Asfia Hussaini recieves award from Mohamad Alungal, chairman and managing director of Al Abeer Medical Group, for putting together a brilliant act of a typical Hyderabadi wedding along with other teachers. — SG photos by Syeda Amtul Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Andhra Pradesh (AP) day was warmly celebrated by United Andhra Forum, which consists of 20 AP organizations. The AP day was organized as a part of a two-weeklong India Festival 2013 at the auditorium of International Indian School (IISJ) boys' section, Wednesday. Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, said: “Hyderabad has a very special connection with Saudi Arabia, and this is not new. “The relation goes back to the period of the great Nizam of Hyderabad, and it continues successfully till present.” He said, he was overwhelmed by the huge gathering of Hyderabadis and praised the unique style and dressing of Sherwani and Topi of this community. “The Hyderabadis have built their identity in Saudi Arabia, and it is a very positive image. Every company here has a minimum of 2-3 persons from Hyderabad. “In addition, the efforts of the United Andhra Pradesh Forum in helping the community as well as promoting social work,” Kidwai said. Mohamad Alungal, chairman and managing director of Al Abeer Medical Group, the main sponsor of the event, said: “The Hyderabadi community is important for Al Abeer and are one of the most supportive people of Al Abeer group.” He further praised the traditions, architecture and natural beauty of Andhra Pradesh. Hasan Bayazid, convener of AP Forum, spoke about Hyderabad and its cultural diversities. His poetic description of Hyderabad and its historical values was well received. A 40-minute educational documentary was played on the history of AP; it also listed the organizations in United AP Forum. The documentary was made by Dr. Syed Ali Mehmood, Syed Haroon, Azmat Imran and Muhamad Nadeem. The best part of the documentary was about “10 things to do in Hyderabad.” Maher Siddiqui along with Rehana Saleem sung duet songs. The audience were rocked by the famous Hyderabadi song ”Ek Chanbeli ke mandway talay''and followed by some oldies. Saleh Siddiqui, one of the top Ghazal singers in the Indian community, mesmerized the audience with his selected renditions. Saleh recited some of the famous couplets of Manajat-e-Quli Qutub Shah earlier with his co singers. Arif Qureshi gave a short descriptive speech on Indian Cultural society and Bazme-Osmania organization's efforts and services to community. Amjad Hussain Baig, a talented singer, sang some famous Telugu songs. The eye catching performance of AP day was the play on Hyderabadi weddings performed by IISJ 6-8 standard girls. The script was written and prepared by two IISJ teachers Ishrat Unisa and Asfia Hussaini with the help of the dialogues by Aleem Khan Falaki and Saleh Siddique, on the issue of dowry. It dealt on the complete phenomenon of marriage — proposal, dowry demands and ceremony. Danish Abdul Gafoor, president India Forum, gave the welcome speech. It was a record gathering as stated by the Indian consul general, who compared it with the crowds of the other days of India Festival 2013. The programs were selected and performed with a very perfect combination of humor and traditions. “The special AP day celebration had a great combination of humor and culture, it's a pleasure for me to attend this type of program. “Our, culture, which we miss in Jeddah, was presented in the typical Hyderabadi way. We felt like at home,” said Afzal Amed and, concurred by his friend Syed Osman Sabir. “I was not expecting that much of joy and entertainment but I must say it shows some glimpses of our traditions and cultural diversities. We were like in Hyderabad,” Sabir added. The vote of thanks was divided into two parts: Aijaz Ahmed Khan, president Khak e-Taiba, thanked the audience and performers, and Syed Khaja Viqaruddin, general secretary of the group, thanked all the sponsors. The event was sponsored by Al Abeer Medical Group, Pehla Premium Asian Entertainment, Quick Pay, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Universal Coils Heat Exchangers, Hyundai — Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors, State Bank of India, Alpha Cargo Services Co. Ltd., Tasty Taste Restaurant, Best Harvest, Okaz Trading Co. and Basharat Ali Tanwar.
