The Anjuman-I-Islam, Mumbai celebrated its 145 years of foundation at Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium today. Governor of Maharashtra, Honorable Sri C. Vidyasagar ,Rao graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Honorable, Governor of Maharashtra Sri. Vidyasagar Sagar Rao in his address to the gathering congratulated Anjuman-I-Islam for its successful completion of 145 years in the field of education, especially for its work towards minority and underprivileged sections of the society.
Addressing to the august gathering renowned Radiologist and President of Anjuman-i-Islam Dr. Zahir I. Kazi said, “I would like to congratulate all the members of Anjuman-i-Islam family for the successful journey of 145 years. Anjuman-i-Islam has spread its wings across Maharashtra to include campuses in Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Solapur and even Panchgani beside Mumbai. We have 97 institutions, right from Urdu and English pre-Primary schools, junior colleges, and professional institutions. While talking about the Anjuman-I-Islam’s progress and vision for future Dr. Zahir Kazi further added, “Our dreams don’t end here. It is our vision to start a degree college for girls and to develop an integrated health campus to include an MBBS College, BHMS College, a college of dentistry, college of physiotherapy and a college of nursing”.
The program began with national anthem and Quran recitation. Brief history of Anjuman Islam was presented through live performances by the students of Anjuman-i-Islam. A drama called, “Phoenix” was performed to pay homage to the former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Hindi film legend and super star Amitabh Bachchan in his baritone expressed good wishes to Anjuman-I-Islam through a video clip. While seeking apology for his not being personally present in the event due to his preoccupation the super star of the millennium said that Anjuman Islam has done an excellent job in the field of education. While paying his tribute to one of the illustrious alumni of Anjuman-I-Islam, the tragedy king, thespian Dalip Kumar, he said, “If some day history of Bollywood be penned down it will be written as before Dilip Kumar and after Dilip Kumar”. He also paid tributes to another Bollywood legend writer and actor, Kader Khan, who started his career as a Professor at Anjuman-I-Islam’s Sabu Siddique College of Engineering.
Senior politicians, cabinet ministers from Maharashtra state government including Minister for school education Mr. Ashish Shelar, DCP’s, ACP’s, many present and former MLAs and Corperators, and several other dignitaries attended the program.
Entire Management of Anjuman-i-Islam, along with the office bearers and staff was present during this event. Anjuman-I-Islam, established in the year 1874 is a symbol of secularism and national integration. It is an organization that exemplifies a long history of the several intuitions it manages.