Aligarh, October 19: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) schools and alumni in New Zealand celebrated Sir Syed Day 2026 through special assemblies, cultural programmes, competitions and sports awards, paying tribute to the University’s founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and his ideals of modern education, scientific thinking and social progress.
AMU alumni, their families and friends gathered at Devonport Community House in Auckland, New Zealand, to celebrate the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. As New Zealand was among the earliest countries to enter October 17, the gathering formed part of the first wave of celebrations worldwide.
The programme featured speeches on Sir Syed’s educational mission and AMU’s contribution to society, the University Tarana, quizzes, children’s activities, poetry and ghazals.
A video message from AMU Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon was a major highlight. The organisers and guests thanked her for her warm wishes and support, which brought the overseas Alig community closer to its alma mater.
Video greetings were also received from former Indian hockey captain and Olympic gold medallist Zafar Iqbal; Bollywood director Anubhav Sinha; former BBC journalist Qurban Ali; Prof. MM Sufiyan Beg; social media influencer Mujeeb Akhtar; and AMU’s former fast bowler Bayer Mustafa Khan.
Master of ceremonies Mohammad Ather entertained the gathering with storytelling, humour and memories of Aligarh, along with poetry and ghazals. Safwan Mirza Beg presented a ghazal. In the best-dressed competition, Saeedur Rahman won the men’s category in a traditional AMU sherwani, while Sarah Ather won the ladies’ category.
The event was led by Mohammad Ather and Mohammad Afraaz Siddiqui, supported by Nawed Ali Khan, Safwan Mirza Beg, Saleem Nisar, Sana Ur Rahman Kidwai and Nasir Ahmad, along with other volunteers. The organisers thanked Chief Guest Jawaid Akmal, all 125 guests and their families, speakers, performers, the Tarana team, judges, children and volunteers.
They also acknowledged the media support of Venkat Raman and India Newslink, and Anish Chauhan and The Indian Weekender, whose coverage helped connect the organisers with other Aligs in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, AMU City Girls’ High School at Aligarh observed Sir Syed Day celebrations week, under the leadership of Officiating Principal Md. Javed Akhtar. An inter-school painting competition saw Vivek Kumar of STS High School win first prize in portrait making and Ayesha Nazim of AMU City Girls’ High School secure first prize in building making. A ‘Food Without Fire’ competition promoted healthy eating and practical skills, while Humera of Class X-A delivered a speech on Sir Syed’s life and educational philosophy.
The Blue House special assembly was planned by House Mistress Dr. Huma Siddiqui with Ms. Ruhi Sultan and Ms. Shibra Inam, and conducted by Shariqa Khan (IX-B) and Umme Hani (IX-C). A skit conveyed social and educational messages. Md. Javed Akhtar urged students to uphold knowledge, hard work and service to society. Ms. Shibra Inam proposed the vote of thanks. Vice Principal Ms. Pakeeza Khan and Cultural In-charge Ms. Nazish Siddiqui also guided the celebrations.
AMU ABK High School (Boys) held a prize distribution ceremony to honour winners and runners-up of the inter-school sports tournament.
Prof. S. M. Javed Akhter, Department of Economics was the Chief Guest. Dr. Ali Jafar Abidi, MIC Conservancy, AMU, and Dr. Mohd. Mohsin Khan, Coordinator, NSS, AMU, were Guests of Honour. They encouraged students to develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Officiating Principal Mr. Afroz Ali welcomed the guests, and Ms. Ghausia Iqbal conducted the programme. Mr. Afroz Ali congratulated sports coordinators Mr. Raies Ahmad, Md. Imran Khan and Nida Usmani. Md. Imran Khan proposed the vote of thanks.
Senior Secondary School (Girls) organised a prize distribution ceremony to honour the winners of various inter-school competitions held as part of the Sir Syed Day celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Mohd. Azam Khan, Deputy Director, Directorate of School Education, AMU congratulated the winners and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students from the University’s schools. He highlighted the role of inter-school competitions in developing confidence, creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills among young learners.
Mrs. Naghma Irfan, Principal, Senior Secondary School (Girls) said competitions teach students discipline, teamwork and self-belief, adding that achievement lies not only in winning prizes but also in overcoming challenges and learning from experiences.
She emphasised the importance of upholding Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s progressive ideals by fostering intellectual curiosity, scientific temper, rational thinking and a sustained commitment to learning.
AMU ABK High School (Girls) celebrated Sir Syed Day with a special assembly featuring student speeches, a quiz on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh Movement, and a skit depicting his life and educational reform efforts. Mr. Mahtab Ahmad, TGT Commerce, and Dr. Md. Sadique Akhter, TGT Arabic, shared their views on his promotion of modern and scientific education. Students and teachers also sang the University Tarana.
Dr. Saba Hasan, Vice Principal and Head Mistress-cum-Vice Principal encouraged students to cultivate scientific temper, develop a spirit of inquiry and uphold hard work, discipline, tolerance and lifelong learning. Inter-house painting and bouquet-making competitions further encouraged creativity and artistic expression.
The celebrations across AMU schools at Aligarh and its overseas alumni community reflected the continuing influence of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s educational vision and the shared commitment to preserving the University’s legacy of knowledge, unity and service.