From Aligarh to Sharjah: Aligarh Muslim University alumni celebrate Sir Syed Day

An Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni group in the UAE held a memorable celebration of Sir Syed Day at Hotel Holiday International in Sharjah, marking the 208th birth anniversary of the university’s visionary founder.

The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the UAE seven times over the past ten years, which ultimately led to the formation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. This bilateral initiative resulted in nearly 200 per cent growth in merchandise trade, increasing from $43.3 billion in FY 2020–21 to $83.7 billion in FY 2023–24.

The evening brought together over eight hundred AMU alumni from across the UAE, rekindling the spirit of their alma mater and reaffirming their commitment to Sir Syed’s vision of educational accomplishment and social progress.  ZI Sherwani, Founder and CEO of Cordova Group of Companies, graced the event with his palpable presence as the Chief Guest. A special highlight of the evening was the remembrance of the longstanding goodwill extended by the UAE leadership towards India and Aligarh Muslim University.

Speaking on the occasion, Sherwani commented, “In today’s world, innovative thinking and creative writing must evolve with modern educational technologies. If we want our youth to lead, we must equip them with tools that expand their imagination and sharpen their intellect. And if the AMU Alumni Association takes concrete steps to advance Sir Syed’s vision by establishing new institutes of science and technology, I assure you of my wholehearted support.”