Doha: Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) an associate organisation of ICBF under the aegis of the Embassy of India-Qatar, celebrated the 205th birth anniversary of AMU’ founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on December 16 at Hayatt Regency Oryx Doha Hotel.
Dr. Syed Sabahat Azim who is the CEO of Glocal Healthcare and a former IAS officer of Tripura Cader, besides being a medical graduate from AMU, was the chief guest while Sachin Shankpal Dinkar (First Secretary Indian Embassy, Qatar), Imtiaz Anwar Siddiqui, Dr. Hasan Chougule (Entrepreneur), Sophia Bukhari. Rajesh VC (District director Toastmasters) and Vinod V Nair (President, ICBF), graced the occasion as guests of honour.
Chief guest, Dr. Sabahat Azim, in his keynote address, advised the audience not to lose hope and work on things that are important but not urgent. In an inspiring speech, full of anecdotes and quotes he drew parallels between challenges faced by the community and those that were prevalent at the time of Sir Syed and counselled the audience that like Sir Syed we should also plan for the long term in a proactive manner, utilising the opportunities thrown open by the digitalised world.
Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani, President AMU Alumni Association Qatar, in his welcome address paid glowing tributes to the founder of Aligarh Muslim University and remembered how Sir Syed travelled to England to study the British Education system and established MAO College on the pattern of universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
First international release of the book titled Syed Mahmood: Colonial India’s Dissenting Judge was launched on this Founder’s Day celebration in 75th year of India’s Independence amidst the biggest festival of football (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022) with the theme Hayya Hayya (Better together).
Two young law academics, Mohammad Nasir and Samreen Ahmad are the authors of the book which is both informative and analytical in its dissection of his erudite and often astounding judgements. Guest and alumni congratulated both the authors.
Mehfil e sukhan [talk session] was presided by senior Urdu poet Janab Ateeq Anzar while the popular poet Janab Ahmad Ashfaque did the nizamat [compering] . Others who kept the audience entertained by their beautiful poetry included Janab Ashfaque Deshmukh , Dr Wasiul Haque Wasi and Dr Nadeem Jilani.
Farman Khan, General Secretary AMUAAQ informed after the event about the activities undertaken by AMUAAQ like – Zaiqa E Aligarh including Women empowerment and child abuse, Alumni meet, Multi Specialised Free Medical camp, Blood donation camp, Sports day, Interfaith seminar, Felicitation programme, Toastmasters meeting, Stand with FIFA 2022, Beach cleaning, Supporting and Standing with India and AMU, and also supporting to community for financial assistance to mostly affected areas during the pandemic situation (COVID-19) in India.
He also mentioned about the available opportunity for employment as many people lost their jobs because, of the pandemic. Apart from the above-mentioned collective activities many individual one-to-one basis activities were undertaken to build brotherhood and positive environment among all residing in Qatar, helped needy people to get the benefit of Vande Bharat Mission flights, etc.
The events’s anchoring was deftly handled by Dr. Ashna and Mohammed Nayeem. Dr. Ashna wonderfully threaded the discussion. Mamnoon Ahmad Bangash started the programme with the recitation of verses from the Q'uran while initial introduction and safety guidelines were briefed by Ghazala Yasmin.
President Dr. Nadeem Jilani announced the Excellence award. Finally, the National Anthem of Qatar and National Anthem of India were virtually played. The event culminated with a beautiful rendition of the university’s evergreen musical tarana (anthem),“Ye mera chaman hai mera chaman, main apne chaman ka bulbul hun”.
[This is my garden, mine own garden, and I am its 'bulbul' - nightingale]
