JEDDAH — It was a blissful evening where family bonds were rejuvenated and reinforced following a workshop conducted for families by Jeddah Chapter of Center for Information and Guidance India (CIGI). "No words to describe my feeling; the program helped both of us a lot to rediscover many things and rejuvenate our bonding," said one of the participants in her WhatsApp message after attending the event. The workshop on "Life Skill" for parents and children was conducted here recently as part of CIGI's ongoing programs to promote community's comprehensive development. Community trainer K.M. Saifuddeen conducted the session, which gave some tips and techniques to bolster bonds between couples. [caption id="attachment_48164" align="alignright" width="300"] Amir Ali delivers his address — Courtesy photo[/caption] Retired Prof. K.M. Ahmed, one of the founding directors of CIGI and recipient of Indian President's award for his meritorious services, was the guest of honor at the event. He recalled the initial meeting held at the invitation of Prof. K.A. Sidheeq Hassan that led to the formation of CIGI, which now has many chapters in Gulf. The CIGI spearheaded many educational programs in uplifting the educational level of the community and conducted various educational projects to raise quality of education in Kerala. Prof. Ahmed urged participants to keep close contact with their children to avoid them falling prey to vicious gangs especially in this Net savvy environment. A session titled "Snehaveedu" (Home of Love) was led by Sajid Ahmed. It was replete with rich ideas and guidelines incorporated with solutions practiced by great personalities. "A timely gesture can even play greater role in cementing the connubial relationship between couples," said Ahmed by giving various examples. The common issues and problems prevailing among the spouses were the topic tackled by Abdul Aziz Thankayathil. Participants were divided into different groups of diverse background and were given ample time to assess a problem prevalent in their family life. Each group was advised to give emphasis on hands-on experience at diagnosing situations and came up with practical real-life suggestions. Most of the presenters shared their findings with ease while others were little hesitant to expose them before their spouses fearing its repercussions back home. A simultaneous program for children was arranged by Rasheed Amir, which helped children unveil their filial affection towards their parents. Some letters penned by children at the program touched the hearts and minds of the participants expressing their unflinching love and limitless gratitude towards their parents. Some parents shared their joy with a shaking voice and tearing eyes whereas others' talks were interrupted by intermittent weep of joy as they were yearning for such letters praising the parental role. The international chairman of CIJI's Gulf Chapters Ameer Ali addressed the audience. In his speech he extolled the extraordinary efforts of Saudi Jeddah chapter. K.T. Aboobacker delivered an enlightening speech in which he stressed the significance of the community services and its huge impacts on the community citing recent survey results of TED Talks. M.M. Irshad was the anchor whose sporadic warm up messages combined with light physical exercises enlivened the audience throughout the session. K.M. Musthafa welcomed the audience and Aruvi Mongam displayed his artistic talent by drawing an instant picture portraying the theme of the event that won the applause and appreciation of the audience.
