RIYADH – Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) Riyadh celebrated Sir Syed Day in their traditional way. Kapil Sibal – a jurist, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament and Romana Isar Khan, the ABP News anchor and TV Shows host were the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor respectively in this spectacular event at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Riyadh.
While addressing the gathering Kapil Sibal said that “India is a multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural abode. Living together in such a country should be considered as one’s destiny.
Sibal further said that hatred, communalism and riots hinder our progress. He said that we should have courage, be positive and the situation will not always be the same. In a way he was telling “This too shall pass”. He suggested that we have to fight not against each other but against the forces that stand in the way of coexistence and progress. Our motherland India is a great nation he added.
On the question of the health of democracy in the country, Sibal said strong democracy comes through strong vote. He said that good or bad government does not come by themselves. They are elected by the people. Everyone should exercise the power of their vote wisely, he said.
Praising Sir Syed’s vision and far-sightedness, he said that Mahatma Gandhi had rightly called Sir Syed the “Prophet of Education”. Sibal also emphasized the need for change in our education system. Finally, Kapil Sibal advised Aligs to protect the mission of Sir Syed and the values of Aligarh more than financial aid to their alma mater AMU.
The Guest of Honor of the event, an Aligarian Ms. Romana Isar Khan was delighted to address this large gathering of Aligs. Romana is an ABP News anchor and TV Shows host in India. She said that the Muslims of India are moving away from the mainstream. She said that even during Sir Syed’s time, there was strong opposition to him. But this iron man defiantly fought them and succeeded. Today’s Indian Muslim need to develop this courage, boldness and passion she added. She articulated that the documentary proof of the downfall of Indian Muslims is the report of the Sachar Committee.
Earlier, Ms. Romana said on the question of bias of the media in relation to journalism, that running a media house is also a business today. And they have to keep their survival in mind. Everyone is free in democracy, be it media or the audience she added.
The program started with recitation of Holy Quran by Dr. Inamullah Azmi. After which the AMUOBA President, Abrar Hussain delivered the welcome speech. Abrar shed light on the activities of AMUOBA in detail. He said that 10 lakh rupees were sent to Aligarh University on behalf of AMUOBA Riyadh to give scholarships to 100 students. Former Secretary AMUOBA Taqiuddin Mir presented a very interesting and insightful article on Sir Syed’s vision and Aligarh Muslim University, in which he reviewed AMU in detail.
Inamullah Azmi presented a detailed article on the role of Aligs in the construction and development of Saudi Arabia. On this occasion, the official release of AMUOBA’s annual directory was also carried out. Commemorative mementos were also presented to the assistants of this program and some former Aligarians.
General Secretary AMUOBA Marghob Mohsin anchored the event and kept his grip on the event from the beginning to the end with outstanding poetic couplets (Shers). AMUOBA Vice President Syed Najamul Hasan Najami presented the vote of thanks. After AMU Tarana, the ceremony ended with the Indian National Anthem.
