Harmony and Achievement: Highlights from the AAA-DC Eid Milan 2024 Dinner
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
Washington, DC

The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC (AAA-DC) - whose membership comprises alumni and friends of the Aligarh Muslim University - hosted an Eid Milan Party on April 27, 2024. This gathering displayed the diversity and richness of AMU's heritage and highlighted the achievements and bonds forged over the years through shared experiences of education and camaraderie.

Children receiving awards	An enthusiastic section of the audience
Dr Hashima Hasan accepting her award	President Aslam Azad
Emcee Harris Usmani	Khursheed Bilgrami
Dr Renuka Misra accepting her award	Mohammed Hamid
Maryam Usmani reciting a sura from the Qur'an	Karamat Ali.Third Row (Left to Right):
The Tarana team led by Masood Farshori	The author alongside Mr Anup Kumar, Secretary at the Embassy of India
A group shot of attendees

The program started with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Maryam Usmani, followed by a speech by Afzal Usmani thanking everyone for their efforts. In his welcoming remarks, President Aslam Azad apprised the audience of the Association’s history and role in community building and charitable work, especially the sponsorship of its flagship scholarship program at the Aligarh Muslim University, India.

The event took place at Rockville Senior Center in Rockville, Maryland, a facility dedicated to serving senior citizens living within and around Montgomery County. Attendees, especially women and children, were dressed in beautiful attire, symbolizing their heritage, and creating a mosaic of colors and patterns that mirrored the diversity of the alumni. At the heart of the celebration was a sumptuous dinner featuring traditional South Asian dishes such as biryani and kebabs. It provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, reflecting the values of perseverance, unity, and service instilled by their alma mater. The friendly conversations reinforced a sense of purpose and solidarity among attendees.

As the evening unfolded, attention was drawn to the outstanding accomplishments of two distinguished association members. Dr Hashima Hasan and Dr Renuka Misra were honored with the prestigious Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award for their impactful contributions to community education and welfare. These accolades were bestowed by esteemed senior figures within the association, Mr Hasan Kamal, and Dr Syed Amir, adding a touch of reverence to the occasion. Hasan Kamal, a founding member of the association since its inception in 1975, made a special trip from Atlanta to attend this Eid Milan event. Brief narrations of the achievements of the two award recipients were shared, highlighting their remarkable contributions.

Dr Hashima Hasan, serving as Deputy Program Scientist and the Education and Public Outreach Lead for Astrophysics at NASA, played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, marking a significant contribution to space exploration.

Dr Renuka Misra boasts a distinguished career spanning over thirty years as a research scientist. She has made significant contributions to discoveries in drug development, utilizing natural medicinal plants across various institutes of the NIH. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr Misra has been a devoted advocate for community service, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to communal harmony and societal well-being.

Hailing from Lucknow, Drs Hashima Hasan and Renuka Misra have dedicated their considerable talents and unwavering commitment to excellence, earning them widespread admiration and respect for their services. Furthermore, their tireless dedication extends beyond their professional pursuits, as both have actively participated in AAA-DC's activities for many years, further enhancing their reputation for leadership within the community.

Beyond the festivities and accolades, the Eid Milan dinner fostered lasting connections and collaborations among alumni and friends. Networking opportunities abound as old friends reconnected, and new acquaintances were made. The event catalyzed professional growth and personal development, from business partnerships to mentorship opportunities. Bonds forged during this celebration are likely to extend far beyond the confines of the evening, creating a global network of support and solidarity among alumni scattered across the world.

It was truly heartwarming to witness especially the enthusiastic involvement of children under fourteen in the specially organized games. They displayed their skills and received prizes as winners and runners-up. Mr Qamar Khan, who traveled from Cleveland with his wife Shahnaz to attend the event, graciously presented the prizes to the children.

The audience was profoundly moved by the genuine outpouring of love and allegiance to their Alma Mater as they came together in harmony to sing the renowned Aligarh AMU Tarana "Yeh Mera Chaman Hai," passionately led by Masood Farshori. In an electrifying moment, a sea of spectators eagerly rushed to the stage to join in the performance. Masood Farshori, held in high esteem within the association, also displayed his exceptional talent with a medley of songs, captivating and thrilling the audience throughout.

The Montgomery Nawabs, a collective of exceptionally talented young professionals fueled by their profound passion for music, captivated audiences with their unparalleled artistry. Among them stood luminaries such as Khursheed Bilgrami, Karamat Ali, Hamid Qazi, Dilshad Khan, Nadeem Chaudhry, and Mohammed Jaweed. Their performance was nothing short of enchanting, as they infused timeless melodies with a renewed vitality, stirring the souls of all in attendance with their mesmerizing renditions of ghazals and qawwalis. Their decision to volunteer again for this year's performance further underscored their commitment to sharing their musical gifts with the community. Through their virtuosity, they crafted an unforgettable experience, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness their talent in person.

Mr Anup Kumar Srivastava, Second Secretary of Consular Services at the Embassy of India in Washington, arrived with his wife. Distinguished guests, including representatives from various community organizations, such as the Association of Indian Muslims, the University of Karachi Alumni Association, and the Global Beat Foundation, also attended the event.

The event emcee, Harris Usmani, did an excellent job. It was reassuring to see the active participation of young members of the association in planning and managing the event.

The Eid Milan Party encapsulated the spirit of unity, celebration, and service that defines the Metro-Washington Aligarh Alumni Association, reaffirming its commitment to fostering bonds of friendship and goodwill within the community. - Iqbal.zafar1509@gmail.com