Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the powerful weapon which can be used to change the world." Taking a leaf out of Mandela's quote, Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed said, "Along with education, you need zeal, passion and commitment for success in any field." He was addressing a large gathering of the felicitation ceremony of former Indian community school IISR Principal Zeenat Mussarat Jafri organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association Riyadh (AMOUBA), Osmania University Alumni Association Riyadh (OUAAR), Hindustani Bazme Urdu and Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmaster Club Riyadh (BUTMCR) at Riyadh Palace hotel. The envoy congratulated Zeenat Jafri on receiving the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman award 2017, which was conferred by the government of India in Bengaluru. He said it was not an easy task to open a school at that time, but she started it with 120 students at home and began a crusade for education. At present the school has 12,000 students and the credit of this growth goes to Zeenat Jafri and her husband. Disclosing the procedure to select and nominate a person for the award, he said there is a committee that makes the selection. This year we focused on education and contributions to the Indian community. We shortlisted the name of Zeenat Jafri. Suhail Ahmad, president, AMOUBA Riyadh, gave the welcome address. He said that due to Zeenat Jafri's hard work education got a lift in Riyadh. Dr. Abdul Ahad Siddqui started the function by reciting verses of the Holy Qur'an. After receiving memento from the Ambassador of India, Zeenat Jafri thanked all for their cooperation and dedicated this award to all the Indians living in Riyadh. She added that she's privileged and honored on being felicitated by all the organizations here. Zeenat Jafri thanked the ambassador and the Embassy Staff for proposing her name to the Indian government for the award. She said, "I am proud to say that I am the only Muslim lady to be honored with this award and thank Allah for this award." She said 30 people were selected from around the globe and 24 were present at the award ceremony. She was excited by the fact that she got an opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appreciated all the awardees. Zeenat Jafri thanked all the people who had helped her to open the school at that time. She dedicated all the success to her husband Mussarat Jafri, who was a pillar of support. She established the International Indian School in Riyadh at her home, solely for the benefit of the community. From 120 students in 1982, the school grew over the years under the leadership and guidance of Zeenat Jafri and currently has 12,000 students enrolled in the school. She completed her Master's degree from Jammu and Kashmir University and also holds degrees in Bachelors of Education (B. Ed) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA). She moved to Saudi Arabia with her husband in 1979. Abdul Rahman Saleem, president Hindusani Bazme Urdu and patron OUAAR, congratulated Zeenat Jafri on behalf all organizations and said, "That a woman who kindled the torch of knowledge and enlightened thousands of young Indian minds in a foreign land richly deserves the award. She strongly believed in the cause of education, especially for females, and tirelessly worked towards her goal of providing quality education to Indians in the Kingdom." Wasi Haider, senior Aligh, spoke about his long association with the Jafri family and was specific in his praise when he said, "Zeenat Jafri has brought laurels to the community." Mohammed Quaiser, president Tanzeem Hum Hindustani and president OUAAR, said "Education is very important to everyone. Zeenat Jafri played an important role to educate children in Riyadh, and the students and the Indian community will never forget her services." Misbah Al Arifin, president AIRES, said "Teachers are the builders of the nation and schools are known for the quality of the teacher in it, and student's life is influenced by the teacher." Mohammad Ahamad Basha, former president, AMOUBA, called on the envoy to give an award every year in the name of Zeenat Jafri medal. Senior journalist K.N. Wasif read out an article titled "Mother India", which the Ambassador praised. Taqiuddin Mir, President BUTMCR, Niyaz Ahmad, vice president, Bihar Foundation, also spoke on this occasion. Most of the Organizations heads presented flower bouquets and shawl to Zeenat Jafri. Ambassador Javed was accompanied by his wife Shabnam Javed. Also present were DCM Hemant Kotalwar and his wife Seema Kotalwar, Anil Nautiyal, first secretary, Venkateshwaran Narayan, first secretary, Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi and his wife, and Naveen Sharma. Mohammed Zaigham Khan conducted the proceedings, Salman Khalid, vice president introduced the guests on the dais and Abdul Ahad Siddqui proposed the vote of thanks. — SG
