Hassan Bayazeed Ather, vice-patron of IYWA; Zubair Mohammed, vice-president of IYWA; Syed Baqer Ali, media secretary of IYWA; L. Ramnarayan Iyer, patron of IYWA; Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, Consul General of India; Surendrapal Singh, president of IYWA; Emad A.K. Al-Muhaidib,and Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki. — SG photo by Abdul Rahman M. Baig Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — The Indian Youth Welfare Association Jeddah (IYWA) in Association with Dewaniah Jeddah held a farewell party in honor of Consulate General of India's officials Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai and Consul Commercial Madan Kumar Ghildiyal for rendering dedicated services to the Indian community. Both officials will be leaving Jeddah soon on completion of their tenure. On behalf of Dewaniah Jeddah Abdullah Bin Emad Al-Muhaidib commended the consul general for his pivotal role in promoting bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and India. Appreciating the smooth management of Haj arrangements for Indian pilgrims and handling of Nitaqat period under his headship, he said it has earned him vivid ovation and hoped that he might return to the Kingdom as Ambassador of India in the future. He also praised the Consul Ghildiyal for promoting Saudi-Indian business in Saudi Arabia and in India with indispensable assistance and services. Speaking on the occasion, Kidwai said the extravagant ambience of Dewaniah coupled with the unique hospitality of the Saudi culture by the members fascinate people towards it. Cordiality, affability and joviality are the trademarks of Dewaniah and noted that he will certainly miss Dewaniah as it has become his second home. Expressing gratitude, he said that Dewaniah has played a vital role and extended remarkable coordination and participation in boosting Saudi-Indian business. Kidwai also appreciated Indian Youth Welfare Association (IYWA) contribution towards community welfare by organizing education, technical and welfare programs. He also praised the members for their active participation during Nitaqat period. Emad A.K. Al-Muhaidib, vice chairman of Al Muhaidib Group of Companies, said that pleasant moments spent with Consul General Kidwai will always be remembered by members of Dewaniah. Hussam Al Kahtani, chairman of Kahtani Group of Companies, expressed his gratitude to the consul general and consul commercial for working hard to foster and strengthen the Saudi-Indo business relations resulting in significant surge in the business activity between the two nation. Ghildiyal, in response, said the interaction between businessmen from both countries is now much closer than before and they have been seriously negotiating the establishment of joint ventures and partnerships. The change in bilateral economic relations is evident. Dewaniah Jeddah management committee members Emad A.K. Al-Muhaidib, Hussam Al Kahtani, Hamaed Al-Afraj and Abdullah Bin Emad Al-Muhaidib presented mementos to Kidwai and Ghildiyal on behalf of Dewaniah Jeddah. IYWA Chief Patron L. Ramnarayan Iyer and President Surendrapal Singh presented mementos to Kidwai and Ghildiyal while IYWA General Secretary Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki and Media Coordinator Syed Baqer Ali presented bouquets. Khaled Khidr, famous Saudi photographer, presented Kidwai with his famous photograph and book of Makkah Al Mukarramah on this occasion and wished him well for his future endeavor. Esa Bin Shabibi of Shadab Restaurant and Mohammed Osama Khan of Mehfil Restaurant also presented flower bouquet on behalf of their restaurants to the consul general and the consul commercial. Zaki in his vote of thanks commended the Indian diplomats for their contribution and their dedicated services to the Indian community and promoting Saudi-Indian bilateral relations during their tenure here.
