Seated from right: Hassan Bayazid, Azher Ali Zai, Jimmy Fareed Al-Siddiqui, Dr Irshad Ahmed, Pranav Ganesh and Dr. Haroon Rasheed.Standing from right: Michael Coutinho, Maqbool Pervaiz, Mohammed Imran, Hussain, Omi Notani, Arif Quraishi, Ahmad Siddiqui and Mohsin. JEDDAH — The Indian Cultural Society (ICS) and Bazm-e-Osmania Jeddah organized an "Eid Milan" function last week at ICS and Bazm's president Arif Quraishi's residence. The chief guest at the function was Pranav Ganesh, Consul Consular at the India Consulate, Jeddah. The event was also attended by special guests Dr. Irshad Ahmed, Consul Press, Info. & Culture, and Dr. Haroon Rasheed, chairman of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ). Quraishi welcomed the chief guest and other guests, and said that ICS and Bazm have been traditionally organizing "Eid Milan" functions every year. Ganesh, who was happy to attend the "Eid Milan" wished Eid Mubarak to everyone on the occasion. He said that the doors of the Indian consulate are always open for the Indian community. He requested the Indian community to utilize the grace period effectively, adding that the Indian government is thankful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for hosting over two million Indians in the Kingdom. Ganesh expressed appreciation for the activities and community work of ICS and Bazm-e-Osmania. Ahmed said it is the second time that he is attending the Eid party at Quraishi's residence, and that the Eid parties are always successful and well-organized. He urged Indian workers to correct their work status before the November deadline. He said he and the consulate staff are working at Tarheel for helping Indians obtain exit stamps and other paper work. He said the consulate will issue emergency travel certificate free of charge if an Indian wants to leave. Rasheed said: "Until today 4,000 students are waiting to obtain admission in our Indian school, but we cannot grant admission because we do not have enough seats. We are trying to find a new building to accommodate the 4000 students." Azher Ali Zai, former managing committee member of IISJ, said ICS and Bazm have been organizing the country's national days – Republic Day and Independence Day – as well as Eid parties for over 25 years. He said: "All such functions are highly appreciated by the audience. The ICS also distributes IISJ textbooks free of charge." After dinner, a colorful cultural program was held. Singers who participated in the event were Jimmy Fareed Al-Siddiqui, Ahmad Siddiqui and Mohsin. The party concluded with a vote of thanks by ICS general secretary Maqbool Pervaiz. — SG
