ALIGARH, November 7: The Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Prof. Naima Khatoon, attended the 6thBiennial General Body Meeting and Reunion of the Aligarh Medical Alumni Association of North America (AMAANA) held in the Washington DC area. The event brought together Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) alumni from across the United States and Canada to deliberate on academic collaboration, healthcare initiatives, and alumni engagement.

Prof. Naima Khatoon graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while noted entrepreneur, thought leader, and philanthropist Dr. Frank Islam delivered the keynote address. The programme began with welcome remarks from Dr. Reshma Mahmood, who expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for her inspiring leadership and dedication to advancing education and empowering women.

In her presidential address, Dr. Tazeen Beg, President of AMAANA, reviewed the association’s major achievements over the past three years, highlighting the Cancer Centre Initiative, an ambitious project to establish JNMC as a centre of excellence in cancer care. She urged members to extend wholehearted support, remarking that the funds raised would serve as “investments in the future of healthcare.”

Introducing the Vice Chancellor, Dr Shamim Khan commended her historic appointment as AMU’s first woman Vice Chancellor and her role as a source of inspiration for students and faculty alike.

Addressing the alumni, Prof. Khatoon lauded AMAANA’s sustained academic, technical, and philanthropic support to JNMC, describing it as a major step toward realizing Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s vision. She assured full administrative support for collaborative projects, stating, “You have made us proud through your commitment and contributions to your alma mater.”

The keynote speaker, Dr Frank Islam, reflected on his AMU education as a source of “purpose-driven learning and enduring values,” and urged alumni to support the proposed Cancer Centre at JNMC. “This initiative focuses on serving the poorest of the poor, an investment that will yield an immeasurable return for humanity,” he said.

A video presentation by Dr Mohammad Akram, Chairman, Department of Radiotherapy, JNMC, provided an overview of the current cancer care infrastructure. He noted that the Vice Chancellor had recently facilitated the approval for a Linear Accelerator in the Department of Radiation Oncology, a key advancement in the treatment of cancers. Dr Shams Iqbal, Vice President, AMAANA, and Dr Hina Khan also spoke on the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care facility.

During the reunion, the Jawaharlal Nehru Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in Medicine, Public Health, and Allied Sciences was conferred upon Dr Syed Mohsin Raza, while Dr Ashraf Khan, founding President of AMAANA, received the Col. M. Tajuddin Distinguished Alumni Award. Cultural highlights included a skit titled “The Jargon Jam” by Dr Syed Mohsin Alvi and Dr F.S. Sherani, followed by a musical evening featuring IsumatorraMohamado and DJ Monty. Dr Barina Aqil conducted the proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, with Dr Gaurav Gupta delivering the vote of thanks.
The following day, Prof. Khatoon met with AMAANA’s Executive Committee and Cancer Centre Initiative Committee members to discuss strategies for the proposed centre at JNMC. The meeting included presentations by Dr Akram, Dr Hina Khan, and Dr Samina Salim of AligsCare, a non-profit organisation supporting palliative and rehabilitative care.

Later, Prof. Khatoon visited the Stony Brook Medicine Cancer Centre, New York, where she met Dr Aaron Sasson, Director, to explore academic and technical collaboration between Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine and JNMC. She was accompanied by Dr Tazeen Beg, Prof. Irfan Beg, Dr Shamim Khan and Dr SnehChauhanfrom AMAANA. Mr Omar Peerzada, Public Relations Officer, AMU was also present on the occasion. The delegation, led by the Vice Chancellor, discussed best practices in integrated cancer care, focusing on design, accessibility, and patient-centred services.

Prof. Khatoon extended an invitation to Dr Sasson to visit AMU for further discussions and confirmed her commitment to supporting the project. The next phase of collaboration will include a joint virtual meeting between Stony Brook University, JNMC, and AMAANA to develop a detailed strategic plan.

Prof. Khatoon’s visit to the United States concluded with a renewed partnership between AMU and AMAANA, uniting alumni and university leadership in their shared mission to establish a state-of-the-art Cancer Centre at JNMC — a transformative initiative poised to elevate cancer care and research in Aligarh and the western Uttar Pradesh region.

Public Relations Office
Aligarh Muslim University