Golden Jubilee Begins: AAA-DC Celebrates Eid Milan with Spirit, Reflection, and Renewed Commitment
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro Washington (AAA-DC), a leading non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), launched its Golden Jubilee celebrations with a vibrant Eid Milan gathering at the Rockville Senior Center in Maryland. This joyous occasion began a year-long tribute to five decades of service in education, community empowerment, and cultural enrichment.
The evening commenced on a spiritual note with a soulful recitation from the Qur'an by Ezzah Haziq, setting a reflective and uplifting tone. Welcoming the guests, AAA-DC President Mr Afzal Usmani highlighted the significance of beginning the Jubilee year with Eid Milan—an event symbolizing unity, gratitude, and renewal. He reaffirmed the Association’s enduring dedication to advancing education, celebrating cultural heritage, and promoting harmony in the spirit of AMU’s visionary founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
In a thoughtful address, Mr Mohammad Basil emphasized Sir Syed’s enduring visionary mission of enlightenment and reform that inspires new generations. Maryam Usmani, Shumaila Imran, and Mohammad Basil hosted an interactive AMU-themed trivia quiz to engage the younger audience. Children who answered correctly received prizes, adding an educational and entertaining element to the evening.
A central highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Sir Syed Lifetime Achievement Awards to individuals for their exemplary contributions to education, community service, and promoting the association’s cause.
- Mr Tariq Husain, a former World Bank executive, was recognized for his lifelong dedication to education, an inspiration rooted in the values of his AMU alumni parents.
- Dr Syed Amir, a guiding force within AAA-DC for over two decades, was acknowledged for his pivotal leadership.
- Dr Razi Raziuddin and Dr Arati Raziuddin were honored for their unwavering support of the association’s mission.
- The late Mr Mustafa Hashmi, a former AAA-DC president and devoted community leader, was honored posthumously with a lifetime scholarship established in his name at AMU.
Expressing his appreciation, Mr Tariq Husain remarked, “Sir Syed Ahmad Khan has been a towering influence in my life. I am deeply honored to be recognized by AAA-DC, an institution embodying the spirit of educational progress and community upliftment.”
Dr Syed Amir praised the evening as a “glittering celebration entirely orchestrated by the younger generation of Aligarians,” symbolizing continuity and renewal. He paid tribute to the pioneering efforts of leaders such as Drs Abdullah, Rafat Hussain, Razi and Arati Raziuddin, Tariq Farooqi, Fazal Khan, Aftab Ansari, Hashima Hasan, Ms Farzana Farooqi, Ms Shakila Raza, and Ms Ayesha Khan—visionaries who have gracefully passed the baton to the next generation.
Adding a musical flourish to the evening, the Gaithersburg-based Montgomery Nawabs captivated the audience with soulful ghazals and classic melodies. The group—featuring Dr Mohammed Akbar, Khursheed Bilgrami, Dr Qazi Hamid, and Mir Karamath Ali—embodied the AMU community’s cherished blend of professional excellence and artistic expression.
The event was notably distinguished by the presence of leaders and their families from various literary, cultural, and community organizations in the Metropolitan Washington area. Among the notable attendees were Aquil Ahmed, Arif Mahmood, Faisal Saleem, Firoza Salahuddin, Jamshed Uppal, Nasir Chippa, Nuzaira Azam, Saeeda Huque, Sarwat Parvez, Shah Fazal Abbas, and Tahira Aziz. Afshan Nizami, the daughter of the late Z. A. Nizami, founder of Sir Syed College of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, was also appreciated.
Founded in 1975, AAA-DC has become one of North America’s most dynamic AMU alumni organizations. Its annual calendar features many hallmark events, such as the Sir Syed Day Celebration, International Mushaira, Independence Day Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan, and community picnics—events that showcase the syncretic spirit of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb and foster cross-cultural connections.
The association continues to raise funds for AMU scholarships and supports educational initiatives across India. AAA-DC has expanded its philanthropic reach through partnerships with other literary, social, and cultural organizations.
As AAA-DC celebrates its 50th year, it remains steadfast in its commitment to the enduring values of Aligarh—education, enlightenment, and unity. The association invited community members to upcoming Golden Jubilee events, including the Sir Syed Day Celebration in October, the Annual International Mushaira, and the Independence Day Mushaira & Kavi Sammelan.
Mr Mohammad Haziq, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies, masterfully coordinated the Eid Milan event. Ms Nasreen Sikandar Khan and her resolute team ensured seamless dinner service and coordination. AAA-DC Treasurer Mr Salman Shahid concluded the evening with a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, performers, and attendees whose enthusiastic participation made the celebration a resounding success.
The author thanks Mr Afzal Usmani and Dr Mohammad Akbar for the photographs. - Iqbal.zafar1509@gmail.com
