JEDDAH – Indian Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh highlighted the fact that relentless efforts empowered him to reach the coveted profession in the Indian civil services and his hard work, sincere and consistent efforts has elevated him to the what he is now. Sheikh was relating his personal experience in attaining professional satisfaction and achieving his goal at the two-day "MICS 2017" (Monumental Inspiration into Civil Services) event. The unique career guidance session just focused on employment in the Indian Civil Services. The event, organized by Indian Social Forum (ISF), hoped to create awareness of opportunities in the services and the mode to tackle it. The event was held in association with a non-profit organization, ACCESS India, which specializes in career guidance and student awareness program, for the students of the Indian expatriates. The consul general inaugurated the two-day event and shared his experience before the large gathering of students and parents in a simple and motivating narration. The packed audience gave him a standing ovation. Ashraf Morayur (Regional President ISF) emphasized the requirement of decision makers and policy implementers for a democratic and secular nation like India and explained why the forum sought to highlight this exclusive stream filled with career options. "Civil Services, an area neglected by expatriate Indian community, are the drivers of the India," he added. Prof. Imtiazuddin Ahmad Siddiqui, briefed parents about the significance of parent support to enable students achieve their dreams. Having hands-on experience in educating and preparing students for Civil Services from Kashmir to Kerala, the chief mentor of the session and an expert career counselor explained the various positions and professions included in the Civil Services and the necessary preparations that a student should start with, to become successful in the Civil Service examinations. He also answered various queries from the students about the Civil Services and its examination. Deputy Consul General and Consul Haj Mohammed Shahid Alam, in an interactive session, detailed the privileges and professional benefits offered by the Civil Services. He motivated young students to become bureaucrats and to be a part of the change in the administration of India. He inspired all by sharing his efforts and experiences to reach one of the successful professions that he had dreamed of. "It is not the parents influence that makes one a civil servant, but self-determination and relentless efforts that enable one to achieve their goal," he added. Ismail Panavally, Access Saudi Coordinator and facilitator, explained the importance of setting goals and selecting the career that aligns with the skills and interests of the students. He also disclosed easy ways of learning and preparing for the examinations systematically with the topic, "Say goodbye to Exam O phobia". Educationists and eminent Indian community leaders spoke. Abdul Majeed (managing director, Universal Inspection Services), Mrs. Salma Sheikh (principal Ma'adal Uloom International School), Abdul Aziz Kidwai (president, IPWF), Sirajuddin Mohiuddin (JTS), Qamar Sada (gen. secretary, IPWF), Yousuf (educationist and motivational speaker), Mohammed Salman (IT professional), Nouman (BJC), Habibullah (BJC), Zakariya Ahmed Biladi (member India Forum and IPWF) and Fayyazuddin (regional president, IFF) motivated the students with their simple, but inspiring words. A spot talent hunt session was also conducted among the students to identify instant talent possessed by students and the performance was incredible. All the performers were appreciated and some were given prizes. To give an idea about the preliminary examination of Civil Services in India, Abdul Ghani (ISF) conducted a quiz program. Guests distributed prizes to the winners of quiz and other interactive competitions during the session. E.M Abdullah (vice president, ISF) executive council members including Mohammed Iqbal Chemban, Ismail, Mohammed Haneef, Noushad, Abdul Kareem, Mujeebur Rahman and women wing coordinated by Mrs. Sulaiman, Sabira, Asma Iqbal and a group of dedicated ISF volunteers worked hard to make program successful and memorable. Consul General Sheikh presented a memento to Mohammed Mustafa (ex council member ISF), appreciating the sincere social and community services he rendered to the expatriate Indian community for almost two decades. The program began with the recitation of verses from the noble Qur'an. Al Amaan Ahmed welcomed the guests. Ayoob Hakeem anchored the program and Mohammed Ali Muloor (exec. member ISF) proposed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the national anthem.
