JEDDAH — A colorful cultural program was recently organized by the alumni committee of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) at a local restaurant here. The children of Aligs who are in grades 9 —12 took part in selection process of Alumni student team for the upcoming Sir Syed Memorial Inter School Speech Contest 2013 to be held in the first week of June. The winners who will represent the association are Iman Aqeel Khan, Sarah Noor, Talah Omer and Hiba Rifat from grades 9 —12 respectively. Bilal Mohammed Mumtaz and Rida Imran of grade nine secured the second and third positions, while Hannan Hussain, Sajid Wazeer of grades 10 — 12 respectively secured the second positions. All the children received appreciation for their impressive speeches. Aqeel Jamil, secretary, highlighted the aim of organizing the contest which was to familiarize the children with the contribution of the great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. The contest also gave the children a platform to discuss importance issues related to the community and nation. Farzan Rizvi, president, spoke about the Aligs' spirit and emphasized on the importance of public speaking. He also said that the association plans to start public speaking and leadership programs for children and adults in future. The audience enjoyed a play titled “Dimaag ki Haddi,” directed by Khurram Ilyas who also starred in it along with Ateeq Siddiqui, Imran Ansari and Talah Omer. The play revolved around ego which leads to destruction. Rizvi and Jamil presented a plaque of appreciation to Ilyas, vice president, for his contribution to the community. The contest master for the “Speech Contest” was TM Shafiqur Rehman, and Danish Ghafoor was the chief judge. TM Khalil Ahmed, Siraj Siddiqui, Ather Rasool were the role players. The event also included a “Ghazal” program and an instrument performance. Dr. Najeeb Qais, vice principal of International Indian School Jeddah, Rizvi, Arshad Saeed and other senior committee members gave away the prizes. Jamil hosted the program and Dr. Shamsi presented the vote of thanks. — SG
