By Mir Mohsin Ali

RIYADH — The Indian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan announced that India would be the guest of honor in the next edition of Janadriyah Festival 2018 to be held in Riyadh.

He was addressing the alumni of Osmania University at a felicitation function organized by Osmania University Alumni Association Riyadh (OUAAR). He said that it was indeed an honor for any country to be the guest of honor at the Janadriyah festival.

Elaborating on the strong bond between India and Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel said that the number of Indians in the Kingdom has increased despite many who have left during the Nitaqat and the amnesty periods. From February to September this year the number of Indians in the Kingdom has increased from 3 million to 3.2 million.

The DCM also announced that a helpline will be launched that will have more facilities to ensure easy access to the Indian Embassy. In this regard a mobile number that can be accessed 24 hours will be announced soon.The Indian community can reach the Embassy by sending SMS messages through their mobile or WhatsApp.

Dr. Suhel said that the majority of the Indian community in the Kingdom are living happily as only 3.3% of them come to the Indian Embassy for any issues.

First Secretary Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi said that Osmania University has played an important role in spreading traditional and modern education with equal importance. He said Darat Al Marefa has contributed a lot in preserving huge Islamic literature, and its publication is popular in the Arab world.

We realized this fact in 2011 when India was guest of honor at Annual Saudi Book Fair. It was poppular not only with the people of Arab countries but even publishers were interested to have a copy of its publication, which was on display. It is the responsibility of Osmania Alumni to ensure the protection and growth of the great center.

Osmania University is named after its founder, Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad who through a Royal Charter, brought the University into existence in 1918. It is the seventh oldest in the country and third oldest in South India.

Osmania University is re-accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation council as ‘A’ grade University.

Earlier, Mohammed Quaiser, president, OUAAR welcomed the gathering and thanked the DCM for accepting the invitation and feted Dr. Suhal Ajaz Khan by presenting him with a traditional shawl and plaque.

OUAAR members and some of the Telangana community members presented flower bouquets to the DCM.

Sohail Siddiqui presented a flower bouquet to Dr. C. Ram Babu, second secretary, political and economic at the Embassy of India. K.N. Wasif’s documentary on Osmania University was shown.

Taqiuddin Mir, treasurer, gave a presentation on the history of Osmania University and Venu Mahdav, vice president cultural, gave a small presentation of the legendary Alumni of the University.

The function started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Mohammed Mubin, vice president admin, conducted the proceedings and Sohail Siddiqui, ExCom member, proposed the vote of thanks.