JEDDAH — The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni, Jeddah, marked Sir Syed Day at the Indian Consulate to show their reverence for the founder of their alma mater on the eve of his birthday. Indian Consul General B.S. Mubarak was the chief guest, Senior Alig and philanthropist Dr. Nadeem Tarin was the guest of honor, Hasan Arabi was elected as seniormost Alig on the occasion as per tradition. The evening was marked by speeches on the mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and a play on life of Sir Syed, a quiz on AMU & Sir Syed, movie on activities of AMUA, a raffle draw & humorous poetry session. Mubarak, paying tribute to Sir Syed, said he was great visionary who had foreseen the need of education and scientific knowledge for the development of the community in his time. In a soul-searching speech Tarin said we should be thankful to Sir Syed and our forefathers for the formation of AMU, which led to the development of our generation but now it is our turn to follow their footsteps and provide similar platform for our future generations by supporting education of our community all over India. Tarin also highlighted the problem of hostel accommodation at AMU and the laying of foundation stone of the Riyadh Hall at AMU, a 200-room hostel that will accommodate 800 students. He was thankful to Aligs in Riyadh who joined hands with him in contributing the funds for it. He informed that the cost of one room was around $5,000, and a name plate of the donor would be fixed on each room, the hostel building will be constructed under Duty Society. Many Aligs & well-wishers booked 20 rooms on the spot, and later another 15 rooms were booked by Aligs at a luncheon hosted by Nooruddin Khan. Farzan Rizvi, president AMUA Jeddah, informed that these 35 rooms would be part of the Jeddah hostel in Riyadh Hall and he expects more people to join this noble cause. Rizvi welcomed the dignitaries and Aligs. Rizvi also requested to strengthen the bond between executive committee and the alumni for better performance of EC. Azizurrab, vice president, AMUA, Jeddah, with his opening remarks welcomed the guests and briefly explained the objective of Sir Syed and his great vision for future generation. Aqeel Jamil, general secretary, presented the annual report of AMUA activities. He urged Aligs to support the education fund by contributing SR1 per day towards the education of underprivileged children of the community under the Each One Teach One program, as well as help employ one person under the Each One Employ One schemes of AMUA Jeddah. Highlight of the evening was the play "Khwab e Sir Syed " directed by Asim Zeeshan. Script revolved around Sir Syed's persuasion to his close friends for the establishment of a modern education institute. Sir Syed's role was played by Atique Siddiqui, Molvi Samiullah Khan by Imran Ansari, Shankar Das by Omer Aqeel, Inayat Rasool by Raheel Azizurrab and Mohsinul Mulk by Jawwad Aqeel. Audience also enjoyed a movie "Sargarmian aur Kamyabyain" of AMUA activities prepared by Aqeel Jamil and Wazeer Akhter. A quiz on Sir Syed & AMU hosted by Ather Rasool and Rabnawaz Khan was also held. Azizurrab hosted the program with passion in his unique style. The vote of thanks was given by Nooruddin Khan, treasurer AMUA, Jeddah. The evening ended with AMU Tarana (university anthem).
