RIYADH — Prof. Gulrez Ahmad, chairman and director of West Asian Studies in Aligarh Muslim University, was invited by King Salman to attend the second International Conference on the History of King Abdul Aziz that was held in Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, here recently. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman attended the conference on March 11, showcasing leadership qualities and achievements of the late monarch. Ninety-two researchers and historians from 17 countries, including Albania, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, the United States, Yemen, China, Algeria, India, Iran, Kuwait, Libya and Syria, took part in the conference. Ahmed from Aligarh Muslim University was the only Asian participant invited not only from whole of India but also from entire Asian region. President of AMU Alumni Riyadh Chapter, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Badshah, invited Ahmed to have an interactive session with the core committee members and his entire executive body on March 13 at a local restaurant. The session started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by Suhail Ahmad. Vice President Mohammad Nasim Akhtar presented a welcome bouquet to the guest and the President Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Badshah welcomed him by introducing Ahmed briefly. He informed that Ahmed is not only the current chairman of the Department of West Asian Studies, but he also serves as the director of the Center for South African & Brazilian Studies and also as the coordinator of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies Program at AMU. Dr. Badshah presented a memento to Ahmed in appreciation for his services to his Alma mater. Ahmed is a PhD in Political Science from AMU and has guided 14 PhDs. He has authored several books of international fame, published numerous research articles in international journals of high repute. During his interactive session with local Aligs, he apprized the audience that he also serves as the in charge of construction and update of the website of AMU. He applauded the vision of the current Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah for his sincere efforts that he is putting to bring AMU to No.1 position. The website of AMU www.amu.ac.in can now be checked for any information about AMU. The audience showered a battery of questions at him to which he replied with full satisfying answers. The members requested him to make the application process of the students under NRI quota easier and reducing the difficulties that their parents face while filling the application forms for various courses at AMU under NRI category. Ahmed assured that the complaints were genuine and he will definitely convey it to the VC and will see that these problems are addressed appropriately. He specified that Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Badshah will follow the case until the problem is redressed fully. He also said that several applications for admission have gone online and very shortly all examination, admission and monthly fee will also be accepted online and even the internal files follow–ups for all maters will go online, making things prompt and quick reducing the paper work and wastage of time. Overall, the session was applauded and it ended with a sumptuous and tasty dinner.
