Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — There is still a great void in the Indian minority political arena even nearly one decade after the demise of the world-renowned Indian Muslim leader and veteran parliamentarian Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, as noted at a recent meeting. Several prominent figures from the Keralite community here paid tribute to Sait for his untiring and selfless services to ensure the honorable existence of India's minorities, especially Muslims. The function was organized by the Indian Muslim Cultural Center (IMCC) Jeddah Chapter at Impala Garden Restaurant auditorium on the occasion of the ninth death anniversary of Sait. A farewell party to Kunhavutty A Qader, president of IMCC Saudi national committee, who leaves India for good, was also held. The speakers highlighted Sait's unblemished public life and his conviction to serve people. They noted that Sait was a champion of India's weaker sections and minorities, especially Muslims, and that he fought selflessly and tirelessly to protect their rights until his death. While describing Sait as a true believer and at the same time a staunch advocate of India's secularist and democratic ideals, the speakers called on the younger generation to make him a role model. The speakers are of the view that Indian Muslims are facing a big challenge due to lack of such charismatic and ideal leaders at a time when the hindu fascist forces pose a grave threat to their religious and cultural identity. Sait, who was member of the Indian Parliament for about 35 years, was a towering Indian leader, who served 180 million strong Muslim community in various capacities. He was president of the Indian Union Muslim League and the Indian National League, and was one among the founders of major Indian Muslim common bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Majlise Mushawara, All India Milli Council and Babri Masjid Movement Coordination Committee. Hassan Cheruppa of Saudi Gazette delivered Sait's memorial speech in the function, which was chaired by K.P. Abubacker, president of Jeddah IMCC. The speakers included Prof. Reynolds Ittoop, King Abdulaziz University; C. K. Hassan Koya, news editor of Malayalam News; V.K.A. Rauf, Navodaya; Kunhavutty A Qader, T.M.A. Rauf, P.P.A. Raheem, New Age India; T.P. Ahmed, K.T.A. Muneer, Overseas Indian Cultural Congress; Moosakutty Vettikkattiri, Gulf Madhaymam; Jamal Nasar Shanthapuram, SIFF; Usman Irumpuzhi, Sulfikar Othai, Indian Media Forum; Dileep Thamarakkulam, Peoples Voice of India; K.M. Abdul Kareem, CIGI; and A.M. Abdullah kutti, IMCC. Jeddah IMCC General Secretary A.P. Abdul Ghafour welcomed the gathering and Treasurer Mansour Wandoor proposed the vote of thanks.
