Atlanta hosts 23rd Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA) convention
The 23rd Annual Convention of Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA) was hosted by the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta (AAAA) on July 19-21, 2024, at Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel by Marriott in Duluth.
[Left] Alumni, families, and friends singing the AMU Tarana at the convention hosted by the Alumni Association of Atlanta.
The theme for the convention was “Celebrating FAAA Legacy, Empowering Its Future.” More than 100 delegates from all over the U.S.A., Canada, India, and the Middle East attended the convention, making it a record attendance for FAAA conventions.
Shahid Ali, AAAA President, welcomed the guests. AAAA is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary (1984-2024). Professor Sufiyan Beg, Chairman AMU Alumni Affairs, spoke about Global Alumni contribution with a focus on the U.S. and Canada. In a powerful speech, Mayur Bora, an author and motivational speaker, lauded the efforts of minorities towards education in Assam.
[Left picture] Sanjiv Saraf, Founder of the Rekhta Foundation, and [Right picture] Huma Khalil, Creative Director of Rekhta Foundation, receive awards from Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, Consul of India in Atlanta.
(Top and Left) Ghazal singer Kamran Mehdi Hassan performs at the event.
The convention evening gala banquet began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Omer Kamal followed by a welcome address by Dr. Naushad Khan Ghilzai, President FAAA. Dr. Ghilzai thanked his incoming team, Dr. Shoeb Ahmad, Secretary, and Kausar Zaidi, Treasurer. He highlighted the alumni’s role in building professional relationships and sought cooperation and support from alumni associations and AAAA patrons.
Awards were given by Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, Consul of India in Atlanta, and Aziz Dhanani, entrepreneur and philanthropist, to Dr. Shahid Rafique for his patronage and services to AAA Atlanta, and Kauser Usmani, the outgoing FAAA President, for leadership and dedication in FAAA. Special awards were given to visiting guests: Huma Khalil, Sanjiv Saraf, and Mayur Bora.
Kauser Usmani, the outgoing FAAA President, thanked all the guests, sponsors, speakers, delegates, and organizers for making the convention a huge success.
[Right] Author Mayur Bora receives award from Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, Consul of India in Atlanta.
Shahid Ali felicitated a podium panel discussion with chief guest, Sanjiv Saraf, Founder of Rekhta Foundation International, along with guest of honor Huma Khalil, Creative Director of Rekhta Foundation International. Khalil shared her journey from “Shahar-e-Tarab” Aligarh to becoming a writer and filmmaker. It included the official release of the documentary, “Anjumanan-e-Aligarh,” which received a warm response from the audience.
After a delicious dinner attended by around 400 people including Atlanta’s community dignitaries and Georgia State Representative, Farooq Mughal. The convention also featured a memorable performance by ghazal singer, Kamran Mehdi Hassan, son of the legendary Ustad Mehdi Hasan, whose melodious renditions captivated attendees for two hours. It was followed by AMU Tarana, which drew everyone onto the stage.
[Left] Dr. Shahid Rafique receives award from Madan Kumar Ghildiyal and Aziz Dhanani for his service to AAAA.
After the convention, delegates were offered a sightseeing tour of Downtown Atlanta that included CNN, Coca-Cola Museum, Olympic/Centennial Park, Carter Center, and MLK Center.
The 2025-2026 FAAA election results were also announced: FAAA President- elect: Afzal Usmani; Secretary-elect: Naila Saeed; and Treasurer-elect: Ali Fakhruddin Siddiqui.
This convention was meticulously planned and executed by the AAA Atlanta team.
—Dr. Naushad Khan Ghilzai
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