Muhammad Azharuddin (C) is seen awarding a badge to a student at Darussalam Internetional Delhi Public School (DPS), Riyadh. Nadeem Tarin, DPS-Riyadh Chairman (L) and Principal Mohammad Mairaj, look on. SHAHID ALI KHAN Azharuddin was speaking as chief guest of the Darussalam International Delhi Public School (DPS)-Riyadh, at the students' cabinet investiture ceremony, Friday in Riyadh. Nadeem Tarin, Chairman of DPS and Dunes Schools, was also present at the ceremony. Azharuddin said that, during his childhood, his school's infrastructure was not well-developed and there were few qualified teachers and principals. He urged students to take maximum advantage of the high-caliber of teaching available to them today. He also stressed that students should maintain good physical fitness by participating in sports.On a lighter note, he added that students must heed his advice, because “people who offer good advice are few and far between”. Azharuddin was impressed when a group of DPS students demonstrated an aspect of Saudi culture by serving him dates and qahwa (Arabic coffee) and burned some fragrant oudh. He offered praise for Arab culture and the warm hospitality of the people. The cricketer-turned politician later mingled with students and signed autographs. Azharuddin said he learnt that in Saudi Arabia there are about two million Indian workers who are acting as ambassadors for their country by doing hard work. He added that there are longstanding bilateral relations between the Kingdom and India. After becoming an MP he had the opportunity to learn more about the welfare of the Indian community living in Riyadh. Mairaj Mohd. Khan, the school's Principal, said Azharuddin had previously attended events at Indian DPS schools. Earlier, Azharuddin was the keynote speaker at Jamia Millia Islamia University's 90th Founding Day ceremony organized by the Riyadh-based Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (JMIAA). About 700 Jamia Islamia alumni attended the university's celebrations, the first ever such event in Riyadh. Azharuddin also underscored the importance of education for children of non-resident Indians (NRIs). He remarked that it was good education that enabled Indians to take up top positions in Saudi Arabia. The parliamentarian invited fellow Indians to contact him with their problems, if they need assistance from the Indian government. “I am now a public servant and at your disposal to help you resolve any community welfare issues. However, you should send me written complaints so that I can take it up with the concerned department in the Indian government,” he explained. Azharuddin is better known for his ability as a batsman and fielder on the cricket pitch. He was often able to turn one run into two because of his speed. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of the Indian Parliament from the Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh state. He said that Gulf states are home to millions of expatriates from cricket-playing countries. He urged governments in the region to host friendly cricket matches, especially the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW), to help promote the game.
