JEDDAH – The Indian Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) and Bazm-e-Osmania recently welcomed three new Indian diplomats who took charge at the Indian consulate here. Arif Qureshi, president of ICSJ, said: “Our society and Bazm is the first and oldest NRI organization in Jeddah which is involved in social work for Indian expatriates since more than 30 years.” Highlighting one of the society's achievements, Qureshi said that his organization has been collecting old textbooks from International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) students for years and distributing them to the needy students. Last year, over 14,000 old books were distributed. Dr. Dilshad Shamsi, patron of ICSJ, said that it is the yearly tradition of ICSJ and Bazm-e-Osmania to celebrate India's Independence Day and Republic Day for the past three decades to remember their all the sacrifices made the freedom fighters. S.R.H. Fahmi, community welfare consul, said: “Everyday many Indians facing problem come to my office and we are helping them because it is our job to solve problems. But our community should also cooperate with us.” Dr. Irshad Ahmed, press information and culture consul, said: “I am well aware of Qureshi and his team's activities since more five years; his functions are always successful and well organized. “I am very happy to know that community services are continuously being done for our nation. I hope that in the future also they will provide better services to our Indian community.” M.R. Qureshi, consul and head of chancery, said: “The community services of ICSJ are well-known to me for over 15 years and I appreciate their efforts. All of their functions are successful and memorable as they provide a platform to those living away from their motherland to express their patriotic feelings.” He said the doors of the Consulate General of IndiaJeddah are always open for all Indians anytime. “We want to provide our consulate services and we want to help our Indians living under the Saudi Arabia law.” Dr. Mohammad Khursheed Akhter, chairman of IISJ, and Barkat Ali, General Manager of State Bank of IndiaJeddah branch, also appreciated the social services of ICSJ. The speeches were followed by a dinner and a cultural program featuring memorable old songs. The singers who participated included Saleh Siddiqui, Jimmy Fareed Al-Waheedi, Saifuddin, Arif Masood Siddiqui, Sayeed Asif and Iqbal. Shakeel Ahmed delivered the vote of thanks. – SG
