JEDDAH – The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), Jeddah Chapter, celebrated the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), with grandeur and heartfelt pride. The event, held at Crown Plaza brought together around 500 Aligs and their families, reaffirming their commitment to Sir Syed’s legacy of education and community empowerment.
The program began with a soulful recitation of the Holy Quran by Fahad Zinjani. Senior Aligs Syed Nematullah and Anjum Iqbal were invited to preside over the event as the most senior Aligs present.
In his address, Prince Mufti Ziaul Hassan, AMUOBA General Secretary, presented a detailed report on the organization’s achievements over the past year. “Our journey is inspired by Sir Syed’s vision, and the Aligarh fraternity’s unwavering support drives us to achieve greater milestones,” he said.
Aqeel Jamil, President of AMUOBA Jeddah chapter, welcomed the attendees and reflected on Sir Syed’s vision and sacrifices. “Sir Syed’s mission was not just about building an institution but empowering generations with education, leadership, and opportunities. At AMUOBA, we are proud torchbearers of his timeless vision,” he said.
Aqeel highlighted AMUOBA’s Key Initiatives: First, Youth Empowerment Through Leadership. AMUOBA launched the Youth Leadership Program in partnership with Toastmasters International. Over four weeks, 30 boys and girls developed public speaking and leadership skills, laying the foundation for future leaders.
A showcase event is planned to celebrate their achievements.
1. “Each One, Teach One“: Empowering the Future Through Education. AMUOBA Jeddah is committed to transforming the lives of underprivileged children in Aligarh by making quality education accessible. Through this initiative, each of us has the opportunity to directly support a child’s education, creating a lasting impact and uplifting our community, Aqeel emphasized.
2. In partnership with “Hamara School”, this project provides children with the chance to learn, grow, and break the cycle of poverty.
Dr. Zargham Zia, Co-founder of Hamara School, shared that over 13,000 children have been educated and more than 500 teachers trained in 27 years. He stressed the need for continued community support to expand the program and reach even more children in need.
3. Career Guidance and Employment: New initiatives include connecting young Aligs with industry leaders for career guidance and growth, preparing to launch an employment drive under the “Each One Employ One” program to offer internships, job placements, and networking opportunities with the huge Alig community.
Atif Hanif, the Guest of Honor, paid tribute to Sir Syed’s enduring legacy. Sir Syed’s contributions are monumental, extending far beyond the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University. The ” Aligarh Tehreek ” rests on three key pillars: education, social reformation, and religious awakening. His mission is our roadmap to progress,” he said, quoting Allama Iqbal.
“Sitaron Se Aage Jahan Aur bhi hain,
Abhi Ishq ke Imtihan Aur bhi hain”
Guest of honor, renowned poet Azhar Iqbal, said, he believes “Seeking knowledge is worship, and being an Alig is a blessing. Education unlocks human potential, ensures justice, and drives progress.”
His nostalgic couplet,
“Darakhton se tha ek rishta hamara,
Zameen unki thi aur saaya hamara,”
stirred pride, celebrating Aligarh’s timeless values and unbreakable bonds.
Chief Guest Zia ur Rehman Barq, Member of Parliament from Sambhal, U.P, began his speech with the inspiring couplet:
“Duniya ke har goshay mein chiragh ki tarah jalta hai
Yeh Sir Syed ki koshishain hain ke aaj har Alig sir uthake chalta hai.”
He highlighted Sir Syed’s sacrifices, including selling his house to establish AMU, and praised his legacy as a transformative Muslim leader. Zia urged the community to support initiatives like “Each One Teach One” and establish coaching centers for competitive exams. He called for unity to advance Sir Syed’s vision of education, literacy, and social upliftment.
A moment of great pride was the release of the book “Shaikh Mohammad Abdullah”: A Pioneer of Muslim Female Education “by Atif Hanif, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Shaikh Mohammad Abdullah, in collaboration with AMUOBA Jeddah. The book celebrates the life and contributions of Shaikh Abdullah, affectionately known as “Papa Mian,” who championed education for Muslim women alongside Sir Syed.
The event also marked the release of the ‘Alig Communique’ newsletter, curated by Prince Mufti Ziaul Hassan and Shahnawaz Alam, showcasing AMUOBA’s activities and milestones. In addition, a slideshow, thoughtfully created by the same team, highlighted the organization’s journey and achievements over the past year.
A raffle draw, conducted by Athar Rasool, Sardar Masood Khan, Mohammed Sirajuddin and Mohammed Danish Khan, added an element of excitement, with prizes sponsored by generous contributors.
As a tradition , mementos and gifts were distributed to dignitaries and attendees by advisors Farzan Rizvi, Nooruddin Khan, Azizur Rub , Ateeq Siddiqui, sponsors , and other committee members as a gesture of appreciation for their support.
Vice President Asim Zeeshan delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success. The program was skillfully anchored by General Secretary Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan, whose eloquent Urdu couplets added elegance and warmth. The other committee members, including Dr. Omais Ansari, Abid Hussain Aftab, Dr. Abrar Ahmed, Fahad Afridi, and the dedicated volunteers, played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly.
The event concluded with a soulful rendition of the university anthem “Taraana,” performed by the team of Ateeq Siddiqui, Asim Zeeshan, Prince Ziaul Hasan Mufti, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Rabnawaz Khan, Athar Rasool, and Nayyer Abbas, followed by a sumptuous dinner.
As the Aligarh song echoed, attendees left inspired, united in their resolve to continue Sir Syed’s mission of education, inclusion, and empowerment.
