Indian expatriates in Riyadh, many of them alumni of Hyderabad’s historic Osmania University, celebrated their country’s National Education Day to commemorate the birthday of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958), one of India’s most prominent independence heroes, a renowned Islamic scholar and the country’s first education minister.
The largely-attended event was jointly organized by Osmania University Alumni Association and Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu.
Dr. Hifzur Rahman, first secretary at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, was the chief guest. He recalled the contribution of Maulana Azad to the freedom movement as well as his services to the nation as the first education minister. He read and interpreted Maulana Azad’s famous speech delivered in 1948 at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. He also read some of Maulana Azad’s letters which he wrote to different leaders of India. The letters are a valuable part of the history of independent India.
Rahman congratulated both Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu and Osmania University Alumni Association for organizing the remarkable event.
International Indian School-Riyadh (IISR) Principal Dr. S.M. Shaukat Perwez, who recently won the President’s Medal for Services in the field of Education, was felicitated on the occasion.
Mohammed Quaiser, president of Osmania University Alumni Association, welcomed the gathering, the chief guest and the guest of honor.
In his address, he said: “Maulana Azad was a God-gifted leader of the Indians with his great wisdom and clarity of thought. Maulana Azad was born in Makkah and fought for the independence of India. No one can deny his rich contribution to strengthening nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity in India. He was the architect of the modern education system in independent India.”
Architect Abdur Rahman Saleem, president of Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu, noted the various important events in Maulana Azad’s life.
Shahbaz Farooqui, a well-known banking executive and general secretary of Osmania University Alumni Association, conducted the proceedings. He praised Abdur Rahman Saleem for his “untiring efforts” in promoting the beauty of Urdu language among the young generation.
Taqiuddin Mir, the organization’s treasurer, presented a detailed report on the essay writing competition organized in connection with the Education Day celebrations. His report was followed by a vote of thanks by Osmania University Alumni Association Vice President (Administration) Mohammed Mubin.
Rifa Habeeb, Reem Haque and Rahma Shah, all students at the International Indian School-Riyadh, stole the show with their oratorical skills and remarkable research into the life of Maulana Azad.
On the occasion an essay-writing competition for the students of schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on the topic “Advantages of Maulana Azad’s Educational Vision in Contemporary India” was held. Students from International Indian School-Riyadh (Girls Section), Delhi Public School (DPS), Yara International School, New Middle East International School, International Indian Public School (SEVA) and Modern Middle East International School participated.
The winners of the essay-writing competition were: Nandana Joy (First Prize, Delhi Public School); Nihala Khanam Pilath (Second Prize, SEVA School); Shiva Aruneshini (Second Prize, New Middle East International School) and K.N. Nasruddin (Third Prize, Yara International School).
The winners of the consolation prizes were: Mohammed Khaled (Yara International School); Ammarah Begum (Delhi Public School) and Binish Fatima (Yara International School).
Indian expats in Riyadh recall rich contribution of Maulana Azad
Indian expats in Riyadh recall rich contribution of Maulana Azad
