Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Union Minister and Member of Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was accorded a warm reception and felicitation at the International Indian School, Dammam recently. John Thomas, chairman of the school managing committee, presented Aiyar with the memento on behalf of the school community during an exclusive ceremony attended by the school faculty of over 800, members of the managing committee and other school staff. After the ceremony, an informative session between the teachers and Aiyar followed and lasted over three hours. The administrator, orator, writer, and diplomat-turned-politician extensively dwelt upon the geographical, historical and cultural aspects of India and the Arab World. Referring to the present Indian developmental and political scenario, Aiyar said that for India to sustain its status as one of the world's emerging economic powers, it needs to make its villages self-reliant in terms of nutrition, drinking water, sanitation, and healthy environment for its rural masses. Aiyar applauded the teaching fraternity of Indian schools in the Kingdom for their sincere efforts in molding an Indian generation even miles away from the home country. He said that this is the real nation-building process and appreciated their commitment toward this end. Dr. E K Mohammed Shaffe, principal and head of the institution, acknowledged the other guests apart from the guest of honor. Lt. Col. J A Rocque, principal in charge of the Girls' Section, proposed the vote of thanks and John Joseph, academic co-coordinator at the Boys' Section, compered the program.
