Bazm-e-Alig, AMU Alumni Association’s Qatar chapter, recently organised an event to mark the 202nd birth Anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan at Oryx Rotana. The event was attended by over 200 members of the association gathered to pay their heartiest tributes to the man who was way ahead in his foresight about urgency of the modern education.
Late Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a Muslim thinker and scholar, is remembered for his devoted services towards the Indian Muslims in the field of modern western and scientific education. The founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is vastly considered one of the architects of modern India.
The alumni associations of AMU have been very active and dedicated inside and outside India. The oversees alumni associations regularly organise programmes to highlight the services and vision of Sir Syed whose unflinching efforts introduced the common Indian Muslim to the modern education some 150 years ago.
Born on October 17, 1817 in Delhi, Sir Syed pioneered modern education for the Muslim community in India. He founded Mohammadan Anglo -Oriental College in 1875 in Aligarh which later developed into the Aligarh Muslim University. His work gave rise to new generation of Muslim entrepreneurs and politicians.
Osama Shamsi, General Secretary of Bazim, welcomed the gathering, which was followed by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Hamad Khaleeq. Nadeem Mahir, President of Bazm, welcomed the chief guest, guest of honour and other dignitaries on the occasion.
An informative presentation on Sir Syed, Aligarh Muslim University and Bazm-e-Alig was also part of the event, which was followed by a quiz competition on the life and works of Sir Syed, conducted by Arshad Amin, Joint Secretary, and Tariq Rasheed Khan, Treasurer of Bazim.
Professor Abdul Raheem Kidwai, Director University Grant Commission, Human Resource Centre at Aligarh Muslim University, India, was the chief guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Kidwai lauded the efforts of Sir Syed. He said that it is always heartening to remember the personalities who have made unmatched contributions towards the educational growth of the Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. The Aligarh alumni need to follow the spirit and teaching of Sir Syed who always laid stress on getting the contemporary modern education. The professor also congratulated the members of Bazm-e-Alig for arranging the programme to commemorate the achievements of Sir Syed.
Asif Azmi, Managing Director of Shezon Media Pvt Ltd in New Delhi, was the guest of honour. He also highlighted the ideology of Sir Syed and its relevance in the contemporary world. The guest also thanked the alumni association for inviting him to the event.
Moosa Zainal Moosa, ex-adviser to the minister of culture and heritage and patron of Bazm-e-Alig, welcomed the chief guest and all the members. Speaking on the occasion, he said that education is the first key to the success of any nation. Sir Syed not only envisioned it during his times but also took practice steps to educate the Muslims in the British India.
Nadeem Mahir urged the members of Bazim to unite and work toward the cause of Sir Syed. He also outlined the objectives and the priorities of Bazm-e-Alig and the idea behind the formation of the association in 1988.
Mahir said, “Our aims and objectives include; awarding of scholarships to deserving students at AMU, providing material support to AMU and its affiliated institutions, arranging literary, cultural, sporting, and networking events, honouring outstanding individuals and organisations with appropriate achievement awards, providing assistance if needed to newly arrived AMU alumni and their families in Qatar, and arranging annual Sir Syed Day and benefit dinner.”
He added, “Bazim aims to keep alive Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s dream of ensuring equality for all and particularly the underprivileged through education, by supporting AMU and its students in their academic efforts, and by organising events to highlight AMU’s role in creating a modern India.”
The organisers presented mementos to the chief guest and guests of honour. Bazm also felicitated Aaleena Fayaz, a student of Grade-X at MES Indian School, who has topped in Urdu subject. She scored 99 percent marks in the subject. The chief guest presented certificates to the winners of painting and running competitions held in April this year.