Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – To mark the 64th Republic Day of India, the Indian cultural society and Bazm-e-Osmania organized a grand Indian cultural program dubbed “Grand Geet and Ghazal Night” at a local restaurant in Jeddah Thursday. Renowned playback singer Paresh Pewekar regaled the audiences by singing popular songs and “Ghazals” of Jagjit Singh (Honton se Chu loon Mein, Yeh Daulat bhi le lo, Duniya jisay kehtay hain who jadu ka khilona hay), Pankaj Udhas (Chandi Jaisa Rang Tera), Mehdi Hasan (Pyar Bhare do Sharmilay Nain), Talat Mehmood (Tasweer Banata Hoon Mein… Banti Nahee) among others. Pewekar was accompanied by Anwar Hussain on keyboard, Ahmed Khan on Tablaa, Kumar as the lead guitarist, Madhu as the bass guitarist, Ansar on rhythm, and Syed Alam on Dholak. Other local popular singers who entertained the audiences were Saif Ahmad Sami, Asif Sayeed, Sidiq Ali Waheedy (Jimmy), Faris Waheedy, Ammar Waheedy and Sangeeta Rajeev. Chief Guest Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai wished everyone on the occasion India's Republic Day. Guest of Honor and chief coordinator of projects/investments in Al Abeer Medical Group Mohammad Imran congratulated all Indians on the 64th Republic Day on behalf of Al Abeer Medical Group. Special Guest and chairman of Jeddah Cricket League Zain El Abedin also wished the Indian community. He appreciated Arif Qureshi's work and gave him the title of “Cultural Ambassador” for his efforts in keeping the traditional Indian culture alive in the hearts and minds of people. President Indian cultural society and Bazm-e-Osmania Qureshi, president Khak-e-Taiba Eijaz Ahmad Khan, member of International Indian School Jeddah Azhar Ali Zai also addressed the gathering and congratulated them on the occasion. “The main aim of this celebration is to acknowledge the fact that although we are far from our home country, we still remember and love it,” said Qureshi. The program was hosted by Asim Zeeshan. It was co-sponsored by Air India, Indomie, Al Abeer Medical Group, Arcoma Food and Consumer Products/Dilzove detergents, Badruddin Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, Abdullah Hashim company, Basem International Shipping and Logistics, Hyundai Mohd Yusuf Naghi Motors, Red Tag, Danube Building Materials, Akbar Gulf Travels, Mehfil Restaurant, Citimax Shoe Express, FUCHS, Mosaid Travels, Jawahartul Osman, Talent World, ATC Packers n Movers, Glenda premium biscuits, Dalda Ghee, Best Harvest HI Tea, Artic Gold and Al Areesh.
