JMI alumni celebrate 97th Foundation Day in Riyadh
A large number of alumni from India’s premier university Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) along with prominent members of the Indian community in Riyadh gathered last week to celebrate the university’s 97th Foundation Day.
The focus was on educational empowerment and the strengthening of relations between Saudi Arabia and the JMI, which has strong connections with the Kingdom.
Addressing the gathering of the Jamia Millia Alumni Association (Riyadh Chapter), Suhail Ajaz Khan, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of India, Riyadh, who was the chief guest on the annual occasion, highlighted the importance of higher education and the significant role being played by the JMI in empowering the younger generation with higher learning.
Khan also mentioned the special relation between the JMI and the Kingdom referring to the historic visit of late King Abdullah to India in 2006 that resulted in the signing of the “Delhi Declaration,” imparting a fresh momentum to the bilateral relationship.
The visit provided the framework for cooperation in all fields of mutual interest between the two friendly countries and has special importance for the JMI, which now has a grand library funded by the Kingdom, he said.
Prominent Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Maeena, who was the special guest and keynote speaker on the occasion, called on Muslims to focus on higher education rather than worrying about political issues.
Al-Maeena further said that efforts should be made to empower and enable Muslim students from grass-roots level to compete with others in making their future bright.
Hifzur Rahman, first secretary and observer of Indian schools in the Kingdom, who is also an alumni of the university and was the guest of honor at the event, urged his colleagues to keep the flag of their alma mater flying high with their good works.
Earlier, Aneesur Rehman, president of the alumni association in Riyadh in his welcome address thanked the office bearers and Jamia colleagues for the successful conduct of the annual celebration.
Treasurer Neemu Khan welcomed the guests, senior alumni member Perwaiz Ahmed presented the annual report whereas joint secretary Mohammed Rahbar proposed the vote of thanks inviting guests to enjoy dinner at the Golden Tulip, Riyadh.