Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed said that transparency would be maintained at the Indian Embassy and Consulate General in all their activities, while stressing that the doors of Indian missions are always open for the Indian community living in Saudi Arabia and all genuine issues of the community would be resolved at the shortest possible time. He was addressing a large gathering of the Indian community at the reception at International Indian School, Riyadh, to welcome him and his wife Shabnam Javed. He said authorities are well aware of the problems being faced by the Indian families due to the lack of higher education facilities in the Kingdom. He disclosed that this issue would be resolved in due course as it was raised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the higher authorities of the Kingdom when he visited Riyadh last month. He also assured the Indian community that he would try to increase the capacity of Indian schools in the coming years to accommodate more children. Responding to the issue raised by social activist and representative of Indian organizations, who brought to his notice, the increasing cases of attacks on Indians in Riyadh, he said this matter will be taken care of by the concerned authorities. Responding to the request to open Indian Embassy auditorium for community activities, he said he would check the circumstances under which the community activities were allowed and then stopped earlier before reconsidering the issue. However, he suggested that the auditorium of International Indian School, Riyadh, is a much better place for community activities. Looking at the large gathering of Indian community, Javed said it reminded him of the city of Mumbai where he got similar love and affection from public. He said his current posting is not much different to that of the Mumbai police commissioner. He always used to get calls from public there while here he is called to attend to many issues of the Indian community. Being the host of largest Indian passport holding community outside India, this country is very important for India. Steering committee members and heads of various cultural, social and educational organizations raised many issues of Indian community. The speakers were Shihab Kottukal, Abdul Rahman Saleem, Imthias Ahmed, Dr. Misbahul Arfin, Balachandran Nair, Mohammed Quaiser, Shaheem, Wasi Haider Rizvi, Obaid ur Rahman, Anisur Rahman and Santosh Shetty. The speakers also highlighted the various aspects of ambassador's personality. His clean image as a honest and dedicated police officer during his career was appreciated by all. Earlier Sultan Tirmizi started the proceedings by reciting the verses from the Holy Qur'an. More than thousand members of the Indian community representing different parts of India attended this event. Community leaders, social workers, representatives of different organizations, businessmen and individuals lined up to extend warm welcome to the ambassador and his wife Shabnam Javed by presenting floral bouquets to them. On behalf of Saudi Gazette Mir Mohsin Ali presented the bouquet to the ambassador. Suhail Ahmed gave the welcome address and Mohammad Zaigham Khan conducted the proceedings. Vote of thanks was proposed by Abdul Ahad Siddqui. The glittering function ended with the rendering of the Indian National Anthem. Deputy Chief of Mission Hemant Kotalwar, First Secretary Anil Nautyal, Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi, second secretary, and other officials of Indian Embassy were present. International Indian School Riyadh Principal Shaukat Parvez, chairman school managing committee, managing committee members and representatives of different organizations were present. Staff of IISR made elaborate arrangements. People representing every part of India were present on this occasion displaying India's unity in diversity. Honoring the beliefs and faiths of the community representing different religions and faiths, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was arranged separately.
