The All India Cultural Association (AICA) proudly celebrated the birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Founder of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Thursday, 10th November 2016 at the Indian Embassy auditorium. Born in 1817, it is the beginning of the 200th year of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s birth which is being celebrated all over the world by the Indian community and especially by the AMU alumni with fond enthusiasm.

All India Cultural Association is a Kuwait based non-profit organization that strives to promote the vast and diverse Indian culture. Founded in 2010 and registered with the Embassy of India in Kuwait, AICA has made a name for itself by presenting quality literary programs, conducting several successful mushairas (poetry recitals), ghazal concerts and other cultural events.

AICA’s aim is to become a platform, voice and medium for communications for Indian’s from all walks of life.

The evening started with Quran recitation by Nadeem Ahmed followed by lighting of a lamp and speeches by Shubashis Goldar, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chief Public Information Officer from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, and AICA President, Sanjay Kumar Saxena.

Senior Indian embassy officials, K.K. Pahel, First Secretary, A.K. Shrivastava, Second Secretary and other prominent Indians such as Samina Malik, Aijaz Baig, Dr. Umair Baig, Aijaz Ahmad Sarfaraz, etc. were also present at the event.

After an inspiring introduction about Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and AMU by corporate lawyer and AMU alumnus, Kashif Syed, tokens of appreciation were presented to some of the key supporters of the evening by prominent AMU alumni Madhuri Jha, Usman Qadir, Kareem Irfan, Dr. Anis Ahmad, Mohammad Zia Uddin and Nisar Khan along with AICA members Mohd. Amir and Mohd. Ikram

The evening comprised of a thought provoking play “Letter to Gandhi” performed very professionally by Syed Mujeeb Akhtar, Ahmed Sartaj and Maria Limdi. Guest of honor of the event, well know Radio Mirchi Murga fame RJ Naved Khan, entertained the audience with a funny, emotional and touching presentation. Renowned theater artist and Bollywood actor Major Mohammad Ali Shah, captivated the audience with an hour of monologues in English, Hindi and Sanskrit.

This was followed by the Aligarh Muslim University anthem sung by a group of alumni and their children. The evening ended with a vote of thanks by Usama Faruki, Vice President of AICA in which he thanked the audience, AICA members and the supporters of the event.

Nita Bhatkar Chogle hosted the event and kept it flowing seamlessly through the evening.