Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh urged Saudi nationals of Indian origin to continue to play an enhanced role in further bolstering the strong strategic bilateral ties between the two great nations. He made these remarks while inaugurating the interaction of eminent Saudis of Indian origin held at the consulate premises.

“Those Saudis with roots in India would have much better ties with India and I appeal them to keep visiting India and keep contributing to further strengthening ties between the two countries. They are most welcome to the best opportunities available in India in terms of investments and even for simple visits so as to make relations much stronger,” he said while describing them as “ambassadors of India”.

“All of you are most welcome to our office to have a chat and take information about whatever you want to know about India and the available opportunities in vital sectors such as culture and tourism. My office is open to all at any time and my mobile number is also available,” he said.

Sheikh lauded the remarkable contributions of the Indians of Saudi origin in the nation-building process, saying that their contributions are quite amazing in terms of literature, medical, engineering, business and other fields. He thanked Saudis for their great hospitality of hosting the huge number of nearly three million Indians, who make up nearly one-third of the entire expatriate population. The consul general also launched the logo of Goodwill Global Initiative (GGI). Assuring all the support from the consulate, he described GGI’s pilot initiative as an amazing one.

The Guests of Honor veteran journalist Khaled Almaeena, renowned Arab poet Dr. Shihab Ghanem, and founder and Managing Director of Nahdi Medical Company Sheikh Abdullah Amer Al-Nahdi were honored for their outstanding contributions in the fields of media, literature and humanitarian work respectively. Mohammed Alungal, president of Abeer Medical Group and Chief Patron of GGI, presented a memento to the consul general while consul general gave away mementos to Almaeena and Ghanem. On behalf of Al-Nahdi, Hassan Siddique, treasurer of GGI, received the memento from the consul general. Consuls Sahil Sharma and Dr. Mohammed Aleem, Nezar Al-Ali, director of media center of Iqraa Channel, also presented mementos to the guests.

Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Bar, Dr. Talal Al-Shaer, Dr. Adel Bushnak, Dr. Abdul Hakim Zubaidi, Dr. Amal Al-Ahmadi, Dr. Nadia Khondanah, Rafiuddin S. Fazalbhoy, India Forum President Mir Ferozuddin, and Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum President Mohammed Aziz Kidwai were among the dignitaries who attended the event. GGI President Dr. Ismail Maritheri presided over the function in which General Secretary Hassan Cheruppa welcomed the gathering and Program Chief Coordinator Musthafa Vakkaloor proposed the vote of thanks.

Murthada, Aruvi Mongam and Sadiqali Thuvvur presented theme video titled “Muziris to Makkah.” Mementos were presented to Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, general secretary of Saudi India Business Network, Bobby Manatt, and Rahmath Muhammad Alungal who choreographed the traditional art forms of Daff Muttu, Oppana, Kolkkali, and Sufi Dance, presented by girl students, mesmerizing the audience and evoking in them nostalgic memories.

Prizes were given away by Dr. Amina Mohammed Ali of Jeddah National Hospital, Rahim Pattarkadav of Zahrani Group, Arshad (New Gulail Polyclinic), and Chemban Abbas, patron of GGI. The event was also powered by Abdul Razaq (Rehaili Polyclinic) P.A. Abdurahman of Shifa Jeddah Polyclinic, M.V. Saleem of Dauhat Al-Uloom School, and Abdul Latheef PV of Mahar Ayurvedic Hospital.

The organizers of the event included Jaleel Kannamangalam, Ishaq Poondoli, Kabeer Kondotty, APA Ghafour, Abdurahman Kalambrattil, Ashraf Pattathil, Ebrahim Shamnad, Ghafour Kondotty, Mansoor Wandoor and Musthafa Peruvalloor. Rafi Beemapally and Reshma Basheer were the anchors of the event.