JEDDAH — Editor-In-Chief of The Siasat Urdu Daily Zahid Ali Khan was felicitated by Saudi businessmen at Dewaniah Jeddah last week in recognition for his 50 years of service to Urdu journalism, national integration and communal harmony. General Secretary of Indian Youth Welfare Association (IYWA) Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki said that the past seven decades Khan has a number of achievements to his credit, such as creating opportunities for people, make a difference in the lives of poor, weak and deserving who are ravaged by the demands of living, building institutions, starting and running socially relevant programs, spreading awareness, among others. “To understand Khan, we need to look in detail at the efforts made, results achieved and honors given,” he said. Khan is the son of Padmashri late Abid Ali Khan who made remarkable contributions to the society. “His life is an example for those who desire to lead a meaningful life.” Khan has been the recipient of many awards, and has been requested on numerous occasions to head various developmental, social, educational and health organizations testifies because of his sincerity and conviction. Chief guest Khalid A. Al Fozan, who enjoyed the company of Khan, said that India and Saudi Arabia have a long history of cultural and brotherly relations. “Indian culture and people have a special place in the hearts and mind of Saudi community.” Hussam Al Kahtani, Emad A. AL-Muhaidib and other Saudi businessmen also praised the contribution of Khan. Khan, in his address, said that people thought him worthy of all these accolades was because of the will of Allah. “I'm just a humble person like all of you. Every human being should strive to spread knowledge, explore resources for generating employment and moral development of community in the social, business and political arena.” Addressing the Saudi business community, Khan said that time and circumstances are ripe for investment in the newly formed state of Telangana, offering his services to be a vital cord between the state government and the business community. He said that City of Hyderabad has copious Islamic heritage and invited the people of Saudi Arabia to witness the blend of Indian and Islamic Culture. The function was attended by Consul General of Bahrain Ibrahim Maslamani, Consul General of Qatar Khamis Bin Ibrahim Al Mohannadi and Consul General of UAE Ahmad Mangoosh and prominent dignitaries like Dr. Irshad Ahmad Consul (Press, Information & Culture), SRH Fahmi Consul (Commercial), NP Singh Vice-Consul (Haj), Anup Singh Vice-Consul (Labor) of Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Husain Mohd. Al-Shareef, Ibrahim Saifuddin, Fazil Mohammed Zakaria, Mohammed Ayub Ismail, Ayaz Bin Shabibi, Ali Bin Sayeed Al Gutmi and Muzzammil Husain Chief Coordinator of IYWA attended the felicitation function. A large number of Saudi business community members and prominent social figures along with representatives of IYWA and All Saint's Old Boys of Jeddah were also present. Media Coordinator of IYWA Syed Baqer Ali proposed a vote of thanks.
