Abdul Rahman M. Baig Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — With the formation of Telangana, the 29th state of India, the United Andhra Pradesh Forum (UAPF) has been renamed as United Telangana Forum (UTF). This was agreed yesterday in a meeting where all the organizations under the formerly known UAPF were present. The forum's Ex-Chairman, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, proposed Syed Khaja Viqaruddin as the first new chairman of UTF in an unanimous decision made by members of various organizations. Viqaruddin also holds prominent positions in various community organizations like Khak-E-Taiba Trust Jeddah, Bazm-E-Ittehad Jeddah and Twin Cities Youth Welfare Association. Khan said: "He would like to be a normal member for any organization. Position was never his ambition. It was the love of the community who made him a leader." Some of the instrumental achievements under the forum were participation in the India Festival organized by the Indian Consulate last year; launch of the largest book by a Chicago-based Hyderabadi writer; release of the people of Andhra Pradesh (AP) from jail; inundated support extended to the consulate during the Nitaqat operations, among others. He thanked the community members for supporting him in his endeavors. Viqaruddin thanked Allah, the Almighty, and then all the representatives of the organizations for placing trust in him for choosing him as the new chairman. He said that instead of being called a chairman, he would feel more happy to be called as a younger brother of all the heads of the organizations who are members of UTF. The new chairman promised to solve issues of Jeddah school and Telangana people. He promised to approach the new government of Telangana and would try to deliver his duty up to the expectations of the organizations under this forum. He even asked for suggestions for the improvement of the forum. Dr. Syed Ali Mehmood, chief patron and the adviser of the forum, informed the gathering about the importance of working in unity by giving references from the Qur'an. Khan also shared his thoughts. He discussed the achievements of the forum under the leadership of ex-chairmen Hassan Bayazeed and Aijaz Ahmed Khan. Mehmood said that the state of Andhra Pradesh has been bifurcated into two states: Telangana and Seema Andhra. "Since more than 20 organizations under this forum belong to the Telangana area, hence the name of the forum will be changed to "United Telangana Forum." Aleem Khan Falaki, who was the vice chairman of the UAPF, expressed his feelings to work closely and unitedly for the development of Telangana and India to preserve its dignity and values. He said that UAPF was instrumental in bringing the community together and help the needy people of the state during the tenure. Shameem Kausar, member of the advisory committee, urged all the organizations to come forward to work for the development of the community. Syed Jamal Quadri, member of advisory board, also appreciated the efforts of the outgoing chairman, and the team for their untiring efforts here. He said that UAPF has a good face value in Hyderabad, requesting the gathering not to have more forums or organizations under Telangana's name, instead work with organizations that have a good track record and are performing well. Mouzam Ali Iftekhar, the new vice chairman, expressed happiness to see all the community leaders of the Telangana area working under this forum. He feels very happy to be among the selfless community leaders, and hopes to put his efforts and energy in to the organization to solve problems of the Telangana people in the Kingdom. A prominent personality from Hyderabad, Syed Khaja Moinuddin (Khurram), who is in Jeddah to perform Umrah, was felicitated by the UTF for his services in Hyderabad for providing job opportunities to community people and needy persons. Khan presented him with the bouquet of flowers. Mohammad Abbas Khan anchored the program with some famous couplets to invite the representatives of different organizations and dignitaries. Earlier, the program started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Abdul Salam followed by the Naat by Saleem Quadri.
