The Indian Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) and Bazm-e-Osmania Jeddah organized a get-together to welcome Indian Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh recently. Arif Quraishi, ICSJ president, welcomed the consul general and Consul for Consular Affairs Anand Kumar along with other guests. He said the reception was in line with the ICSJ and Bazm tradition of welcoming new Indian diplomats accredited to the Kingdom. Assuring the diplomats of his team's cooperation at all times, Quraishi said: "Our services have been in place for the past 40 years and our focus is on celebrating national occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day every year. Our educational services include free distribution of textbooks, uniforms and stationery and assistance to the needy students of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) as well as students in Hyderabad, India, by paying for their tuition." ICSJ Patron Dr. Dilshad A. Shamsi said the purpose of the reception was to foster friendly ties within the Indian community. Dr. Kareemuddin, ex-chairman of the Higher Board of IISJ, said: "I am aware of the activities of ICSJ and Bazm for more than 35 years. I appreciate Arif Quraishi and his team for celebrating our country's national days every year with full vigor and joy." IISJ Principal Syed Masood Ahmed expressed appreciation for ICSJ and Bazm's old textbooks distribution campaign. "Collecting and distributing books to our school students is a very difficult and time-consuming job. Yet they do it year after year without any problem," he said. Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar said because of the two groups, ICSJ and Bazm, the Indian community is receiving many benefits and services. Consul Anand Kumar praised Quraishi for his patriotic services to the country and its people. "Last year, ICSJ and Bazm welcomed me in the same place. It is their tradition to welcome all new Indian diplomats," he said. "We are working under the guidance of our consul general Noor Rahman Sheikh and this year we provided excellent services to Indians who were in distressful situations such as those who did not receive their salaries, or were in need of food and medical aid. Moreover, our community members also helped our brothers in need," Kumar said. Consul General Noor Rahman Sheikh expressed appreciation for ICSJ's community services, saying that he has been aware of the activities of Quraishi and his team since he was posted as the Consul for Haj in Jeddah. "As Haj consul, my priority was to provide the best services to Indian Haj pilgrims. Now as consul general, my priority is the same. We are providing very good services to the pilgrims and every year we are able to improve them," Sheikh said. "It is my duty to provide good services to the Indian community. The doors of the Indian consulate are open to all Indians at all times. The consulate is able to solve all community problems without any hassle; our services reach all Indians through the Internet and social media," he said. Sheikh said the consulate endeavors to help Indians living in Saudi Arabia within the framework of the Saudi law. He also praised Anand Kumar for his services to the needy Indians. He announced the good news that the consulate is moving to a new location on Madinah Road, which easily accessible by bus or taxi. The speeches were followed by a dinner and a cultural program featuring memorable songs. Singers who participated in the program included Jimmy Fareed Al-Waheedy and Yousuf. ICSJ vice president Iqbal Shaikh Al-Sulkar proposed the vote of thanks. — SG
