Jeddah – A grand and well-organized Silver Jubilee “National Education Day” program was held on the evening of November 21 at the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, in memory of the freedom fighter and architect of modern Indian education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The event was organized under the banner of Urdu Academy Jeddah.
The program began recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Muhammad Nizamuddin Ghori In-Charge of Publications, Urdu Academy. Syed Muhammad Khalid Hussain Madani, Vice President of the Academy, had the honor of presenting Naat. The Indian national anthem was presented by Aishan Abdul Rauf, Rehan Odayan, and John Mathew Jio, which all participants listened to while standing in respect. Muhammad Yasser Qadri (Darul Ilm) recited a heart-touching patriotic poem.
Renowned Saudi businessman Mohammad Abdul Qadeer Hasan Siddiqui, Patron of Urdu Academy Jeddah, attended as the Chief Guest, while the session was presided over by Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Abdus Salam Naqshbandi, Founder Member and President of Urdu Academy Jeddah.
Aslam Afghani, Program Coordinator of the Academy, conducted the proceedings excellently, earning great appreciation from the audience.
Syed Naeemuddin Bari, General Secretary of the Academy, delivered the welcome address and warmly greeted all distinguished guests, participants, and the audience.
In his speech, Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Qadeer paid rich tribute to the Academy’s 25 years of service, stating that the academy has not only served the Urdu language but also played a prominent role in nurturing moral, educational, and cultural awareness in the younger generation. He also wholeheartedly appreciated the performance of the students.
President of the session Hafiz Muhammad Abdus Salam highlighted the scholarly and cultural significance of the Urdu language. He also recounted, in a detailed and impressive manner, the history of the Academy’s establishment and its founders:
Ghulam Asif Samdani, Muhammad Naeemullah Shareef, Syed Jamalullah Qadri, and Saleem Farooqui (President, Urdu Academy Jeddah, Hyderabad Chapter).
He concluded with an emotional prayer for the victims of a tragic accident on the route to Madinah Munawwarah.
Treasurer Samih Ahmad Farooqi, Joint Secretary Dr. Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig, Muhammad Yousuf Waheed, Muhammad Yahya, and Mrs. Siraj-un-Nisa presented bouquets to the guests and supervised the program arrangements.
Syed Abdul Wahab Qadri, Joint Program Coordinator, recited incomplete verses, which the audience enthusiastically completed. He was presented with gifts on behalf of the Academy.
Dr. Khaja Yameenuddin, a distinguished member of the Academy, delivered valuable insights on the Fit India Movement and National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
A particularly emotional and impactful segment of the program was the drama “Jazba-e-Bedari” (Spirit of Awareness), depicting the growing trend of children leaving their elderly parents—especially mothers—in old age homes. The drama deeply moved the audience and highlighted the importance of honoring parents. It was performed under the supervision of Teacher Farzana Begum (IISJ) by Bushra Muhammad Bashar, Aqsaa Aftab, Rumaysa Aamir Baig, Ayesha Nasih Siddiqui, Asfiya Shareen, and Aman Sameer.
The Silver Jubilee Edition of the annual magazine “Azaad” of Urdu Academy Jeddah was formally released by the Chief Guest. The editor, Sheikh Ibrahim (Patron-in-Chief, Urdu Academy Jeddah, Hyderabad Chapter), has been fulfilling this important responsibility for the past 25 years.
One of the major parts of the event was the Urdu and English speech competitions among students. Participants in both categories displayed remarkable confidence and high standards. The competitions were skillfully moderated by Syeda Amatul Aziz Fatima (IISJ).
Judges for the Urdu competition were TM Muhammad Moinuddin, Asim Zeeshan, and TM Arshad A. Javed, while judges for the English competition included DTM Saji Kuriakose, DTM Samir Viran, and Asim Zeeshan.
The Chief Judge for both competitions was TM Shaheer Abdul Qadeer, and TM Rabeeur Rahman served as the Timer.
Urdu Speech Competition Results:
Boys: Muhammad Furqan Faheem (1st), Abdullah Ateeq (2nd), Syed Khwaja Rayyanuddin (3rd), Mustafa Khan (4th), Abdul Rahman Muhammad (5th)
Girls: Falak Jilan (1st), Shams Isa Shabibi (2nd), Rufaida Abeer Yameenuddin (3rd), Sarah Israar (4th), Maryam Fatima (5th)
English Speech Competition Results:
Boys: Muhammad Abdullah Khan (1st), Farhan Bin Nazir (2nd), Hamid Sirajuddin (3rd), Muhammad Atif (4th)
Girls: Sundus Muhammad (1st), Jaza Fatima (2nd), Amina Khan (3rd), Samarah Asif (4th)
The Academy presented the Silver Jubilee National Education Day Commemorative Award to all participating students, judges, teachers, and assistants.
In the closing remarks, Syed Muhammad Khalid Hussain Madani expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Consul General of India in Jeddah, His Excellency Fahad Ahmad Khan Suri, along with all supporters and contributors of his team.
Representatives and heads of various Jeddah-based organizations considered their presence an honor and praised the Academy’s efforts. Participants commended the quality, organization, and meaningfulness of the program.
Distinguished attendees included: Owais Patni (Higher Board Member), Dr. Saleem (Former IISJ Managing Committee Chairman), Prince Mufti Zia, Shafaat Rahman (Wipro), Mehtab Qader, Syed Afzaluddin Naqshbandi, Qamar Sada, Shameem Kausar, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Laiq, TM Mirza Abdul Rahman Baig, Wasim Mukadam and others.
The program’s arrangements were supported by the team of Darul Ilm, under the supervision of Hafiz Muhammad Nizamuddin Ghori, including volunteers Muhammad Wasim Ahmad, Muhammad Sarfaraz, Muhammad Sharfuddin Sharfi, Hafiz Muhammad Jameel, Muhammad Sameer, Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, Hafiz Muhammad Zubair, Muhammad Azeem, Muhammad Tausif, Hafiz Muhammad Mujtaba Khan, and others.
