AAA-DC Celebrates Golden Jubilee and Hosts the 24th Annual FAAA Convention
By Afzal Usmani and Zafar Iqbal
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Washington, DC (AAA-DC) celebrated its Golden Jubilee this year, marking 50 years of dedicated service in education, community welfare, and the promotion of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s legacy. Established in 1975, AAA-DC is the oldest and among the most active AMU alumni organizations in North America.
Audiences
This historic milestone coincided with the 24th Annual Convention of the Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA), which represents 17 chapters across the United States and Canada.
Audiences
Prof. Naima Khatoon, Aligarh Muslim University’s first female vice-chancellor, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In her address, she highlighted AMU’s rising national and global standing, noting its position among India’s top universities. She also praised the worldwide AMU community for advancing Sir Syed’s vision of “enlightenment and unity through education.” Her inspiring remarks received a standing ovation.
Founders with VC Prof Naima Khatoon
Distinguished alumnus and philanthropist Frank Islam delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his journey from AMU to the United States and emphasizing the values of vision, perseverance, and global citizenship.
Poets in 2025 mushaira
Guests from the Washington, DC, region and neighboring states participated in a series of thoughtfully curated events, including an international mushaira featuring renowned poets from Pakistan, India, and North America. AMU Public Relations Officer Omar Saleem Peerzada was also in attendance.
Presidents with VC Prof Naima Khatoon
The program began with a Qur’an recitation by Hafiz Salahuddin, followed by welcome remarks from Afzal Usmani, president of both AAA-DC and FAAA. He reflected on the Association’s five decades of impactful community service. He highlighted longstanding initiatives such as the Sir Syed Day International Mushaira, the Independence Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira, Sir Syed Day memorial lectures, scholarship and youth programs, senior outreach, and cultural engagements. AAA-DC proudly notes that it organized the first bilingual poetry recitation at the Embassy of India in Washington. A special exhibition of historical documents from the Association’s archives added to the occasion's significance.
Shahr-e Tarab Roomano Ka - cast
Prof Khatoon presided over this year’s international mushaira, with Abdullah Abdullah serving as the meticulous compère. The featured poets included A. Abdullah, Basir Sultan Kazmi, Madan Mohan Danish, Mahshar Afridi, Mohammed Jaweed, Naina Adil, Nausha Asrar, Prithi Govindraj, Razi Raziuddin, Sabiha Saba, Salman Akhtar, Sarwat Zehra, and Vinita Tiwari.
Tarana
AAA-DC honored its founders, past presidents, and dedicated volunteers for helping shape the organization over the past half-century. Founders recognized included Dr A. Abdullah, Mr Tariq Farooqi, Ms Farzana Farooqi, Mrs Aisha Khan, Mr Azim Khan, Dr Aftab Ansari, Mr Abdul Kabir Malik, Mr Hasan Kamal, Mrs Fatima Usmani, and Mrs Shahrukh Hashmi.
VC Prof Naima Khatoon
Dr and Mrs Fazal Khan and their family hosted an informal dinner for the AMU Vice-Chancellor, the PRO, poets, speakers, participants, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the events successful.
The celebration concluded with a nostalgic cultural production, Woh Shahr-e-Tarab Roomano Ka, written by Dr A. Abdullah and performed by Shoaib Ali Hasan, Noor Naghmi, Swati Kanitkar, Khalid Hameed, Masood Farshori, Mohammed Jaweed, and Dr Abdullah.
The evening came to an emotional close with a soul-stirring rendition of the AMU Tarana, led by Masood Farshori.
