Doha, Qatar: The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) celebrated Sir Syed Day 2026 at City Centre Rotana, Doha, under the theme “The Power of Education: Empowering the Next Generation.” The event commemorated the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the visionary founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and brought together distinguished dignitaries, educators, alumni, community leaders, professionals, and well-wishers to celebrate his enduring legacy of education, social reform, and nation-building.
His Excellency Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, Ambassador of India to Qatar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Renowned educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, delivered the keynote address on “How to Study Smart: Techniques, Strategy & Success,” sharing practical learning strategies and inspiring students, parents, and community members to embrace education as a lifelong pursuit.
The celebration highlighted AMUAAQ’s continuing commitment to educational excellence, youth empowerment, humanitarian service, alumni engagement, and stronger community relations between Qatar and India.
The programme was hosted by Dr. Ashna Nusrat and Mamnoon Ahmad Bangash, who were introduced by Amber Arif, welcomed the audience, and outlined the ousekeeping guidelines. The evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Salman Abuzar.
Mohammed Faisal Naseem, President of AMUAAQ, welcomed the distinguished guests and attendees. In his address, he encouraged the gathering to carry forward Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s educational mission and highlighted the association’s initiatives and activities throughout the year.
He reaffirmed the importance of collective action in promoting education, supporting students, strengthening alumni connections, and contributing meaningfully to society.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest His Excellency Dr. K. Srikar Reddy paid tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and emphasised the importance of making quality education accessible to all. He encouraged the adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online classrooms, to broaden educational opportunities and support new approaches to learning.
The Ambassador also appreciated the contributions of AMU alumni in Qatar and the wider Indian community towards strengthening Qatar–India relations. He congratulated the Aligs on the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and acknowledged the continuing relevance of Sir Syed’s vision in an increasingly technology-driven world.
A major highlight of the celebration was the keynote address by Khan Sir, whose distinctive teaching style and engaging presentation captivated the audience.
Speaking on “How to Study Smart: Techniques, Strategy & Success,” he shared practical techniques for effective learning, discussed his personal journey, and emphasised the importance of curiosity, confidence, adaptability, and making education accessible and engaging. He also recalled his father’s work in Qatar’s energy sector.
Khan Sir received an enthusiastic welcome, with women and children showering flower petals as he arrived. Before his keynote address, AMUAAQ presented him with the prestigious Sapoot-e-Bharat – Pride of India Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to education, youth empowerment, affordable healthcare, and his transformative educational mission.
Expressing pride in receiving the honour, Khan Sir reflected on the significance of addressing an AMU alumni gathering on Sir Syed Day, despite not having secured admission to Aligarh Muslim University himself. His remarks resonated with the audience, underscoring the broader message that dedication to education and service can transcend institutional boundaries.
Emphasising that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s mission remains unfinished, Khan Sir urged AMU alumni to support underprivileged children in their hometowns and help them continue their education. He encouraged the audience to nurture young minds by building confidence, stimulating curiosity, and making learning simpler and more meaningful.
Using Nokia and dinosaurs as examples, he illustrated how failure to adapt to changing circumstances can lead to decline. He urged students to embrace technology and Artificial Intelligence to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
He concluded by stressing that education must extend beyond examinations and academic scores. Its true purpose, he emphasised, is to transform lives, overcome social and economic barriers, and empower future generations with knowledge, confidence, and opportunity.
The evening also recognised individuals whose contributions have supported education, humanitarian causes, community development, and the AMU alumni network.
Sanaullah Abdul Rehman, Managing Director of Gulf Light and Guest of Honour, praised Khan Sir’s contributions to education, philanthropy, social welfare, youth empowerment, and affordable healthcare.
Jawed Ahmad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AMUAAQ, felicitated the association’s well-wishers and supporters for their continued encouragement and valuable contributions.
Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jilani, Chairman of the AMUAAQ Advisory Council, emphasised the importance of mobilising AMU’s worldwide alumni network to mentor newly qualified graduates, provide career guidance, and support job placement opportunities.
Dr. Ashna Nusrat also outlined AMUAAQ’s four official subdivisions: Toastmasters, Sports, Healthcare, and Ladies. She highlighted their role in engaging members through focused activities and initiatives.
One of the evening’s principal attractions was the AMUAAQ Excellence Awards ceremony, which honoured distinguished individuals for their achievements and contributions to education, journalism, humanitarian work, community service, and personal development.
The awards presented included:
- Sapoot-e-Bharat – Pride of India Award: Khan Sir. Presented in recognition of his exceptional contributions to educational transformation, youth empowerment, affordable healthcare, and nation-building.
- Sir Syed Humanitarian Leadership & Philanthropy Award 2026: Sanaullah Abdul Rehman, Managing Director, Gulf Light. Recognising his humanitarian service, support for underprivileged communities, financial assistance to students, contributions to community organisations, and commitment to ethical leadership.
- Media Personality of the Year 2026: Satyendra Pathak, Qatar Tribune. Honouring his commitment to truthful journalism, responsible editorial coverage, and the media’s role in highlighting Aligarh Muslim University’s achievements, community outreach, and enduring legacy.
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Work and Community Service: Sheikh Tanwir Ahmad. Recognising his generous contributions towards financial assistance, food, shelter, and education, reflecting a sustained commitment to human dignity, compassion, and community welfare.
- Aligarian of the Year: Mahtab Aziz Alam Khan. Recognising his service to the AMU alumni community and his contribution to strengthening the bonds among Aligs.
- Best Parenting Award: Khadija Parveen and Mohammed Farman Khan. Presented in recognition of their support and encouragement of their daughter, Mahnoor Khan Fatima, who secured 96.2% in the Class 10 board examinations.
- AMUAAQ Emerging Toastmaster of the Year 2025: Saba Khan. Recognising her progress and participation in Toastmasters.
- AMUAAQ Emerging Toastmaster of the Year 2026: Amber Arif. Recognising her development and contribution to the association’s Toastmasters activities.
- Senior Community Leader: KS Prasad. Acknowledging his standing and contribution to the community.
- Senior-most Aligarian: Mahmood Alam. Recognising his longstanding association with the Aligarh community.
The awards reflected AMUAAQ’s appreciation for individuals whose efforts advance education, encourage responsible journalism, strengthen humanitarian support, and promote leadership and community participation.
Shanib Shamsudheen, Head of Operations at City Exchange Qatar and Special Guest, appreciated AMUAAQ’s initiatives and expressed his willingness to collaborate on community development. He also shared a QR code through which Aligarians and AMUAAQ members could access special remittance rates.
Special Guests Mansoor Alghanim, Wassim, and Faizan Shaikh of Expert Real Estate shared practical insights into property investment opportunities in Qatar.
The event also welcomed Anjum Furqan, who joined from the UAE, and Vikash Singh from India. Other distinguished guests included Prof. Rizwan Ahmad, Prof. Atif Iqbal, Prof. Mizanur Rahman, Feroz Khan, Venkappa, KS. Prasad, RJ Afreen, RJ Sarwar Mirza, Naila Rizwan, Eman, Mahtab Alam, Sherwin Olimpio, Deepak Sheety, Rasheed, and Khwaja Nizam.
Alumni and community members, including Ahmad Azim Khan, Hassan Arshad, Sitwat Siddiqui, Anzar Haque, Dr. Mosharraf Shamim, Dr. Habiba, Dr. Sikandar, Dr. Imtiyaz Salim, Moamin Alvi, Tanweer Ahmad, and Najmul Hassan Khan, also attended, reflecting the breadth of the community associated with the celebration.
The gathering brought together members of AMUAAQ’s leadership, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council. The leadership and committee representatives included President Mohammed Faisal Naseem; Vice President Dr. Ashna Nusrat; General Secretary Mohammed Farman Khan; Mamnoon Ahmad Bangash; and Executive Committee members Ghazala Yasmeen, Farrukh Ali Farooqui, Dr. Syed Intekhab Alam, Saima Rafat, Imamuddin Ahmad, and Dr. Imran Mumtaz.
Board and Advisory members included Chairman Board of Directors, Jawed Ahmad, Dr. Hassan Rizvi, Zarrar Bin Khalid, Sheikh Tanwir Ahmad, Abdullah Moiz, Irfan Ansari, Mohammed Irfanullah, Pramod Kumar, Syed Shahabuddin, Altaf Gauhar and Chairman Advisory Council, Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jilani
To encourage audience participation, AMUAAQ organised an interactive Kahoot quiz that added an engaging and entertaining element to the programme. Naurine emerged as the winner, followed by Ahmed Jilani as first runner-up and Hassan Arshad as second runner-up.
The celebration concluded with the national anthems of Qatar and India, followed by a soulful rendition of the AMU Tarana. A dinner reception and a photo session with Khan Sir provided further opportunities for guests and alumni to interact and celebrate the occasion.
