Guests and organizers at the Sir Syed Day celebrations pose for a group photo in Jeddah on Friday.

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMOUBA) celebrated the 197th anniversary of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at the Indian Consulate on Friday.

The function was held with aplomb under heavily overcast skies which failed to dampen the spirits of the large gathering of Aligs and prominent members of the Indian community living in Jeddah.

The Sir Syed Dinner, as it is generally known, was attended by Consul General B.S. Mubarak, Naseem Ahmed, former AMU vice chancellor and currently chairman of the Minorities Commission of India. Shehzad Mohammed Khan and Saudi diplomat and columnist Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi attended as chief guests while Asrar Ahmed Siraj was honored as the most senior Alig. The event got off with Farzan Ahmed Rizvi, president of the AMU Alumni Committee, welcoming the guests.

Naseem Ahmed regaled the audience with his time in Aligarh and paid glowing tribute to Sir Syed. He highlighted a famous incident when Sir Syed, in his efforts to establish the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, danced to collect funds. Remarking that no effort was too small, he urged the Alig expats to revive Muslim institutions back home.

Shehzad Mohammed Khan touched on Sir Syed’s visit to the UK to study the Western system of education which would form the model for the MAO College and later the Aligarh Muslim University. He called upon Aligs to form an international directory and open schools for the minorities in India.

The consul general also urged Muslims to strive for higher education and expressed his desire to be appointed as the AMU vice chancellor in the future.

Azizurrab released the new directory with the cooperation of the guests and members of the executive committee.

Mementos to the honored guests were presented by Farzan Ahmed, Azizurrab, Nooruddin Khan, Imran Ansari, Imtiaz H. Ahmed, Mumshaduddin, Athar Rasool, Asim Zeeshan and Rabnawaz Khan. The guests also received a bouquet from children.

Aqeel Jamil, general secretary, briefed the gathering on the activities of the AMU committee.

 
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