After last year’s unified celebration of Sir Syed Day, which sparked hope for harmony among UAE-based Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni, this year’s festivities will once again be marked by division. Two separate events have been planned to honour the university’s founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, scheduled for October 19 and October 26, reports the Khaleej Times.
The split in celebrations rekindles concerns about factionalism within the AMU alumni community in the UAE, which numbers around 5,000 members. Globally, AMU alumni celebrate Sir Syed Day on October 17, commemorating the birth of Sir Syed, a 19th-century visionary and educationist. However, in the UAE, the event, traditionally a time for solidarity, will instead see alumni gathering under different banners.
Representing the committee behind the October 19 event, Mohammad Haroon Akmal of The Proud Aligs AMU Alumni downplayed the split, stating, “Our goal remains the same – celebrating Sir Syed’s legacy. More celebrations only add to the spirit, and we’re all working towards the same mission.”
Scheduled at Hotel Holiday International in Sharjah, this event will feature prominent guests, including DS Chauhan, a senior Indian government official, and Rizwan Sajan, founder of the Danube Group. The evening will also include performances by alumni, including a skit by the AMU Drama Club and stand-up comedy by Rehman Khan.
On October 26, another group of alumni, led by SM Qutub Rehman, will host their celebration at Coral Beach Resort in Sharjah. Dr. Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of AMU, will be the guest of honour. Rehman justified the dual events, noting the large number of AMU alumni in the UAE, and suggested that more celebrations provide flexibility for attendees.
Despite these reassurances, long-time alumni members feel that the event should have remained united. “Hosting separate events goes against the values of unity and brotherhood that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan embodied,” one anonymous alumnus remarked.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of AMU, is remembered as a pioneer of modern education for Indian Muslims. His legacy continues to impact countless lives, including the many AMU alumni residing in the UAE. Despite this year’s division, both groups are united in their respect and admiration for the man who transformed the course of education for generations.
