Connecting with communities

Published: 10 October 2024

One of the oldest and most active alumni organisations in Qatar, AMU Alumni
Qatar has distinguished itself with a host of activities that have benefited its
members, the wider community and the alma mater

By Syed Rahil Hashmi

There are multitudes of ways how expats in Qatar connect with themselves and reconnect with their homeland. Alumni organisations are among the most preferred, and it’s for this reason that there are hundreds of alumni oganisations in Qatar formed by former students of colleges who are currently working in Qatar, who come from all across India and other countries.

Among the alumni bodies, one organization occupies pride of place because it’s considered the oldest and one of the most active alumni associations in Qatar – the AMU Alumni Qatar (AMU) of Aligarh Muslim University. It was first established in 2003 by senior alumni of AMU residing in Qatar and currently has over 250 active members.

“We have been here for long and that has enabled us to contribute in a wide array of areas. Our association has been committed to fostering strong bonds among alumni while supporting educational, social, cultural, and literary needs of the community, that mirror the values of our alma mater,” Dr. Syed Jaffery, President of the AMU Alumni Association Qatar, told News Trail.

Since its establishment, the association has been committed to fostering strong bonds among alumni while supporting a wide array of educational, social, cultural, literary needs of the community.

One of the most important roles that AMUAQ plays is offering resources and support to alumni who have recently moved to Qatar. Relocating to a new country comes with its own set of challenges. Newly arrived alumni are welcomed into a network of professionals who provide mentorship, career guidance, and practical advice.

Dr. Syed Jaffery stresses the importance of this community driven approach. “We understand how daunting it can be to start a new career for an individual in a foreign country. That’s why we have created a network where alumni can connect with experienced members, gain career advice, and feel at home.”

“Additionally, AMU Alumni Qatar provides scholarships and financial assistance to alumni (especially during COVID-19 when many job losses were registered) and their families, helping them pursue their financial and educational goals for their kids. This financial aid helps deserving students pursue higher education in Qatar. Also, AMUAQ is involved in various community service initiatives, such as blood donation drives, medical camps and charitable programmes, educational support programmes and academics books exchange library.” he added.

The association also organizes a wide range of activities aimed at keeping alumni connected to each other. One of the key events is the annual Sir Syed Day celebration. The events feature keynote speeches, cultural performances, and discussions about educational reform.

“The association also promotes modern education and organizes workshops and seminars on various topics, from career development to personal growth. Senior professionals within the network volunteer to lead these sessions, like Er. Naim Jainul of QatarEnergy and Er. Asif Rahmany President of Engineers Australia, providing invaluable insights into the latest trends and challenges in both Qatar and global contexts,” Dr. Syed Jaffery says.

Beyond professional events, the association places great emphasis on social and cultural gatherings, such as Iftar parties during Ramadan and one-dish parties throughout the year.

“Our gatherings are about more than just reconnecting with friends. Through these events, we build a strong, supportive community.”

The AMUAQ Qatar plays a crucial role in supporting the university through financial contributions, infrastructure development, academic collaboration.

Dr Jaffery speaks of the importance of giving back. “Our contributions to AMU are about more than just money. They are about ensuring that the University continues to grow and thrive, providing future generations of students with better opportunities. It’s our way of giving back to an institution that has given us so much.”

“In terms of infrastructure, the association has contributed to several key projects aimed at improving AMU’s facilities. These includes the construction of new classrooms, research labs, upgrading library resources, creating spaces for cultural activities and sports. “he added.