Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni, Jeddah Chapter, celebrated the birthday of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of their alma mater at the Jeddah Mariott Hotel recently. The Indian university is recognized world over and its alumni are spread across the globe with more than 3000 in the Kingdom, who celebrate the day in October every year. Professor Rida M.S.Obaid, chairman of the board of Yammama Press, former member of the Shoura Council and former rector of King Abdulaziz University, was the chief guest. Rashid Khan, commercial consul at the Indian Consulate was the guest of honor, while Syed Iqbal Hasan Alvi, senior visiting Aligarian, presided over the function. Obaid lauded the role of Sir Syed as one of the greatest educators of his time and praised the vision and efforts of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in the development of education and knowledge in the Kingdom. Shakeel Ahmed, Indian consul education, said the AMU is establishing new centers in India, including in Bihar, Kerala, Kolkota, and Madhya Pradesh. A talk show titled “The Spirit of Aligarh” presented by Khurram Ilyas and Imran Ansari took the audience down memory lane to their days at Aligarh that are still alive in their hearts. A quiz competition on Aligarh and Sir Syed was also part of the function. The event started with the recitation from the Holy Qur'an by Bahjat Zinjani, a welcome speech by Dr. Dilshad Shamsi, followed by a presentation by Farzan Rizvi highlighting the Aligarh movement and the efforts of Sir Syed to form the university. A ghazal program was presented by Nizam Ali Khan. The event was attended by dignitaries including: Ram Narain Iyer, senior journalist; Muti Ur Rehman, senior Aligarian; and a large crowd of AMU old boys and girls. In the end, an emotional gathering rendered the Aligarh tarana. The program was hosted by Asim Zeeshan and the vote of thanks was proposed by senior Aligarian Hasan Arabi. __
