Guest of Honor Khaled Almaeena, Saudi Gazette Editor-in-Chief, is flanked on his right by Special Guest Dr. Zain Al-Abideen, Board member of Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Arif Qureshi, President of Indian Cultural Society and Bazm-e-Osmania, during a cultural event held to celebrate the 66th Indian Independence Day in Jeddah. Also in attendance were Saleh Siddiqui, General Secretary of Indian Cultural Society (extreme left), Saurine Bhatt (fifth from left), standing with Chief Guest P.K Jain, Consul Labor and Dr. Shamsi, Vice Patron. — Courtesy photo Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette The Indian cultural society and Bazm-e-Osmania organized a grand Indian cultural program at a local restaurant in Jeddah Thursday. Chief Guest P.K.Jain, Consul Labor, said he was happy to attend the function because it reminded him of his beloved country. He added that celebrating the independence day and creating a patriotic atmosphere in the Kingdom was a commendable effort by the society. Jain said that Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai had earlier requested all Indian organizations in the Kingdom to register with the consulate, so that the Indian diaspora can benefit from their services as and when required. However, only a few have registered till date. Addressing the Indian community, Guest of Honor Khaled Almaeena, Saudi Gazette Editor-in-Chief, said: “It's always a pleasure to be a part of the subcontinent. The beauty of India lies in its diversity, in its different people, languages, and religions that together make a country, India.” Almaeena further said that Saudi Arabia and India have always enjoyed commendable trade relations, highlighting that India has contributed significantly to the Kingdom in the past 50 – 60 years in every field. His advice to people from other country is “not to look at India through western media sources, instead go and see India.” Special Guest Dr. Zain Al-Abideen, Board member of Yanbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “In the past five decades, Indians have helped a lot in building the economy of the Kingdom, and bilateral trade between both the countries is growing constantly.” Al-Abideen appreciated and congratulated the Indian Consul General and Ambassador for their services rendered toward the upliftment of their community in Saudi Arabia. He also praised Arif Qureshi, President of Indian Cultural Society and Bazm-e-Osmania, giving him the title of “Cultural Ambassador” for his efforts in keeping the traditional Indian culture alive in the hearts and minds of the people. This was the 37th cultural event organized by Qureshi, and he duly thanked the Saudi government and the Indian Consulate for support. “The main aim of this celebration is to acknowledge the fact that although, we are far from our our home country, we still remember and love it,” said Qureshi. Indian playback singer Saurine Bhatt entertained the guests by singing famous patriotic songs like “Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani” and Bollywood hits like “Mujhay neend na aye”, “Sajna tum hum say door reh kay”, among many others. Accompanying Bhatt on stage were other popular local singers: Rehana Salim, Saifuddin, Jimmy, Amjad, Asif, Maher Siddiqui, and Saleh Siddiqui. The program was hosted by Syed Fazl ul Haq who also delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the celebrations. It was co-sponsored by Indomie, NCB Quick pay money transfer, Hyundai Muhammad Yousuf of Naghi motors, Fuchs, Gulf Air, Rohail Khan Musical Extravaganza, Mosaid Travel and Tourism services, Manipal, Giordano, Danube, Jeddah National Hospital, Al Abeer Medical Group, My Care Medical Center, Packers and Movers, Tasty Taste restaurant, Talent world Visa Services, Luminous Est., Best Harvest, Glenda, Dalda, Hi-Tea, Arctic Gold, Al Areesh and Amara Biscuits.
