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The first reunion of chemistry/biochemistry alumni of Aligarh Muslim University was held on January 25, 2007. The department of Chemistry hosted the event. Several alumni from United States , Canada , UAE, and India attended the program. It was the first ever reunion organized in the department. The program started with an interactive workshop for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students of the chemistry department. Workshop topics included resume writing, interview skills, application procedure for graduate studies and post-doctoral fellowships in North American Universities and also opportunities for jobs in Chemical industry in India and abroad. The workshop was conducted by Drs. Shaheer Khan and Syed Aslam Shaheer. This session was rounded up with a motivational talk by Mr. Ajay Darger. The second session was presided over by Prof. M. Saleemuddin, Pro-Vice Chancellor (PVC), AMU, Aligarh , and included a lecture by a distinguished alumni Dr. Shahid Jameel, FNA, Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar awardee and Group leader, International Center of Genetic Engineering and Bio technology, New Delhi on the topic "Issues, Problems and Progress in the Development of AIDS Vaccine". Members of the audience joined in the question and answer session. Prof (Mrs.) Arunima Lal, Chairperson, Department of Chemistry welcomed the guests. Dean Faculty of Science Prof. Mohd. Zubair Khan, faculty members, visiting alumni and a large number of students attended the lecture. Prof Zafar A. Siddiqui conducted the program while Prof. K. Salauddin Siddiqui proposed a vote of thanks. Prof. M. Saleemuddin (PVC) talked about connecting with alumni—especially those who have chosen professions in scientific communities. The PVC also addressed the important issue of alumni connecting with the alma mater. After the conclusion of the proceedings of second session, a reception was hosted by the department. All guests, faculty members and students gathered in the lawns of chemistry department for tea and snacks and informal interactions. More than 300 alumni, friends, faculty members and students attended the day program. This marked the closing of the day program. All guests and faculty members then proceeded to the new guest house for an enjoyable lunch and social interaction. The lunch was hosted by current faculty members of department of chemistry. All guests then proceeded to rest for a little while to gather again at 6.00 pm for Banquet Dinner. The reunion continued into the evening at NRSC club. Dr. Shaheer Khan, MC for the evening invited Prof. Arumina Lal on the podium who welcomed the guests, this was followed by introduction of visiting alumni and a power point presentation consisting of old and new photographs and other memorabilia of Class of 81. It was pure nostalgia and took us back to our memory lane, and few slides made us laugh. Prof. Fashi Ahmad Siddiqui (representing retired teachers) and Prof. K. Salauddin Siddiqui (representing current faculty members) addressed the audience. Dr. Suhail Sabir and your’s truly have the honor of visiting and personally delivering invitations to 16 out of 18 retired teachers who live in Aligarh. All visiting alumni, friends, some faculty members, many retired teachers and few students attended the evening program. The evening program ended with a delicious dinner hosted by the alumni. Despite this busy schedule, participants were able to find plenty of time to meet old friends and make new ones. The atmosphere was full of excitement, fun, and good humor in which the reunion came to an end. It was exciting to renew old friendships (some after 25 years!), establish new ones, get to meet students and faculty members, as well as many retired teachers who played a big role in shaping up of our careers, and to just remember the good old Aligarh days. Even though we graduated at the same time, but followed different paths in life, came from different cities - and met after a long time - yet we were sharing laughter in a matter of seconds. This of course is the raison d'etre for alumni reunions. For a day we were all transported to the good old days at AMU, everyone reminiscing about their days in AMU. More than anything else, though, the reunion gave us an opportunity to take time out for Aligarh and turn mere nostalgia into a meaningful mentoring relationship with the next generation of AMU students. The passion for the reunion was such that despite the cold weather many alumni traveled long distance (some with families) to participate in the event. I can only say to those who missed this reunion that they have missed a great event. As for me, I can hardly wait for the next one. Mark your calendars for 30th year reunion in 2011 in Aligarh , InshaAllah. Based on overwhelming response from all those who attended the event and the suggestions that were received, it was agreed that the department should organize the chemistry alumni reunion every year. The class/es who are having a special anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 etc) can have a special class get-together dinner on the sidelines of the reunion festivities. It was also agreed that the event should be organized during the regular academic session and at a time that will allow the maximum participation of alumni and their interaction with current students. We also realized that many faculty members and Ph.D. students do not have access to internet in the department. As a good will gesture to the department, we are proposing that we should raise some funds to install 4 computers (with printers and UPS) in the department. We request the department to provide the room for computers, obtain the internet access, and absorb all reoccurring cost. Once we get the consent of the department, we will approach the chemistry alumni for donations. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately Rs. 200000 (~US $ 4600). Easily accessible internet facility in the department will help the staff and research scholars in their research work and will facilitate their networking with outside world. Please send your suggestions for future chemistry alumni reunion/s to:
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Acknowledgements: All faculty members of department of chemistry for their hospitality, cooperation and support in organizing the event. Profs. Arunima Lal, Zafar Siddiqui, K. Salauddin Siddiqui and M. Mushfiq, and Dr. Suhail Sabir for their untiring efforts in making all the arrangements for the event and standing by me in handling all the crises. Dr. Ziaur Rahman for his cooperation and support in organizing the reunion dinner at NRSC club in the evening. All the Ph.D. students who helped us in many ways to make the event successful. All the retired teachers, alumni and their families, invited speaker and current students for their participation which made the event a memorable one.
We would have not been able to make this event a success without the help of every one. To view the photographs of the event please click on the link below: http://family.webshots.com/album/557620692nYvoVc |
