Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH/JEDDAH/DAMMAM — With great joy and enthusiasm, the 71st Independence Day of India was celebrated in the three major cities of the Kingdom.

In the Embassy of India, Riyadh on Tuesday, Ambassador Ahmad Javed hoisted the national flag, which was followed by the rendition of the national anthem and patriotic songs presented by the students.

The ambassador read out the president of India’s message to a gathering of over 500 Indian community members, officials of the mission and their families. Addressing the audience, the ambassador also appreciated the valuable support extended by the Saudi authorities to the Indian community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh hoisted the national flag at the ceremony in Jeddah, followed by rendition of the national anthem and patriotic songs by the students of the International Indian School, Jeddah.

The consul general read out the President Ram Nath Kovind’s message to a gathering of about 300 members of Indian community, friends of India and mission officials.

The students of International Indian School, Jeddah sang melodious patriotic songs such as “khadam, khadam badaye jaa”, under the guided supervision of the teachers. Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin, members of the Saudi community and friends of India attended the ceremony.

The Consul General of India, Jeddah extended his warm greetings to all the people present. Reading out the president’s message, simultaneously in Hindi and English, he reiterated the president’s clarion call to imbibe the spirit of selflessness to build a New India.

In his speech the president called on the people to recollect that, “It is crucial to understand that this dream for a free India was rooted in our ordinary villages, in the well-being of our poor and underprivileged, and in the all-round development of our country.....

“We need to draw inspiration from such brave freedom fighters, many of whom sacrificed even their lives for the country. We need to invoke the same spirit today in the task of nation building.

“The stress on the moral basis of policy and action, belief in unity and discipline, faith in a synthesis of heritage and science, and promotion of the rule of law and of education — all of it was located in a partnership between citizen and government.

“That is how our nation has been built — by a partnership between citizen and government, between individual and society, between a family and the wider community....

“We should also work with unity and purpose to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all sections of society....

“New India must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA, and which has defined our country and our civilization. New India must be a society rushing towards the future, but also a compassionate society.”

A cake cutting ceremony at the consulate premises was held to mark the occasion.

The consulate officials later went to the International Indian School Jeddah to mark Independence Day. Sheikh hoisted the flag in the school premises and school children sang patriotic songs in fervor.

In the Eastern Province, International Indian School Dammam (IISD) celebrated the 71st Independence Day of India at the boy’s section. Dr. Syed Zainul Abidin chairman of the managing committee. The members of the managing committee Irfan Iqbal Khan, Abdul Waris, ex-chairman Rasheed Umer C K, school officials, guests, staff and students were present at the event.

The dignitaries were welcomed by the vice principal- academics Mrs. Mahenaz Farid. The flag was hoisted by Dr. Syed Zainul Abidin, who read the president’s message to the nation. He thanked the Indian community for gracing this occasion. Irfan Iqbal Khan and Rasheed Umar, also spoke on the occasion giving historical perspective of Indian freedom movement.

A staff member Mrs. Shabnam Farooqui spoke in Hindi on the importance of the prestigious day. Nuha Irfan Khan dedicated her poem to the freedom fighters. Amaal Sheikh, a student of grade 12 briefed all on the importance of India’s Independence. Anusha Chougle, a student of grade 12 anchored the event. The teachers and members of the Indian community attended the function.