By Mir Mohsin Ali
RIYADH — Indian Engineer Forum (IEF) Riyadh chapter celebrated India Engineer’s Day here to mark the birthday of the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1861-1962). The community paid rich tribute to Visvesvaraya, a brilliant engineer and son of India.
The day, Sept. 15, is celebrated every year in India as Engineer’s Day. The most brilliant engineer of Karnataka played an important role in harnessing water resources, and he implemented his designs and ideas to uplift the community. He was greatly responsible for the successful designing and construction of river dams, bridges and implementing irrigation and drinking water schemes all over India.
He served as the Dewan of the erstwhile Mysore state and was considered to be the architect of the all-round development of Karnataka.
Visvesvaraya’s most successful projects are the design and construction of K.R. Sagar Dam, Brindavan Gardens, Bhadravati Iron and Steel works, founding of a Bank of Mysore and setting up the Mysore Sandal wood factory.
The evening saw the presence of multiple dignitaries from many local and multinational organizations, hosted by the young Engr. Saad Tarin and co-hosted by Engr. Mohammad Atif, who introduced the event and recognized all the special guests and VIPs present during the proceedings.
The contributions of the engineering discipline to the community and the Indian engineers currently residing in Saudi Arabia were recognized during the speeches.
Guest of honor Sulaiman I. Alamoud, general secretary, Saudi Council of Engineers, said “Indian Engineers represent 11% of the total engineering force in Saudi Arabia with a number of 29,342 with follows 10,476 Mechanical Engineers, 7,726 Electrical Engineers, 6,006 Civil Engineers and 5,134 Electronic and Communication Engineers.”
Sulaiman said “Indian engineers have good reputation and some of them work for leading companies in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Council of Engineers has established good relationship with IEF.” He also announced that the SCE would soon implement new law regarding practicing professional engineers and he hoped that IEF would be a great help by cooperating with SEC.
He thanked IEF of being a part of the celebration and said that SEC is the only Saudi Arabian professional unit established in 2003 to promote the engineering profession, develop and upgrade its standard and supervise those practicing the trade and it operates under the provision of Ministry of Commerce and Investment.
Chief Guest Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed emphasized the ever-dynamic landscape of technology and how engineers must be able to adapt responsibly to the trends and changes, ensuring they continue to serve the society with their skills.
The ambassador said, “India and Saudi Arabia enjoying cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and social cultural ties and the strength of over 3 million Indians represent the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom. The growing number of Indians is an indication of the good relation that exist between India and Saudi Arabia and is also a reflection of the good work that Indians are doing in the Kingdom.”
Special guest Ali Al Othaim, CEO of Gulf Rose Group and board member of Alkhair Capital, Najm Insurance Services and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, also attended the event. During his address, he recognized the noble nature of the engineering discipline and lauded the dedication of the Indian engineers in Saudi Arabia.
He further invited the Indian Engineers Forum to collaborate with the Riyadh Chamber for future events and interactions.
The president of the Riyadh Chapter, Engr. Farhan Hashmi, welcomed the audience for the evening and introduced the core team of the Riyadh Chapter. Engr. Zohaib Ahmad commenced the evening by reciting a few verses from the Holy Qur’an. Engr. Mustafa Hashmi, delivered the keynote address highlighting achievements of Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
The efforts of the IEF was also recognized by The Institution of Engineers, India (IEI). A message of appreciation and warm wishes from the President of the IEI, Navinchandra B. Vasoya, was read out during the event by a senior Engr. Aliuddin Aquil.
Engr. Amir Khan, one of the founder and chairman of the forum in Saudi Arabia and the one responsible for synergizing the various chapters ensuring that the forum continually scales new heights, enlightened the audience with the history of the forum.
He further recognized Engr. Mohammed Sayeeduddin, president Jeddah chapter, Engr. Shuja Mohammed Sheriff, founder member and president Dammam chapter and Engr. Tasneem Akthar, chapter coordinator Jubail chapter, who had especially traveled to Riyadh for the event, and presented them with mementos for their dedication to the forum.
Gold sponsor of the event, Al Masah Co. for Specialized Construction was also recognized for their patronage of the forum. Engr. Mohammed Abdul Nayeem, General Manager Masah Co., gave a Power Point presentation of his company profile and running of multimillion riyals projects in Saudi Arabia. Engr. Owais Ahmad delivered the closing remarks.
