Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH -- India Forum, a multi-cultural and multi-dimensional organization based in Saudi Arabia, recently organized a virtual Eid Mubarak event which was attended by a large number of the forum members.

The event paid tributes to the thousands of COVID warriors who are putting their lives in danger so others have a sense of safety and peace.

The event was dedicated to Indian Consul General Noor Rahman Sheikh who was celebrating his last Eid here in his present position.

S.P. Singh began the event with an inspiring multi-cultural welcome.

In his welcome address, India Forum President Mir Ferozuddin hailed the consul general as the inspiration behind the forum's success. The president also welcomed Y. Sabir, the new director of the forum, who has actively provided meaningful direction and leadership to it. Mir Ferozuddin highlighted the role of India Forum as a reflection of multi-culture that comes together to represent the true India. India Forum, he committed, will always serve the community in testing times with the support of its distinguished members.

The forum, he said, made strenuous efforts to distribute ifftar meals to the needy families and then supplying a month's ration to them for Eid.

Director Y. Sabir spoke about the achievements of India Forum and its role ahead as a benchmark for the community.

Thereafter the highlight of the evening was the captivating message by Consul General Rehman Sheikh who spoke about the proud achievements of India Forum. He said the forum is the true face of India here through its multi-cultural representation.

The consul general highlighted the role of India Forum since 1987 in community development and acknowledged the leadership particularly our current Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed when he was in Jeddah as CGI. He emphasized the importance of forum members uniting and proving role models in challenging times and to reach out to support and be a source of strength to the Indian community.

Mir Ferozuddin accentuated the great role played by Rahman Sheikh to make him one of the most respected, admired and loved official.

This was followed by a spectacular message of Eid to India Forum from Bollywood stars who descended upon Jeddah through the Virtual World.

A special Eid Mubarak message from the most celebrated and awarded film director Imtiaz Ali was was aired. It was followed by messages from Tarun Khanna, the actor best known for his role in Police Factory, Radha Krishna and Dishoom, and actor model Chaitaniya Choudhry, best known for his role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Sangam, Dream Girl and others.

A thrilling live performance by King of Comedy Mubeen Sikandar from Comedy Circus followed and then came and then there was Bollywood playback singer Raja Hasan. The singer, attending the India Forum function for the second time, won the hearts of the audience by truly making Eid feel special and together.