Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – The Urdu Academy Jeddah organized a literary program to mark India's National Education Day – celebrated every year in the memory of the India's first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – at the Indian Consulate here on Nov. 8, Thursday. Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai presided as the chief guest at the function. He appreciated the efforts of the academy, and the Hyderabadi community in promoting the Urdu language. Other eminent personalities of the Indian community along with students from various schools were in attendance. An Azad Souvenir 2012 was also launched on the occasion. The Urdu Academy Jeddah honored three members of the Indian community – Khalid Hussain, program co-ordinator and an active social worker; Aijaz Ahmed khan, president Khak-e-Taiba Trust and Jeddah Cricket Association (JCA); and Syed Khaja Viqar Uddin, an active social worker, general secretary Khak-e-Taiba Trust and president of twin cities' Youth Welfare Association – with plaques for their commendable contribution to the society. Speech and Quiz competitions for students were conducted by President India Forum Danish Abdul Gafoor. They were judged by Dr. Irshad Ahmed, Consul Press Information and Culture; Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood, lecturer at King Abdulaziz University; Huma Khan, teacher at Dar-ul-Fikr; Sheeba Askari, teacher at British International School; chief judge Jameel Sayeed, ex-governor Toastmasters; Abdul Sami, president Izhar Urdu Toastmasters; and Farooq Moin, a social worker. The winners of the Speech Competition (boys) were Vazeem Latheef from International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), who took the first position, followed by Nadeem Fayyaz and Saad Naseem of Al-Falah International School -DPS Jeddah on the second and third positions respectively. Arwa Fathima of Al-Wurood International School was the winner of the Speech Competition (girls) followed by Duaa Habeeb Majid of IISJ and Nida Javed Sheik of Dauha Al Uloom School, who were the first and second runners-up respectively. In the Quiz Competition (boys), Usaid Saud, Talha, and Shamshad Ali Ansari of IISJ bagged the first position. On the second position were Rizwan and Shezin Aboobacker of Al Noor School whereas C.Prem and Sherwin Lal safely secured the third position. Thasneem A.Rehman and Zareen Begum of Al Noor School were placed first in the Quiz Competition (girls). Aameena Afroz Khadija and Shadiya Syed of Al Wurood School stepped in second and Saherish Farhan and Nadha K Neelambra of Al Falah International School - DPS Jeddah came in third. The winners were awarded gift vouchers and cash prizes. The vote of thanks was delivered by Saleem Farooqui. The program was hosted by S.Asima Yumna. Syed Jamal Qadri acknowledged the members of the academy and Chief Patron Ghulam Asif Samdani in India for extending his help and support in this literary program.
