By: YaHind.Com Staff Reporter
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 17, 2025: In a resounding tribute to enlightenment and education, the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association (AMUOBA) Jeddah chapter marked the 208th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan with unparalleled grandeur at the opulent Crystal Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Jeddah. The event, attended by nearly 400 Aligs (AMU alumni) and their families, wove together threads of pride, unity, and forward-looking vision, echoing the timeless ideals of the architect of modern Muslim India.
The evening commenced on a serene note with a soulful recitation from the Quran by Fahad Zinjani, setting a tone of reverence. Senior Alig Mubin Ahmed Khan took the helm as the presiding officer, guiding the proceedings with poise and warmth.
The highlight of the night was the keynote address by the Chief Guest, His Excellency Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah. In his stirring speech, HE Suri celebrated India’s meteoric rise, fueled by innovation and inclusivity, while lauding the Indian diaspora—particularly the Alig community—as an indispensable “living bridge” between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Praising AMUOBA’s pioneering AI & Data Science Workshop, the Consul General underscored the Aligs’ pivotal role in advancing technology, youth empowerment, commerce, and cultural exchange. “Your contributions are not just professional; they are the heartbeat of bilateral ties,” he remarked, inspiring the audience with calls for continued collaboration under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Echoing these sentiments, AMUOBA President Aqeel Jamil Khan delivered a passionate address, reaffirming Sir Syed’s enduring vision of education and rational inquiry as the bedrock of national and communal advancement. He spotlighted the association’s dynamic initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Program, the transformative AI & Data Science Workshop, the “Each One Teach One” mentorship drive, and forthcoming sessions to nurture young talents. Under HE Suri’s guidance, AMUOBA is also spearheading India-Saudi business collaborations, fostering economic synergies.
With an estimated 400–500 Aligs in the Western Region and 2,000–3,000 across the Kingdom, President Khan highlighted their outsized impact on Vision 2030, from tech innovation to social service. “We are not just alumni; we are torchbearers of Sir Syed’s dream,” he declared.
The Guest of Honor, Prof. Javed Musarrat, commended AMUOBA’s tireless community service and exhorted Aligs to embrace contemporary education while upholding Sir Syed’s ethos of selfless contribution. Mr. Abdulrehman Amri, Senior Director at EFSiM, expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and drew parallels between EFSiM’s values and Sir Syed’s progressive philosophy.
The evening brimmed with honors: Senior Alig and Consul (Commercial) Mr. Mohammad Hashim was felicitated for his exemplary service; celebrated author Mr. Danish Ghafoor marked the launch of his poignant collection My Musings; and community stalwart Bahjat Zinjani was recognized for decades of dedication.
Adding to the festivities, the latest edition of the Alig Communique newsletter—meticulously curated by Rabnawaz Khan and Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam—was unveiled, capturing the pulse of Alig life in the Kingdom. An electrifying raffle draw, led by Mohammed Shah Nawaz, Danish Khan, and Dr. Omais Ansari, kept the energy soaring.
Mementos were graciously presented by Advisors Nooruddin Khan, Aziz-ur-Rub, and Ateeq Siddiqui, alongside President Aqeel Jamil Khan and ExCom members including Asim Zeeshan, Prince Mufti Zia, Rabnawaz Khan, Mohammed Shah Nawaz, Mohammed Siraj, Dr. Omais Ansari, Abid Hussain, Dr. Abrar, Fahad Zinjani, and Danish Khan. Sponsors received plaques in appreciation of their support.
A heartfelt flourish came from the younger generation, as children like Zaina, Izaan, Ayesha, Ahmed, Isa Khan, Anabia, Alhan, Zayan, Abdullah, and Saman Omer presented bouquets, symbolizing the passing of the torch.
Vice President Asim Zeeshan extended a profound vote of thanks, encapsulating the night’s spirit of camaraderie. General Secretary Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan anchored the program masterfully, interspersing proceedings with eloquent Urdu couplets that evoked Sir Syed’s poetic soul.
As the curtains fell on this historic gathering, AMUOBA Jeddah reaffirmed its commitment to Sir Syed’s legacy—not just in commemoration, but in action. For the Alig diaspora in Saudi Arabia, it was more than an event; it was a beacon of unity and aspiration in a rapidly evolving world.
YaHind.Com salutes AMUOBA Jeddah for this magnificent celebration and invites readers to share their Sir Syed Day reflections in the comments below. Stay tuned for more updates on Indian community milestones in the Kingdom.
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