known social activist and event organizer, is leaving Jeddah for India for good. He has been instrumental in establishing a number of community organizations and organizing a host of literary, cultural and academic programs and activities among the Keralite community here for a period spanning over six years. Several community organizations hosted farewell parties in honor of Thottiyan over the past few weeks. The speakers lauded his extraordinary caliber and enthusiasm in organizing programs and activities. Following the felicitations, Thottiyan thanked the community members for their support, saying that he is leaving Jeddah with an immense sense of pride, gratification and self-realization of doing something for the community. He will rejoin EMEA Higher Secondary School, Kondotty in Malappuram district where he worked earlier as a teacher for a decade. [caption id="attachment_124536" align="alignright" width="269"] Basheer Thottiyan[/caption] Thottiyan arrived in Dammam in Jan. 2011, and after a short period, reached Jeddah and joined as a teacher at New Al-Wurood International School. He then moved to International Indian School and later left the teaching profession and worked with Saudi Binladin Company, Abu Issa Holding, and Nasan Foods in Jeddah. He is currently working as reporter of Jeevan TV. A teacher by profession, Thottiyan has always been keen to spearhead activities with the objective of the all-round personality development of children. This was obvious from his key role in organizing diverse programs and activities as coordinator of Jeddah Talent Teens for about three years. The formation of Grandhappura (which means library) of Jeddah along with literary and cultural figures and book lovers in the city was one of his major activities in the literary field. Grandhappura organized several literary programs and book review sessions. Thottiyan's passion and dedication for promoting various art forms led him to organize artistic, song and musical programs while serving as founder general secretary of Jeddah chapter of Mappila Kala Academy. The academy's major activities included hosting Mappila Art Festival. His role was remarkable in organizing six-month long Mappila song reality show under the banner of the Netzone wing of Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC) as well as Excellence Award Night with the participation of Salim Ahamed, renowned Malayalam film director, producer and screenwriter. Thottiyan served as secretary of JeddahIndian Media Forum, general secretary of KMCC's Jeddah Kondotty chapter and chairman of Sharafiyyah Sulaiman Masjid area, and president of alumni of Kondotty EMEA College. He was also closely associated with Sign's Jeddah chapter, an academic organization, and Kondotty Kaniv, a charity association. Thottiyan had served as a volunteer for Haj pilgrims during the last several Haj seasons.
