From left: Former Saudi diplomat and writer Dr. Ali Al Ghamdi, Indian film director Mahesh Bhatt, president of AMUOBA-R Shamsuddin Shams, and secretary general of AMUOBA-R Salman Khalid at the remembrance of “Sir Syed Day” function in Riyadh. — Courtesy photos Faiz Al Najdi RIYADH – The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association-Riyadh (AMUOBA-R) recently marked the “Sir Syed Day” in remembrance of the great educator and founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Sir Syed Ahmed Khan here. Around 400 guests mostly friends and families of the alumni of AMU attended the function to remember the great leader. Renowned Indian film director, producer and screenwriter Mahesh Nanabhai Bhatt was the chief guest at the function. Speaking on the importance of education, Bhatt said: “Education is the only tool to make humankind reasonably equal.” He added: “We have failed to provide the basic and fundamental education to our poor in order to equip them with the tools to fight the divide that divides them.” He also said that the only responsibility of a free man is to make others free, and education is the key to make someone free. Addressing the gathering, Bhatt spoke highly of Sir Syed. Great changes, Bhatt said, have always and invariably come at the hands of one great man. One Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), one Gandhi and one Sir Syed are glaring examples before us who strove hard – all alone – to bring about revolutionary changes. Sir Syed did not take anything for himself from others but chose to give instead. “He gave such a tremendous gift to the Indian Muslims in the shape of AMU,” Bhatt said. One should not state the power of an individual. Quoting a personal experience, Bhatt said that once a lady came to him looking for a job.
He provided her with a personal computer and helped her learn how to use it as Bhatt wanted the lady to stand on her own feet. “It was a small investment for me at that time. But for the lady it was a big dividend as she worked hard and went on to become a celebrity writer of Bollywood. And, I am very proud of this,” said Bhatt. Former Saudi diplomat, writer and alumni of AMU Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi was the guest of honor at the function, and the alumni of AMU was indeed honored to have him among them. Al-Ghamdi extended best wishes for AMUOBA-R from Khaled Al-Maeena, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Gazette, who had sent his telephonic message from Cairo. In his speech about Sir Syed, Al-Ghamdi said: “He proved that great things can be achieved through resolute resolve.” Al-Ghamdi said he is proud to be associated with AMU. He said the best way to pay tribute to Sir Syed was to follow in his footsteps by setting a charity trust in his name for the purpose of promoting education, especially among the poor and needy. Badshah Khan, vice president of AMUOBA – R, delivered a detailed presentation of the AMU and how the university evolved during the years and produced dynamic leaders and presidents, including Dr. Zakir Hussain, former President of India; Liaquat Ali Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan; Fazl-e-Elahi Chaudhary, former President of Pakistan; Mansoor Ali Khan, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Mohammad Amin Halim Didi, former President of Maldives; Khawaja Nazimuddin and Malik Ghulam Mohammad, former Governor Generals of Pakistan; Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, former President of Pakistan; among others. Shamsuddin Shams, president of AMUOBA-R, shed light on Bhatt's illustrious achievements in the film industry, and his philanthropic ventures, such as promoting the cause to fight AIDS in India. He also spoke about Sir Syed, saying that the founder of AMU was a great man who will be long remembered for what he did for the Muslims enlightenment in India. Salman Khalid, secretary general of AMUOBA-R was the moderator of the function. The alumni group of Alumni of AMU and AMUOBA-R wholeheartedly sang the traditional anthem of AMU written by renowned poet Majaz Lakhnavi. Mementos were presented to Zeenat Jafar, Mohammad Sabir Khan, Nadeem Karim, Abdul Azeem Khan, Dr.Syed Ali, Mohammad Fazil, Sohail Ahmed, Naseem Akhtar, and Ghazanfar Ali Khan for their outstanding services for AMUOBA-R. Special memento shields were also presented to Bhatt and Al-Ghamdi. – SG
