JEDDAH – Aijaz Ahmed Khan, an engineer by profession and a social worker, was elected as president of the United Andhra Pradesh Forum with a thumping majority. Prior to the election Khan was the president of Khak-e-Taiba Trust Jeddah and vice president of Jeddah Cricket Association. The forum is an umbrella organization that brings together 20 Jeddah-based social organizations from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Three senior members, Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood, Siyadath Ali Khan and Mohammed Shameem Kausar played a crucial role in the smooth conduct of the much awaited and thrilling election. The new committee would be announced shortly, addressing the issues of expatriates from Andhra Pradesh. Khan said: “We will take a lead in making joint representations on behalf of non-resident Indians of Andhra Pradesh to the Andhra government and the foreign missions abroad.” Thanking the electorate, consisting of the heads of all Andhra Pradesh organizations, Khan said he felt the need to build a sense of confidence among the various social organizations whose main objective was to serve the community through different spheres of life. Khan said: “Of course, promotion of education, placement-cell, personality development, health awareness, sports, culture and socio-reforms and a host of others would be given utmost importance. “I will choose an expert from these segments to form my active committee.” Lectures from visiting guests and intellectuals, felicitations for senior members of the community and talent promotions will also be arranged. Khan thanked all participating organizations for putting their trust in him, especially the youngsters who supported him, including the founder of Twin-Cities Youth Welfare Association Syed Khaja Viqaruddin. “With your support we will do our best to raise the profile of our community,” Khan said. The outgoing Hasan Bayazeed Ather wished the new president success in taking the forum to new heights. Mahmood talked about ways to promote coordination among Indian expatriates and underlined the importance of social work for the development of society and unity. – SG
