The Fortieth Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Commemoration Meeting and the Memorial Oration were held on Friday 4th October, 2013 at 4.30 p.m. at the Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Auditorium, All Ceylon YMMA Conference, 63, Dematagoda Road, Colombo 9. As usual it was a well attended and a dignified function.
The Meeting was jointly presided by Mr. S.H.M. Jameel, President of the Dr. A.M.A. Azeez Foundation and Mr. K.N. Deen, National President of the All Ceylon YMMA Conference.
The Meeting commenced with the recital of Qirath followed by Kathamul Quran/Dua by learned Moulavi.
Mr. Jameel welcomed the guests and spoke briefly on the objectives of the Foundation and thanked the media, YMMA and others for their continued support.
Mr. Deen spoke on the formation, objectives, achievements and significant contributions made by the YMMA to the community.
The Memorial Oration was delivered by Dr. M.A. Nuhman, Retired Professor of Tamil, University of Peradeniya, on the subject of “Language and Education of Sri Lankan Muslims: Problems and Prospects”. It was an educative and inspiring oration citing the views of Dr. Azeez over 50 years ago on language and education which are still relevant. The excellent Oration was well received by all. Printed copies of the Oration were available.
A memento was presented to Dr. Nuhman by Mr. Khalid M. Farouk, Secretary of the Foundation, in appreciation of delivering the Memorial Oration.
The book “A.M.A. Azeez – Early Life and Tributes” was released. The first copy was presented to Ven. W. Rathana Thero by Mr. P. Balasingham, an old boy and later a teacher at Zahira College, Colombo during the Azeez era. The book contains articles on Dr. Azeez’s early life and tributes by his students and others.
Ven W. Rathana Thero spoke briefly of his schooldays at Zahira College, Colombo and his Principals Dr. T.B. Jayah and Dr. A.M.A. Azeez. He said he is ever grateful to his Alma Mater and his Principals. He had come all the way from the meditation centre in Gampaha.
A gift of appreciation to Mr. M.F.S. Muheed for compering the commemoration meetings over the past years, was presented by Mr. S.H.M. Jameel. Mr. Muheed was an old boy of Zahira College during the Azeez era and continues to be a very active member of the YMMA.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Prof. Achi M. Ishaq, an old boy of Zahira College during the Azeez era. He retired as the head of the Engineering Faculty of the University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dahran, Saudi Arabia few years ago after serving the UPM for over 30 years, and is presently the Chancellor of the South Eastern University. He mentioned his close relationship with Dr. Azeez until his demise. He said that at Zahira there were different communities living amicably, and mentioned that when Prof. Tuley de Silva was Senior Prefect of the Hostel, he woke everyone daily to attend Subah prayers at the mosque.
The Meeting ended with the recital of Salawath.
The YMMA hosted all those present with refreshment and drinks.
The Compere was Mr. M.F.S. Muheed who did a splendid job as usual.
