CHICAGO: The fact that people love their alma mater as much as their mother was proved at the Centenary Celebrations of Osmania University organized by Glory of Hyderabad on Sunday May 14 at Shalimar Banquets, Chicago.
Around 700 Osmanians, including youngsters, veterans, and super veterans from New York, Houston, San Francisco, Minnesota, Indiana, etc. attended the celebrations with fervor. An innovative exhibition, an inspiring documentary, and an informative souvenir turned them emotional and made them recall their eventful times in the University and their loving teachers and great friends.
They fondly remembered H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad and founder of the University and its illustrious alumni, including former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil, distinguished film personality Shyam Benegal, former Governor RBI, Dr. Y V Reddy, among others.
Indian CG Neeta Bhushan said that alumni of Osmania University, spread far and wide globally, are its greatest strength. The organization of the centenary celebration in Chicago was of special significance as Chicago was also known for its academic excellence. She called upon the alumni to cultivate a culture of giving back which is one of the most constructive and rewarding ways they can contribute to the betterment of their alma mater.
“There is, therefore, a need to diversify and enrich the efforts to bring the alumni and alma mater closer”, she added.
Professor S Ramachandram, Vice Chancellor of Osmania University, said that the University has emerged as a pace setter reflecting the agenda for higher education and has carved out a niche as an icon of higher learning with international outlook and global outreach. He said the University has become the most preferred destination for higher studies for foreign students and added that students from across the globe are pursuing their studies in the University.
He said that such high profile educational institutions as IIMs, IITS, ISB, IISc, JNU, UoH, BHU, IIITs, etc., have made India a force to reckon with in the domain of professional education. He advised Indian Americans to send their children to India for pursuing their education so that they reap the dual benefit of high quality education and exposure to Indian values.
Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy underscored the need for greater collaboration between the universities of India and the USA. “They have their respective competitive advantages and their networking in the fields of teaching, research, and consultancy will prove to be a win-win proposition”, he opined.
Hardik Bhatt, CIO, office of the Governor, Illinois said that Illinois and Telangana States have signed an MoU to share expertise in the domain of planning and execution of smart cities and hoped that Osmania University, like University of Illinois, will be a key partner in Illinois’ smart state initiative.
“Glory of Hyderabad, Chicago, has the rare privilege of being the only organization outside of India to host first historic event of Centenary Celebration of Osmania University”, said Mir Khan, President, Glory of Hyderabad, with a sense of pride.
A highlight of the program was the honoring of the following Osmanians for their notable accomplishments on this auspicious occasion: Hassan Chishti – Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Community Service and Literary Contribution; Dr. M M Taqui Khan – Distinguished Osmanian and Scientist of International Repute Award; Syed Hashim Ali – Award for Distinguished Contributions as Civil Servant and Vice Chancellor (posthumously); and Professor S Ramachandram – Award for Distinguished Service to Osmania University. In addition, CG Neeta Bhushan, Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Hardik Bhatt were presented awards for their Distinguished Community Services.
Reminiscing about their student lives in the University, the Osmanians said unanimously, “Osmania University equipped us with a rare fusion of core competencies and time tested values, and thereby empowered us to prove our mettle across the globe and keep the flag of the University flying high”.
Highly acclaimed local singers mesmerized Bollywood music lovers. They kick started the scintillating evening with the most haunting melodies, followed by a wave of soulful numbers, and captured the hearts of the audience.
On this occasion, Siasat Calligraphy Exhibition was inaugurated. The visitors went around the exhibitions and appreciated the rare calligraphy exhibits. An Exhibition of Osmania University was also inaugurated which was of help to visitors to understand the exciting journey of Osmania University during the last 100 years.
The memorable evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner which was relished by one and all.
Earlier, Ashfaq Syed, Chairman Steering Committee, Glory of Hyderabad welcomed the gathering. Sami Siddiqi, Member, Steering Committee proposed a vote of thanks. Mohammed Faheem, Member of the Steering Committee was the Master of Ceremonies.
Ashfaq Syed
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