Sir Syed Day, the event to pay tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of India's premier educational institution, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), was organized by the alumni of the university at Jubail's Hadeed beach camp. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, ex minister of state for home, communication and IT, general secretary and senior spokesperson of Indian National Congress, was the chief guest at the occasion. In his address, he emphasized that Muslims of India should do proper due-diligence before exercising their franchise. "No political party is perfect, one should look for practical alternatives and not perfect ones," said Dr. Shakeel. Referring to the new Initiative of opening "Sir Syed Public Schools" in every district by the AMU Vice Chancellor, Guest of Honor, Dr. Mairaj Uddin Ahmad, ex irrigation minister of UP, urged AMU old boys to come forward and take part in this noble cause and open a school in their respective cities, "Empowerment through education can be our only savior in these difficult times," said Dr. Mairaj. The event was lauded by the attendees, with senior Jubail Alig's Anis Bakhsh and Meraj Ansari satating: "It was one of the best Sir Syed Day function ever." The function was presided over by veteran alumni Khalid Hadi Khan, who studied at the university in the fifties. He captured the audience with nostalgic stories of university life during his days and asked everyone present to contribute in whatever way they can for the betterment of the university. Other luminaries who addressed the audience were senior alumnus Mukarram Ali Khan and ex Dammam School Principal Capt. Anwar. Senior dignitaries who shared the dais were Syed Hilal Uddin Khan and Qaisar Hussain. Educational Excellence award was presented to Mrs. Saadia Siddiqui, officiating vice principal girls of IIS Jubail, for her outstanding services for the Indian community. Four toppers of IIS Jubail — Heba Nasar, Atia Akram and Anam Sharaf were awarded trophies for achieving a CGPA of 10 at CBSE Class X examination while Aisha Khan was awarded a trophy for being a topper at CBSE class XII examination for her 94.8% marks. While Nayeemur Rahman was awarded a trophy for his outstanding contribution as a player for AMU school team that won the All India Roller Skating Hockey Championship. Prominent Aligs and community members present at the occasion were Dr. Amjad Kamal, Dr. Abu Nasr, Dr. Naseemuddin, Asif Ali Siddiqui, Navaid Khan, Imran Ahmed, Obaidurrahman, Wais Quarni, Dr. Khaiser Pasha, Nafees Ahmad, Jameel Khan, Syed Waheed Lateef, Mohammed Shibli Siddiqui, Ateequrrehman, Nasimuddin Ansari, Aziz Siddiqui, Muzaffar Khan, Intezar Khan, Shiraz Ahmed, Khalid Ausaf and Shoaib Qureshi. Akramul Haq opened the event, Rizwan Ahmad and Zaif Ahmed Qaisar introduced the guests, Afzalur Rahman delivered a speech on Sir Syed. Syed Baqar Naqvi conducted the event and Shujat Ali Mirza proposed vote of thanks. Spread over 467.6 hectares in the city of Aligarh, AMU offers more than 300 courses in the traditional and modern branches of education. It draws students from all states in India and from different countries, especially Africa, West Asia and Southeast Asia. The university is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion or gender. It is currently ranked 2nd among the top 20 universities in India as per the survey conducted by The Times group. This university with its national and international character has established itself as an institution of excellence. It has more than 28,000, students, 1,342 teachers and some 5,610 non-teaching staff on its rolls. The university now has 12 faculties comprising 98 teaching departments, 3 academies and 15 centers and institution. A special feature of the university is its residential character with most of the staff and students residing on the campus. There are 19 halls of residence for students with 80 hostels. — SG
