JEDDAH — A young and dynamic team, headed by Mohammed Sayeeduddin Hyder as the new president, was constituted by Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh to form a re-energized India Forum. And in the first half of the year the exclusive group of Indian community members worked on a series of issues and events to give it a new direction.

The new management committee introduced first of its kind steps such as digitizing and streamlining membership process, introduction of Smart Card for members, creation of Kids Club for children, Members Engagement Program through a unique loyalty points system, and program feedback surveys called “Voice of Members” were among many other initiatives taken by the team.

The inaugural program on Feb. 10 saw the team unveiling the biggest change that captured the spirit of India Forum by unveiling its new logo and identity, The logo was unveiled by Consul General Sheikh in the most creative way — the mannequin challenge that had the consul general and deputy consul general participating and projecting the new theme of “Togetherness”.

The program proved a hit with members being welcomed in the most personalized way with a rose by the team and two children were the emcee. The Consul General and the president gave an overview of the year to come and the changes and experience to expect. This was followed by one of the most impactful entertainment with Bollywood star and standup comedian Ahsaan Qureshi, who had the crowd in splits and laughter. He was followed by a Shayarana Mrs. Quershi and then the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma program Mohammed Wakil, who wowed the audience with mesmerizing gazals. The program, at the Trident, was sponsored by Advisors 360, Air India and Dukan. India Forum received a thumping member appreciation score with 95% members giving an overall rating of “excellent” through the Voice of Member.

The MC team was back with yet another memorable treat for its members with the first of its kind “Women’s Day” on March 8. This program was distinctive because it hosted and celebrated Saudi Women, who through sheer dint of hard work and achievement had carved a niche for themselves in society.

The event was inaugurated with a powerful speech from consul general’s wife, who extolled the efforts of women in shaping society. The Guest of Honor was Khaled Almaaena, editor at large of Saudi Gazette. The program followed with inspirational “talk” by the guest celebrities and many more leading Arab women. Mrs. Samar Fatany, Capt. Yasmeen Al-Maimani, Ms. Nouf Al-Marwai, Ms. Rasha Hefzi, Ms. Rahaf Al-Saieri — who all have set high standards with successes in their chosen careers — were then honored with a memento for furrowing a successful path. Not surprisingly the feedback survey for this program too set a new benchmark of appreciation.

Then on May 5, MC team lined up a program for the kids and families — an outdoor event that was carefully crafted and prepared with the venue a ranch that could hold over 150 guests. The kids warmed up by horsing around that set off an evening of adrenalin-pumping games for adults, women, kids competing in tug of war, couple balloon race, lemon race, water sport, basketball and badminton, with some members even playing cricket...all this ended up with a BBQ night. The event was a perfect ambience for bonding, teaming and being one India Forum Family.

The team has proved its mettle and has just warmed up for a year ahead. The introduction of the new “President’s Award for Academic Excellence” in order to boost the morale of young generation towards education, is yet another exclusive initiative of the new team. While the schools take break for Ramadan and summer, the MC is back to the drawing board in preparation for “Return from Vacation” events that will kick-start right after the vacation period.

Mohammed Hyder, a long-standing member of India Forum, has been serving the community in Jeddah for the past 20 years. He was the founding president of IISJ Alumni Association, and is also an active member of various other community service bodies. His team comprises vibrant and energetic members as follows: Ayoob Hakeem, general secretary, Wasim Mukadam, program coordinator, KTA Muneer, treasurer, with Zakaria Biladi, Mir Ferozuddin, Ahmed Junaid, Shuhaib Thazathe and Mohsin Sharif being executive committee members, Mrs. Jaspreet Kaur and Mrs. M. Junaid are women coordinators.

Deputy Consul General and Director India Forum, Mohd. Shahid Alam also endorsed the new team and reinforced the changes proposed for India Forum.