http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/16/stories/2008081650600200.htm Rahman drives in, as a surprise guest G. Prasad
Strive hard to become the best in whatever you do, the music director exhorts college students Photo: M. Moorthy MAESTRO TOUCH: Music director A.R. Rahman inaugurating Jeddah alumni MBA block at Jamal Mohamed College in Tiruchi on Friday. M.J.M. Abdul Gafoor, centre, college secretary and correspondent, and Principal M. Sheik Mohamed, right, are also seen. â" TIRUCHI: It was a well-kept secret. Only at the eleventh hour did students of Jamal Mohammed College know that ace music director A. R. Rahman would be in the campus as the chief guest for the annual alumni get-together of the College here on Friday. For many, the reality sank in only when the âMozart of Madras,â dressed in blue jeans and kurta, stepped out of a Toyota Innova. Rahman was greeted with rapturous applause, and when he waved his hands, the claps got louder. Through his compositions, Rahman keeps gauging the pulse of the youth. No wonder, students vied with one another to have a glimpse of the world renowned music director. While many managed to get his autograph, a few lucky ones took a snap with him. All through his trip round the college campus, Rahman was surrounded by a sea of students. And the cameras flashed endlessly, during his close to three hour stay. âI feel great to be with you on the Independence Day and we as Indians should work for the prosperity of the nation,â he said while addressing the students. âStrive hard to become the best in whatever you do and never settle for anything less. Your hard work will be rewarded at the right time.â He also commended the farsightedness of the founders â" Jamal Mahomed and Khajamian Rowther in establishing the college which is serving the cause of poor and downtrodden. Award for Rahman Rahman received the âMost Distinguished Community Service Awardâ from the Secretary and Correspondent of the college M. J. M. Abdul Gafoor in the presence of the president M. J. Nooruddin, Treasurer, K. A. Khaleel Ahmed and Assistant Secretary, Khaja Najmudeen. Principal M. Sheik Mohamed explained the role played by the overseas alumni chapters in the development of the college. The star musician also inaugurated the Jeddah Alumni MBA block, constructed from the donations made by the members of the Jeddah Alumni chapter. Former students awarded A total of 17 former students of the college received the âDistinguished Alumnus Awardâ for their outstanding services in different fields during the function. The Jeddah JMC Well Wishers Endowment block was declared open by S. A. Abdul Malik and A. Rahamathullah, both from Jeddah Chapter. The awardees recalled their sweet memories of their student days and acknowledged the services of the teachers. Scholarships sponsored by Jamal Mohamed College Alumni Association were distributed to deserving students.
