Aga Khan Hostel, Hyderabad celebrates 70 years of shaping lives
Laughter echoed through the corridors, old friendships were rekindled and memories came alive as the Aga Khan Hostel, Hyderabad celebrated its 70th anniversary, alongside its first-ever Alumni Meet, on 18 January 2026.
The campus, which has been home to generations of students since 1955, welcomed around 100 alumni who travelled from across the country to revisit the place that played an important role in shaping their lives. As they walked through familiar pathways and stepped into memorable spaces, the hostel transformed into a vibrant meeting ground of the past and present.
The afternoon began with a campus tour, giving the alumni an opportunity to see how their beloved hostel has evolved over the years. Nostalgia filled the air as they enthusiastically participated in games reminding them of their childhood, including “gilli danda”, marbles, hitting stumps, basketball and fitness challenges, sparking conversations, laughter and stories from their hostel years.
Every corner of the campus offered opportunities to relive cherished memories. In the dining area, the alumni fondly recalled their favourite meals and joked about the dishes they often tried to avoid. The library became a space for storytelling, where they shared amusing encounters, mischievous adventures and more unforgettable moments. Many also spent time exploring a specially curated photo gallery showcasing the hostel’s journey through the decades.
As the evening approached, the celebration scaled as nearly 650 guests, including the alumni and parents of the current students, gathered for a reception to mark the hostel’s anniversary. The programme opened with a soulful Sufi dance performance, followed by a captivating theatrical presentation that beautifully narrated the history, values and everyday experiences of hostel life.
The occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including trustees, education leaders, principals and representatives of the Aga Khan Education Service, India. Their presence reflected the strong support and commitment that has helped the hostel grow and flourish over the decades.
One of the most touching moments of the evening was the felicitation of retired staff members and individuals who have been associated with the hostel since its early years. Their dedication and contribution to numerous students was recognised with shawls and mementos as a token of gratitude.
In addition to alumni sharing their experiences from their hostel days, the celebration was further elevated with the presence of Mr Barkatali Raiyani, now 80 years old, who belonged to the hostel’s first batch of students from 1955 to 1961. Addressing the gathering, he shared heartfelt memories of his hostel days and reflected on the lessons, values and friendships that have stayed with him throughout his life. His words served as a powerful reminder of the hostel’s enduring impact over 70 years.
Adding another memorable chapter to the celebration, Mr Shiraz Vastani, Chair of the Aga Khan Education Service, India, inaugurated the newly upgraded dormitories in one of the blocks of the hostel. Guests of honour Mr Afshin Ramodia and Mr Yuhaan Duttobhoy, trustees of the Currimbhoy Ebrahim Khoja Orphanage, appreciated the transformation of the campus, particularly the addition of modern dormitories, basketball facilities and cricket practice nets, which continue to enhance the students’ experience.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the hostel’s Head Boy Arman Keshwani, who expressed hope for a vibrant and active alumni network that would continue to support the hostel and future generations of students.
As guests gathered for dinner and received tokens of appreciation, the celebration came to a close. However, the spirit of the day lingered on, as the anniversary was not only a celebration of a building or an institution, but of 70 years of friendships, opportunities, values and lives transformed.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Students at the hostel performing a skit at the event.
- Former hostel students registering for the programme at the event.
- Former hostel students posing for a group photo.
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inauguration of the new dormitory rooms at the hostel.
