking. He urged the Indian Muslim community to take advantage of the facilities provided by the government. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said: “AMU as an educational institution has been of great service to the community in the subcontinent. The vision and personality of Sir Syed can be judged by the fact that he started one of the first scientific societies in India in 1864.” But, he added, as the Sachchar Committee report revealed, the level of education of the Muslim population is still very low and this problem should be seriously addressed. The consul general congratulated the children for their excellent presentation, which, he said, rightly conveyed the message of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
