Organizers worked around the clock for months to organize this heavily-anticipated event for DCMS alumni, especially those settled in North America. The purpose was twofold: To bring together DCMS alumni and focus on reunions, recollections and building new connections, and to lay out plans for the alumni association and its upcoming charitable endeavors to take place in North America, Hyderabad and other parts of the world.

The main event, held at the Marriott Las Colinas, was a fun-filled evening that kicked off with a red carpet welcome for all the alumni, hors d oeuvres and introductions by Dr. Qutub Khan and Dr. Khaudeja Bano.

Dr. Qutub Khan, emceed the event, and proceedings started with Qirat followed by a welcome speech by Dallas-based host Dr. Aijaz Khan. This was followed by a tribute to departed DCMS alumni by Dr. Mateen A. Dawood and Dr. Mohammed Aslam. Dr. Mustafa Akif provided comic relief with his hilarious Dakkani Shayari followed by a comedy show by Dr. Ismail Shakaib about his early experiences in the U.S.

Dr. Raza Khan, DAANA’s newly elected President, and Dr. M. Taruj Ali, Secretary gave speeches highlighting the history of this organization, its mission and vision for the future.

“DAANA is an alumni organization for all DCMS graduates and is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization based in the U.S. Its mission is to foster collaborative relationships between alumni of Deccan College of Medical Sciences through educational and cultural programs and to help the underprivileged through philanthropic activities,” said Dr. M. Taruj Ali.

Dr. Wase Qawi presented the website for the organization. DAANA has an active Facebook group and can also be found on Twitter @DAANADCMS.

The current Board of Directors for DAANA includes Dr. Raza Khan (President), Dr. M. Taruj Ali (Secretary), Dr. Iqbal Kapadia (Treasurer), Dr. Wase Qawi, Dr. Khaudeja Bano, Dr. Aijaz Khan, Dr. Mohammed Moizuddin, Dr. Qutub Khan and Dr. Mujahid Ali Syed. There are more board positions that are still to be filled.

Dr. AR Khan, a Dallas-based ophthalmologist, gave a speech on “Raising Children in the West.” Dr Yasmin Ansari delivered the vote of thanks and announced the city of Chicago as the venue for next DAANA Family Convention in summer of 2018.

Baby sitting and fun activities for kids were arranged by Dr. Mehvish Afrina with the help of teenage volunteers.

A lavish dinner was followed by an exciting entertainment program by a Qawwali group. Dr. Naser Mujeeb and Dr. Syed A Hannan showed off their singing talent and kept the audience enthralled late into the night. Souvenir mugs commemorating the event were arranged for all the alumni in attendance by Dr. Taher Ali Khan.

Alumni also attended a CME event on August 7, arranged by Dr. Yasmin Ansari (CME chair) and Dr. Fawad Khan (CME co-chair). The event attracted more than 60 physicians and was fully accredited by Oregon Health Sciences University for CME credit. Dr. Shahnoor Khan and Dr. Raza Khan spoke at DAANA’s first CME event on mental illnesses in the Southeast Asian population and on physician burnout. Dr Khaudeja Bano spoke on alternate career paths for physicians. CME was followed by a brunch for all the alumni and their families.