Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the Indian Consul General (C) with members of the JeddahIndian community.In a speech, Kidwai said the consulate could not function without the help of the community. “We are part of a big family, I have to work here with staff of only 50 to 60 people in the consulate and have no other support system, just the community. When I was in India I had the whole country to help me do my work. If any consul general wants to introduce any changes, it has to be with the help of the community,” he remarked. There are also plans to get all Indians registered with the consulate, including those who have run away from their sponsors. The consulate will also be using various community organizations, set up by the previous consul general, to reach people in far-flung areas so they can be assisted with services. “I really appreciate the efforts of Athar Khan, Kader Khan, Syed Sharique Ali, Azhar Ali Zai and all other members of the community and different organizations who have joined hands and represent themselves as one,” Kidwai added. He said that for the past two months he has been trying to clear various backlogs at the consulate and will be passing on information regarding various services, including passports, on the consulate website and via SMS. “When community members will go to any agency to fill their passport or visa form, or for any other services, they will have to fill a form registering themselves,” he explained. “We are trying to create a database of all the people who have run away from their sponsors, then systematically, we try to help them out, give them some time and legal advice and also help them during labor disputes and other issues. My predecessor had created community welfare organizations in various areas where we could not reach people and they are doing excellent work.” Kidwai said the consulate also wants to help Indians who come for Haj. There are a number of organizations helping out but more dedicated individuals are needed in Makkah, he added. He explained that the consulate is trying to get SIM cards from telephone companies at cheaper rates, which can then be sold to pilgrims on their arrival. Plans are also underway to get bank cards, but approval is still needed from Saudi authorities. He said he welcomed any advice from members of the Indian community in terms of services, commerce and trade between India and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Faiz Al-Abideen, special adviser to members of the Saudi royal family and member of the Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Director of Foreign Investment committee Yanbu and Chairman of the Jeddah Cricket Association in Saudi Arabia, also welcomed Kidwai. “I know you will be a shining star not only among the Indian community,” he stated, adding that the Royal commission will help the Indian community where it can. He said that the country's cricket grounds are also open to the Indian community. Earlier, the welcome speech was delivered by Kader Khan, the convener of the JeddahIndian community. He said Jeddah is important because it is a commercial hub and close to the Two Holy Mosques. Two children, Ahmed Raza and Bilal Raza read a welcome poem, “Marhaba Ay Faiz Ahmed Marhaba”, written by Hafiz Navied Afroz. Rehan Khan, a young member of the JeddahIndian community, anchored the event and the program ended with poetry and comedy by Aleem Falki. The vote of thanks was presented by S.P. Singh.
