Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Members of newly elected managing committee of International Indian School-Jeddah (IISJ) were felicitated by prominent Indian community members in a function hosted by Zubair Jabri and Mahmood Misri at a restaurant here recently. Renowned businessman and President of Indo Arab Friendship Society Jaber Patel was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion Patel said, "Though I am here as a member of the Indo Arab Friendship Society (IAFS) but being a part of the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Indian government, I was briefed about the education problems faced by our community here in Jeddah. "Education is very important, and proper education of our children is must; today the Muslims are facing lot of challenges in India, and only an educated person can survive these challenges." He called on the community to help eradicate illiteracy among the Indians back home in India with each person sponsoring at least one child, so that we would help eradicate illiteracy from our community in next 10 to 15 years. He suggested all to come forward in business. "It is not only beneficial for yourself but for the community too" he said. He advised the newly elected chairman and the managing committee of IISJ to work very hard for the community. On the recently held mango festival he said, "I want to promote our country's farmers, I bought 33 types of mango this year to give a taste of Indian mangoes to the local community here, but in the future, I will bring more varieties, 300 at least." Newly elected chairman of IISJ managing committee Mohd. Iqbal also addressed the gathering and thanked to all for their support and good wishes. He said, "Along with the joy of celebration I feel a great responsibility and I can see the expectations too. India is such a beautiful country, we can find a great diversity there, we all belong to different states of India but all of us come together under the umbrella of being Indian and we feel proud of it. Despite the diversity we are united. I have got a team to lead and manage our community school. We are planning to connect online with parents, and we will bring a sort of transparency in the school matters. "I need all your support and assistances so that we will go to new heights." Guest of honor Omer Abdullah Bin-Yamin, chairman DATCO Company, also addressed the gathering and said I am quite happy to see this great Indian gathering and I would love to see you everywhere. Aijaz Ahmed Khan said "I am happy to see a young and talented chairman for IISJ this time. I have assured my support for him." He appreciated Patel's advice for the community and thanked him for his support in making the recently held mango festival a big success. Khan invited all community members to come forward for Khake-Taiba Trust's sponsor a child program. He also thanked all print media for their continue support. Later Mohd Bawazeer presented a bouquet to Jaber Patel while Mahmoud Misri presented a shawl and Zubair Jabri presented a plaque to him. Patel and other dignitaries honored all the new elected members of IISJ managing committee along with Omer Abdullah Bin Yamin and Aijaz Ahmed Khan. Earlier a welcome addressed was delivered by Zubair Jabri. Anas Mahmood Misri and Imran Kausar compered the program, which commenced with the recitation of verses of Holy Qur'an by Miss Arwa Zubair Jabri. Vote of thanks was given by Osman Zubair Jabri.
