AAA-DC Hosts Grand Eid Milan Celebration in Sterling, Virginia
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
The Washington Aligarh Alumni Association (AAA-DC) celebrated Eid with great enthusiasm and warmth at a well-attended Eid Milan gathering held at a picturesque banquet hall in Sterling, Virginia, on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The event brought together a diverse and distinguished audience of alumni, community members, and guests, reflecting the true spirit of Eid—unity, generosity, and a shared cultural heritage.
The evening’s chief guest, The Honorable Dr Ghazala Hashmi, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, delivered an inspiring keynote address. Reflecting on her personal journey, she emphasized the transformative power of education and paid a heartfelt tribute to her father, an alumnus and former student leader of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). She credited his values and legacy as a guiding force behind her dedication to public service. In a moving and nostalgic moment, Dr Hashmi joined attendees, led by Masood Farshori, in singing the iconic AMU Tarana, “Yeh Mera Chaman Hai,” evoking a deep sense of connection and pride among the audience.
The gathering was further honored by the presence of Ms Namgya C. Khampa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC. In her remarks, she praised AAA-DC’s continued efforts to promote education and foster strong community bonds. The Association also honored Ms Khampa with a special award.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Sir Syed Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year’s honorees included Dr Ghazala Hashmi, Dr Saleem Khan, Dr Islam and Tabassum Siddiqui, Dr Khalique and Lubna Zahir, Dr Rafat and Afreen Husain, and Dr Fazal and Fathun Khan. Their contributions to their respective fields and communities were acknowledged with warm applause.
The cultural segment added vibrancy to the celebration. Children captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua Ban Kay Tamanna Meri,” earning certificates of appreciation from Dr Hashmi, who also presented a special proclamation recognizing the occasion's significance.
The musical program, presented by Swati Kanitkar and the Musikala ensemble, was another highlight of the evening. Featuring a rich repertoire of ghazals, geet, and classic film songs, the performance by talented artists—including Jaideep Ganguly, Tej Kanitkar, Soumya Chakrabarty, Ganesh Jagtap, Fernandes Vijaykumar, and Senthil—created a lively and festive atmosphere.
The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Salahuddin. Association President Ariena Rashid welcomed the guests, while Board of Trustees Chairman Dr A. Abdullah and Scholarship Committee Chairman Afzal Usmani outlined the organization’s ongoing initiatives and community service efforts. Haris Usmani conducted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, and Nasreen Khan delivered the vote of thanks.
The evening concluded with a sumptuous traditional dinner and tea, providing an opportunity for fellowship and lively interaction. The Eid Milan celebration stood as a testament to AAA-DC’s enduring commitment to cultural preservation, educational advancement, and community engagement.
