JEDDAH – The International Indian School Jeddah Alumni Association (IISJAA) recently hosted a reunion for graduates of the classes of the 1980s and 1990s at the IISJ Boys auditorium. Around 150 alumni were in attendance, many of whom flew in from Riyadh, Jazan, Taif and other cities for the event. Teachers who taught at the school in the 1980s and 1990s were also invited as special guests. The executive committee felicitated them with mementos in appreciation of their services. Among the ex-teachers of IISJ present were A.L. Khan, Israr ul Haq, Shameem, Ghousia Banu, Noorunisa and Laila Bi. The former teachers expressed delight at coming to the school and meeting former students. IISJAA members posed for photographs with them and gave them a standing ovation. The program started with an Urdu poem on school life written by Zain Taha, an ex-student currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Malaysia. The poem was recited by Tanweer Siddiqui. Later, a quiz competition pertaining to the school's history and senior teachers was conducted by IISJAA Vice President Syed Aziz. Gift hampers were given to winners. The highlight of the event was when senior alumnus Khaleel asked guests to share anecdotes of their time at the school. Alumnus Tanweer Siddiqui recalled an incident in which he and his friends were caught by the then teachers at a nearby restaurant while skipping school. Ironically, the same teachers were present at the event. Senior IISJAA members Ali Siddiqui, Mir Murtuza Ali and Uzma Raheem also recalled events at the school. A short movie was also played on the organization's journey since its inception. The movie was edited and conceptualized by Kashif Mumtaz. Naimullah Khan, ex-principal of IISJ, conveyed his greetings in a pre-recorded video clip. Ex-teachers Anwar un Nisa, who is currently in Hyderabad, and Rahmany from Braileey also sent video messages, which were played during the event. Senior alumnus Mir Asgar Ali of the class of 1985 was felicitated with the Alumnus of the Year Award by the executive committee in recognition of his voluntary services rendered to the organization. He was introduced as a big brother of IISJAA who is always at the forefront of organizing activities. IISJAA Coordinator and Open School Headmaster C.P. Joy was also honored for his contribution to the organization. IISJAA President Asim Zeeshan, in his welcome address, asked senior alumni of the school to increase their interactions with current students and guide them in picking their future careers. He also thanked the senior teachers. IISJ Principal Syed Masood Ahmad, who was the chief guest of the evening, said he was pleased to see many of his former students and added that reunions were a good opportunity to network and learn about former alumni. IISJAA General Secretary Fareed Sardar Khan conducted the program and Sabah Noureen delivered the vote of thanks. Gift hampers were sponsored by Heinz and Luna Canned Foods.
