Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Chief Saudi Gazette (left), gives a memento to Alungal Mohammed, chairman and managing director of Al Abeer Medical Group and chief sponsor of India Festival (right), as Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai (center) looks on.
Sana Abdul Salam and Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The curtain was rung down on the two-week long India Festival 2013 that showcased the diversity of the Indian culture at the auditorium of International Indian School (IISJ) boys' section, Friday. The event was organized by India Forum. Danish Abdul Ghafoor, president of India Forum, welcomed the goodly gathering and thanked the sponsors for their support in making the event a success. He extended special thanks to Alungal Mohammed, chairman and managing director of Al Abeer Group, and Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Gazette and chief guest on Friday. Almaeena, speaking on the role of the media in society, said: “We have a big responsibility to speak the truth, not to misguide or present incomplete information, as this can effect government decisions. “Personally, I believe that newspapers should focus on points of convergences. We are made of different ethnic groups, different religions. I believe in piety, and in humanity, which is above everything else.” While extolling the need for good people in society and in every culture, he said: “There are two types of people who come into this world: One, who merely live and die, and the other, who do something memorable and worth remembering before they die. We should all strive to be of the second kind,” Mementos were presented to conveners of all organizers who participated in the India festival. These were the Jeddah Keralite Forum, the Jeddah Tamil Sangam, United Andhra Pradesh forum and the JeddahIndian community. As the chief sponsor, Alungal Mohammed was also honored. Abdul Ghafoor said that though the festival ended with the formal closing ceremony, the fest will have a one-day extension to accommodate the students who could not perform in earlier functions. Students of the first and second grades of International Indian School, Jeddah performed to start the program, choreographed by Tabassum Hussain and music by Sabah Noureen and Hiba Kaleem. The children, dressed in colorful costumes each representing the culture of a different state of India, danced to different tunes and popular Indian songs. Mirza Imtiaz Baig, a Sales Executive at Toshiba, said this encapsulated the diversity of the Indian culture. “My children, born and brought up in Saudi Arabia, benefit from these kinds of events as it enables them to stay in touch with their culture and tradition.” The “Kerala Fusion Dance,” choreographed by Saleena Musafir, was followed by a violin and keyboard recital by Amaana Ayoob and Areeb Usman respectively. Their ‘guru' was Kalabavan Gaffar. The “Robo dance” followed the fusion dance, and it was a unique blend of technology and art. Electric blue LED lights was attached to the performers. With the room completely dark, the performers literally glowed while performing to popular tracks such as “Gangnam style” and “Kolaveri Di.” The idea and technical support for the “Robo Dance” was provided by Rajshekhar and Masood. Choreography and coordination was done by Ezhil Maram and Siraj respectively. Ankita Mishra, a finalist of the third season of popular Indian singing reality show Indian Idol, was welcomed on the stage to perform. Popularly known as “fire performer,” Mishra entertained the audience with her vocals and stage presence. She presented “Teri Dewani” as her first song on stage and the musical journey continued with top Bollywood numbers such as “Oye Oye,” “Anar Kali Disco Chali,” “Desi Girl,” “Subah Hone Na De,”among others. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Mishra said: “It was very overwhelming to perform to such a lovely audience. As an artist the response was amazing, I loved performing for the people of Jeddah and hope to entertain them again, am very thankful to India Forum, who invited me here to perform. It was truly an amazing experience.” Mishra on her Facebook page wrote “I am here to make a confession: I, Ankita Mishra, am truly, deeply and madly in love with Jeddah and its people. I have never experienced such a crowd in my career. I feel blessed! I Wish I could stay back for some more time. I am taking back with me lots and lots of fine memories and love. Will miss you Jeddah! Love you all!” Abdul Ghafoor said: “Ankita is an amazing performer and a very good human being – she supports a school of more than 700 students by donating 50 percent of her earnings for their education.” On invitation by the India Forum, Mishra was in the Kingdom for a short visit with her parents. “It was a very homely and lovely atmosphere. We are really happy for all the love and response that our daughter got from the audience of Jeddah,” said Mishra's parents. Mishra also presented a few duet songs with a local talented singer Farid Ali Khan. The youth in the auditorium left their seats and danced to their rendition of the popular song “Mashallah” from hit Bollywood movie “Ek Tha Tiger.” “She is the best female performer in Saudi Arabia till date. It was an honor performing with her,” said Khan.
