Qatar
The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) celebrated Sir Syed Day 2026 at City Centre Rotana, Doha, commemorating the 209th birth anniversary of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Held under the theme “The Power of Education: Empowering the Next Generation,” the event brought together India’s Ambassador to Qatar, educators, alumni, community leaders, professionals and members of the Indian diaspora.
The programme was hosted by Dr. Ashna Nusrat and Mamnoon Ahmad Bangash, who were introduced by Amber Arif. They welcomed the audience and outlined the event’s housekeeping guidelines. The evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Salman Abuzar.
His Excellency Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, Ambassador of India to Qatar, attended as Chief Guest, while renowned educator Faisal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, delivered the keynote address on “How to Study Smart: Techniques, Strategy & Success.”
The celebration highlighted AMUAAQ’s work in education, youth empowerment, humanitarian service, alumni engagement and strengthening community relations between Qatar and India.
Khan Sir Receives Sapoot-e-Bharat – Pride of India Award
One of the main highlights was the keynote address by Khan Sir, whose distinctive teaching style and engaging presentation attracted the attention of students, parents and community members.
He shared practical learning techniques, study strategies and insights from his personal journey, emphasising curiosity, confidence, adaptability and making education accessible.
Khan Sir also recalled his father’s work in Qatar’s energy sector. He reflected on the significance of addressing an AMU alumni gathering on Sir Syed Day, despite not having secured admission to Aligarh Muslim University himself.
He received a warm welcome as women and children showered flower petals upon his arrival.
Before his keynote address, AMUAAQ presented him with the Sapoot-e-Bharat – Pride of India Award, recognising his contributions to educational transformation, youth empowerment, affordable healthcare and nation-building.
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 explained how organisations and individuals that fail to adapt to changing circumstances risk becoming irrelevant. He encouraged students to embrace technology and artificial intelligence to remain competitive.
He concluded by emphasising that education should extend beyond examinations and academic scores. Its purpose, he said, is to transform lives, overcome social and economic barriers and empower future generations with knowledge, confidence and opportunities.
Indian Ambassador Highlights Education and Technology
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. K. Srikar Reddy paid tribute to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and emphasised the importance of making quality education accessible to everyone.
He encouraged the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence 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 Aligarians on the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and acknowledged the continuing relevance of Sir Syed’s vision in a technology-driven world.
AMUAAQ Leadership Highlights Community Initiatives
Mohammed Faisal Naseem, President of AMUAAQ, welcomed the distinguished guests and attendees. 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 to society.
Jawed Ahmad, Chairman of the Board of Directors, felicitated the association’s well-wishers and supporters for their continued encouragement and contributions.
Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jilani, Chairman of the AMUAAQ Advisory Council, highlighted 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 outlined AMUAAQ’s four official subdivisions:
- Toastmasters
- Sports
- Healthcare
- Ladies
She explained how these subdivisions engage members through specialised activities and initiatives.
AMUAAQ Excellence Awards Recognise Community Contributions
The evening also recognised individuals whose contributions have supported education, humanitarian causes, journalism, community development and the AMU alumni network.
The AMUAAQ Excellence Awards were presented to the following recipients:
1. Sapoot-e-Bharat – Pride of India Award: Khan Sir – Recognising his contributions to educational transformation, youth empowerment, affordable healthcare and nation-building.
2. Sir Syed Humanitarian Leadership & Philanthropy Award 2026: Sanaullah Abdul Rehman, Managing Director, Gulf Light – Recognising humanitarian service, support for underprivileged communities, financial assistance to students and contributions to community organisations.
3. Media Personality of the Year 2026: Satyendra Pathak, Qatar Tribune – Recognising his commitment to journalism, responsible editorial coverage and highlighting AMU’s achievements and community outreach.
4. Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Work and Community Service: Sheikh Tanwir Ahmad – Recognising contributions towards financial assistance, food, shelter and education.
5. Aligarian of the Year: Mahtab Aziz Alam Khan – Recognising his service to the AMU alumni community and efforts to strengthen connections among Aligs.
6. Best Parenting Award: Khadija Parveen and Mohammed Farman Khan – Recognising their support and encouragement of their daughter, Mahnoor Khan Fatima, who secured 96.2% in her Class 10 board examinations.
7. AMUAAQ Emerging Toastmaster of the Year 2025: Saba Khan – Recognising her progress and participation in Toastmasters.
8. AMUAAQ Emerging Toastmaster of the Year 2026: Amber Arif – Recognising her development and contribution to the association’s Toastmasters activities.
9. Senior Community Leader: K. S. Prasad – Acknowledging his contribution to the community.
10. Senior-most Aligarian: Mahmood Alam – Recognising his longstanding association with the Aligarh community.
Guest of Honour and Special Guests Address the Gathering
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.
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.
Distinguished Guests and Community Members Attend
Other distinguished guests included Prof. Rizwan Ahmad, Prof. Atif Iqbal, Prof. Mizanur Rahman, Feroz Khan, Venkappa, K. S. Prasad, RJ Afreen, RJ Sarwar Mirza, Naila Rizwan, Eman, Mahtab Alam, Sherwin Olimpio, Deepak Sheety, Rasheed and Khwaja Nizam.
Alumni and community members attending included 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.
Their participation reflected the professional and social diversity of the AMU alumni community in Qatar.
AMUAAQ Executive Committee, Board and Advisory Council
The gathering brought together representatives 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
- Ghazala Yasmeen
- Farrukh Ali Farooqui
- Dr. Syed Intekhab Alam
- Saima Rafat
- Imamuddin Ahmad
- Dr. Imran Mumtaz
The Board of Directors and Advisory Council members included Chairman Jawed Ahmad, Dr. Hassan Rizvi, Zarrar Bin Khalid, Sheikh Tanwir Ahmad, Abdullah Moiz, Irfan Ansari, Mohammed Irfanullah, Pramod Kumar, Syed Shahabuddin, Altaf Gauhar and Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jilani.
Cultural Activities and Interactive Quiz
An interactive Kahoot quiz added a participatory element to the celebration. 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 rendition of the Aligarh Muslim University Tarana. A dinner reception and photograph session with Khan Sir provided further opportunities for guests and alumni to interact.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875, which later developed into Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. His educational vision focused on modern learning, scientific thinking and social reform.
Through its activities in Qatar, AMUAAQ continues to provide a platform for alumni engagement, educational initiatives, professional networking and community service.
 celebrated Sir Syed Day 2026 at City Centre Rotana, Doha, commemorating the..){kind=link}