Sitting: From left — Jimmy Farid Al Wahidi, Saleh Siddiqui, Arif Qureshi, Consul Labor of Community of Welfare B.K.Jain, Consul Haj Sheik Mohammad Noor Rehman, Asimuddin Ansari, and Abdul Qadir Memon with guests and members of the function. — Courtesy photo Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The Indian Cultural Society and Bazm-e-Osmania recently organized a function during Eid in Jeddah. Consul Haj and Director India Forum Sheik Mohammad Noor Rehman and Consul Labor of Community of Welfare B.K. Jain attended the function as chief guests. President of the society Arif Quraishi, while delivering the welcome address, said that there society always celebrates all national and Islamic festivals, especially Eid, as it spreads the message of unity, love, togetherness. Saleh Siddiqui, general secretary of the society, praised the Non-Resident Indians (NRI) for their patriotism despite a living in the Kingdom for decades. On the jubilant occasion of Eid, Jain recited a few couplets of soulful and melodious poetry and extended his best wishes to the Indian diaspora. He also acknowledged the efforts of the cultural society for keeping alive the spirit of patriotism among the people living here. “Indian Consul General Faiz Kidwai has requested all Indian organizations to register themselves with the consulate, so that there services can be availed as and when desired by the community," Jain said, adding that the Indian Consulate has also established a welfare wing for the Indian community. Rehman also extended his good wishes to the Indian community. He said, “Eid celebrations improve brotherhood in all bring us close to each other." Rehman further appreciated the charity work being done by Quraishi – where he collects and distributes books to the less fortunate Indians living in the Kingdom because Quraishi believes that educating children is the only way to build a strong nation. As the period of Haj draws near, Rehman said, the Indian Consulate has arranged accommodations for nearly 1,25,000 pilgrims this year and will try their best to provide better services under the supervision of Kidwai. “I am living here for the past 15 years and this is the first time I have attended an Eid function. I'm very impressed by Quraishi's charitable work," said Asimuddin Ansari, a guest at the function. Later, local singers Jimi Farid, Saleh Siddiqui, Mujeeb Siddiqui, Saifuddin, Asif, Mohsin, Afroz, Maher Siddiqui and Altaf, entertained the audience. Other dignitaries present at the function were Omi Notani, Umesh Kumar, Ram Reddy, Dr. Fariduddin, Dr. Haroon, M. A Suhail, Syed Muddasir, Shakeel Ahmed, Wajid, Abdul Qadir Memon, Mohammad Suhail, Syed Ibrahim, Ahmeduddin and Wasim Muqadam. The vote of thanks was delivered by Saleh Siddiqui.
