Riyadh — "Indian expats in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries are considered as favorite, leading and loving community," said Anil Nautiyal, first secretary, community welfare, Embassy of India, at an event organized by a local group here. The Indian expatriates are viewed as one of the best communities here largely because they are disciplined and hard working and they are far ahead in terms of being highly educated and their professional attitude, Nautiyal, stressed while qualifying his statement during the keynote speech in 70th Independence Day Celebration Program organized by Indian Social Forum at Al Mas Auditorium. Nautiyal, said, "The Indian community with higher educational qualifications and inherent talent and skills in jobs from housemaid to engineers and doctors respect the traditions and law of the land, display better character including sincerity and good manners, and these qualities have helped to gain the acceptance among other communities even though more than three millions Indian expats are living in Saudi Arabia." "The Indian Embassy is handling the large number of grievances with help of hundreds of volunteers serving the community with sincerity and honesty. They are the power of Indian Embassy Community Welfare as the number of Embassy staff is insufficient to handle the large community works," he said. Praising the volunteers who frequently visiting deportation centers, hospitals, jails, labor camps etc., Nautiyal, said, "It is indeed laudable for the volunteers to extend their helping hand to Indians suffering of various Issues. Hundreds of volunteers including Indian Social Forum members attended the meeting called by Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed to discuss the grievances like delay of salaries, lack of food etc of Indian labors working in various companies due to recent financial recession in the region. The response was huge." "Many volunteers and Indian Social Forum members are cooperating with the Indian Embassy, and we appreciate the remarkable performance, sincere attitude and prompt action in supporting fellow Indians, Nautiyal said. He also thanked the Saudi authorities for their support during the crisis. "They (authorities) are very supportive and have always helped us," Nautiyal, added. Ahmad Shareef, Gulf Thejas - managing director and president – Kerala Pravasi Forum, urged all to come forward to do social service. "It is the responsibility of each and every Indian citizen to help our brothers in Saudi Arabia." Ilyas Tirur — India Fraternity Forum regional president, Obaid ur Rahman, chairman, Bihar Foundation, Mohammed Chennai — Shuvanam Toastmasters Club, Hyder Ali —Indian Community School Committee member, Zainudheen Kochi — FORKA, Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, president, All India United Society, Syed Mozam Ali, patron, Golden Telangana Welfare Association, Shahul Hameed Kanyakumaari, Thamizh Chenkam, Jabir Kamal Chennai — Indian Social Forum Tamil Nadu and Naveed Kundapuram — Indian Social Forum Karnataka also spoke on this occasion. Hassan Abbas delivered the welcome speech and Muneeb Pazhoor — Welfare Coordinator — delivered the vote of thanks whereas Mohammed Faheem hosted the program.
