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AMU alumni celebrate Sir Syed Day in San Francisco Bay area
The keynote speaker, Chittireddy Sripal, Consul at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco commended the AMU alumni for their impactful community work, highlighting Sir Syed’s emphasis on modernization through education.
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The gathering, an annual highlight for AMU alumni and supporters across Northern California, combined speeches, fundraising, and a Mushaira (Urdu poetry recital). / Courtesy Photo.
The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association of Northern California (AMUAANC) hosted Sir Syed Day event on Nov.11, 2024, at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California. Dedicated to celebrating the vision of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898), the event also served as a fundraiser for the Aligarh Education Endowment Fund (AEEF). The gathering, an annual highlight for AMU alumni and supporters across Northern California, combined speeches, fundraising, and a Mushaira (Urdu poetry recital).
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, an iconic figure in Indian history, founded the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to modernize education among Indian Muslims during a time of social and political upheaval. Born in Delhi in 1817, Sir Syed passed away in Aligarh in 1898, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform. "Ignorance is the cause of poverty," Sir Syed famously said.
The evening began with dinner and socializing, followed by a Quran recitation and translation by Mohammad Zaid Khan. Shahla Khan, the emcee, outlined the program, introducing Aftab Umar, President of AMUAANC, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of Sir Syed’s mission.
Dignitaries and attendees in the event. / Courtesy Photo.“Your continued support has been the backbone of this organization,” Umar remarked, acknowledging key sponsors, including Drs. Kamil and Talat Hasan, and organizations like Infoglen Technologies and Amana Mutual Funds Trust. Umar also paid tribute to Suhail Farrukh, a late member of the association, describing him as a pillar of the community.
Shaheer Khan, a member of board of directors of AMU, presented an update on the AEEF, highlighting its contributions over the past 14 years. Since its inception, the organization has disbursed approximately $1.3 million to support scholarships, school construction, and food programs. Projected costs for the 2024-2025 academic session were pegged at $400,000. Khan praised the community’s generosity, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A short video showcasing AEEF’s work was followed by a message from comedian Hasan Minhaj, whose parents are AMU alumni. Minhaj stressed on the transformative power of education and encouraged attendees to donate generously. Former Jamia Millia Islamia Vice Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar also graced the event.
The keynote speaker, Chittireddy Sripal, Consul (Political & Technical) from the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, filled in for Consul General Dr. K. Srikar Reddy. Sripal commended the AMU alumni for their impactful community work, highlighting Sir Syed’s emphasis on modernization through education. “Sir Syed’s approach to addressing the causes of the 1857 Revolt through education instead of confrontation was revolutionary,” he said, adding that AMU continues to play a vital role in shaping future generations.
The evening concluded with a Mushaira, a hallmark of Sir Syed Day. Senior poet Abbas Tabish presided over the session, joined by renowned poets Ahmed Salman (Pakistan), Shakeel Azmi (India), Nusrat Mehdi (India), and local contributors like Dr. Aifra Ahmad and Ahmar Shehwaar. The poetry recital, coinciding with World Urdu Day on Nov. 9, captivated the audience with its philosophical depth and emotional resonance.
The event concluded with the singing of Tarana-e-Aligarh, the AMU anthem written by Majaz in 1933. Alumni and attendees joined in, reflecting their enduring connection to Sir Syed’s vision.
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