RIYADH — The Indian community here arranged a grand farewell for Anil Nautiyal, the outgoing counselor – community welfare in the embassy of India. The event was attended by senior diplomatic staff of the Indian Embassy and large number of community leaders representing all regions of India as well as members of various social and cultural organizations of Riyadh.

The participants paid a glowing tribute to the contributions of Nautiyal, who has been appointed as diplomat in Indian Mission in London. Ambassador Ahmed Javed was the chief guest of the function.

Convener of the steering committee, Eng. Mohammed Zaigham Khan welcomed the audience. In his address, he emphasized that the attendance of such a large number of community leaders in the farewell function is a measure of Nautiyal’s popularity as well as a fitting tribute to his contributions.

Khan emphasized on the qualities and achievements of Nautiyal, and described him as a diplomat with exemplary wisdom and generous heart who has a zeal for selfless service.

Noted social worker and Parvasi Bharatiya Awardee Shihab Kottukad, President of Association of Indian Researchers & Scientists Dr. Misbahul Aarfeen, President Bihar Foundation Neyaz Ahmed, President of Tamil Fine Arts Group Ahmed Imtihaz, President Osmania University Old Boys Association Mohammed Mubeen, President Kairavali Welfare Association – Karnataka Santosh Shetty were in attendance.

President Tanzeem Hum Hain Hindustani Mohammed Qaiser, President AIUS Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, India Fraternity Forum Muneeb Pazhoor, President Jamia Old Boys Association Aftab Nizami, President Telangana NRI Forum Mohammed Jabbar, President Bihar Anjuman Mohammed Shahin, President Jamiatul Falah Alumni Association Dr. Inamullah Azmi, President Hyderabad Association Riyadh Chapter Abdur Rahman, President Rajasthan Welfare Association Ghulam Khan and President Telugu Kalachetrum Ravel Anthony too were in attendance and were among the key speakers who highlighted notable contributions of Mr. Anil Nautiyal towards the community welfare and wished him all the best for his future endeavors.

The speakers recalled Nautiyal’s contribution in resolving major labor issues and his leading effort in tackling major crises for Indian labor. The speakers also recalled exemplary contribution of Nautiyal during the amnesty period. They also were full of praise for Nautiyal’s role and participation during Janadriyah Festival 2018, where India was the guest country. The stressed on his characteristics of receiving every person and issue with personal care and his ever present smile and efforts to smooth the situation. They also recalled his constant efforts to reach out to the community and stay in touch on their every issue.

In his address, Guest of Honor Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan mentioned that Anil Nautiyal with his accessibility, ease of communication, compassion for service to the community and his leadership of the community has provided excellent leadership to the community welfare wing of the Embassy of India. Dr. Suhel assured the gathering about the continuity of support of embassy for the volunteers and community welfare work.

Chief Guest Ambassador Javed recalled his many journeys with Nautiyal to all parts of the Kingdom. He appreciated his great work and dedication in resolving major labor challenges as well as in supporting the community to resolve various community welfare related tasks. He applauded Nautiyal as a great team man and a great benefactor of the community welfare wing of the embassy. The ambassador wished best of luck to Nautiyal and his family in his future assignments.

In his address to the gathering, Nautiyal thanked the Indian community for their love, affection, appreciation and blessings. He commended the role and contribution of the community members and volunteers in the functioning of the community welfare wing of the Indian Embassy. He attributed the success of Amnesty 2017 as well as Janadriyah 2018 to their participation and hard work.

During his speech, Nautiyal mentioned about the community connect program as one of the most successful initiative taken by the embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Javed. He especially mentioned the social media outreach program where the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is ranked as the No. 1 Embassy for its response time.

Steering committee members Abrar Hussein, Naseem Akhter and Wasi Haider Rizvi presented floral bouquets to Anil Nautiyal, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Ahmed Javed respectively. Gifts and floral bouquets were also presented to Nautiyal by the office bearers of various social and cultural organizations.

Dr. Inamullah Azmi started the proceeding with the recitation of the holy verses from the Qur’an followed by a video presentation on the journey and achievements of Nautiyal. Eng. Sohail Ahmed and Naseem Akhter conducted the proceeding, while Abdul Ahad Siddiqui, president of Indian National Forum, proposed the vote of thanks. — SG