based western regional committee of Overseas Indian Cultural Congress (OICC), an affiliate of Indian National Congress, organized a grand function to mark the Kingdom's 86th National Day celebrations recently. The program was featured by a variety of cultural programs and a video presentation showcasing the rich heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia, as well as the strong bonds that bind between the Kingdom and India since several centuries. The function, which started with playing of the national anthems of Saudi Arabia and India, left a mark of unique experience of celebrating the festive occasion with much gaiety and fervor among the attendees. Delivering the keynote speech at the function, Adv. M. Veerankutty, veteran Congress leader and former chairman of the Kerala chapter of the Minority Commission, said that the three million Indians, who make up one third of expatriates, consider the Kingdom as their second home. He thanked the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their utmost keenness and interests in taking care of the welfare of the Indian Diaspora. Veerankutty, the chief guest, urged the Indian community to exert more efforts through active involvement in the Kingdom's nation-building process and continue rendering immense contributions to its tremendous growth and remarkable development. K.M. Sharif Kunju, general secretary of OICC's global committee, inaugurated the function, chaired by K.T.A. Muneer, president of the western regional committee. Several prominent figures from the Saudi and Indian community spoke on the occasion. They included Mamduh Ahmad Al-Majarisi, Abdullah Ali Nasser Zaid Al-Motairi, Mohamed Iqbal, chairman of the managing committee of International Indian School-Jeddah, Abdul Raheem Ismail, former chairman of IISJ managing committee, Jaafer Ali Palakode, president of Indian Media Forum, Abdul Majeed Naha, M.C. Kunhan, T.P. Shuhaib, Saifuddin of Fatima Group, A.P. Kunhali Haji, Naushad Adoor, Joshi Varghese, Shukoor Vakkam, Mujeeb Muthedath, and Basheer Paruthikunnan. Zakir Hussain Edavanna, general secretary of the western regional committee, welcomed the gathering while Treasurer Srijith Kannur proposed a vote of thanks. Several prominent singers of the city enthralled the audience with patriotic songs. They included Jamal Pasha, Harish Kozhikode, Mumthaz Abdurahman, Hana Nisar, Mansour Edavanna, Shihab Muvattupuzha, Hashir Kollam, and Alavikkutty Kaniyampatta while Adel Zakeer, Sabith Hariz, Hamna Zakeer, and Sabith Ummar impressed the audience with a spectacular Arabic art performance.
