From Vision to Reality: The Genesis of Aligarh Alumni Association Washington, DC

The story of the Aligarh Alumni Association in Washington, DC (AAA-DC), is a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni. Dr. A. Abdullah, a distinguished alumnus, narrates this journey from a personal perspective.​

A Decade at Aligarh

Dr. Abdullah’s association with AMU spanned a decade (July 1957 – September 1967), during which he evolved from a student to a research scholar and eventually a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. His involvement wasn’t confined to academics; he actively participated in social and cultural activities, captained, and later coached, the university’s volleyball team.

A New Perspective in America

In 1967, Dr. Abdullah embarked on a new journey to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo for graduate studies. An incident in the summer of 1968 profoundly impacted him. Witnessing a protest against the Vietnam War on campus, he recognized the power of collective action. Around the same time, a proposal in the Indian Parliament aimed to change AMU’s name, causing concern among Indian Muslims. Dr. Abdullah realized that a global network of Aligarh Alumni Associations could amplify their collective voice to protect and promote their alma mater’s legacy.​

Planting the Seeds in Washington, DC

While the idea was ambitious, resources in Buffalo were limited, with only five Aligarh alumni present. The vision began to materialize after Dr. Abdullah moved to Washington, DC. There, he shared his aspirations with Hasan Kamal, a dedicated Aligarian who had relocated to Washington in January 1975. Together, they identified and connected with local alumni. Their efforts culminated in a pivotal meeting at Syed Tufail Ahmad’s residence in Lanham, Maryland, on May 24, 1975, attended by twenty-five AMU alumni. This gathering marked the official launch of AAA-DC through a formal resolution.

Significant Milestones

The establishment of AAA-DC coincided with the centenary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s founding of Madarsat ul Uloom in Aligarh on May 24, 1875. Notably, AAA-DC was among the first to adopt the name “Aligarh Alumni Association,” moving away from the traditional “Old Boys Association,” thereby embracing inclusivity by welcoming both male and female members.​

Formation of the First Leadership Team

A five-member panel was constituted to nominate the association’s inaugural office-bearers:​

• President: Syed Tufail Ahmad​
• Vice President: Aftab Ansari​
• Secretary: Farzana Farooqi​
• Treasurer: Ale Ahmad Hashmi​

Some of these pioneering members have since passed away, but their contributions laid a strong foundation for the association.

Growth and Community Engagement

Over time, AAA-DC attracted a dedicated group of volunteers in the Washington area. The association organized diverse programs catering to the South Asian community, including mushairas (poetry recitations), literary events, children’s and seniors’ programs, and sponsorships of visiting lecturers from AMU. Additionally, AAA-DC established a successful scholarship program for needy students, initiated a newsletter, and set up a library. These initiatives positioned AAA-DC as a vibrant organization with an ambitious agenda and notable achievements.​

Inspiring a Global Movement

The success of AAA-DC inspired AMU communities worldwide. Using AAA-DC as a model, similar associations emerged in major cities across the USA, the Middle East, and Australia, fostering a global network of Aligarh alumni dedicated to educational and cultural enrichment.​

*Note: The Aligarh Alumni Association, Washington, DC, is among the oldest ethnic organizations in North America. Dr. Abdullah, one of its founders, shares this narrative to chronicle its evolution from a concept to a prominent organization in the US. In future articles, he intends to highlight various milestones in AAA-DC’s journey. Dr. Abdullah is a distinguished AMU alumnus and an internationally recognized poet and literary figure.*