Aligarh Without Borders: Sir Syed’s Legacy Connects SSGSA Scholars Across the World
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By Syed Ali Rizvi | BOSTON, MA— Awardees of the Sir Syed Global Scholar Award (SSGSA) came together virtually to celebrate the 209th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of the Aligarh movement, and to reaffirm their enduring connection with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The Zoom gathering brought together participants from India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland. Co-hosted by Dr. Sabahuddin Ahmad, based in Germany, and Rabia Omar, a PhD scholar currently at CERN in Switzerland, the informal celebration offered an opportunity for Aligs across continents to reconnect and exchange greetings.
Each participant introduced themselves by name and location before wishing everyone a “Happy Sir Syed Day.” The gathering concluded with the singing of the Aligarh Tarana, evoking a shared sense of pride, gratitude, and belonging.
For the participants, the occasion was a reminder of the debt they owe to Sir Syed for establishing the foundations of an institution where they received their taleem and tarbiyat. The sentiment was aptly captured in the couplet:
“Tumne hame taraash ke heera bana diya, varna mera shumaar in hee patthron mein thaa.”
The spirit of the gathering was reflected in the Tarana’s stirring words: “Jo abr yahan se utthega wo saare jahan pe barsega.”
The Sir Syed Global Scholar Award, administered by the Sir Syed Education Society of North America, carries forward this educational vision by providing meritorious AMU students with financial assistance, personalized mentorship, and guidance in applying to graduate programmes at universities of international repute. Since its inception, the initiative has helped more than 120 AMU students pursue higher education opportunities around the world.
More information is available at WWW.SSGSA.US
The celebration closed with a renewed commitment to Sir Syed’s ideals of education, empowerment, and global citizenship, and the hope that Aligs everywhere will continue to carry his vision forward.
