Syed Mussarat Khalil Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Telangana United Forum (TUF) organized a condolence meet for Dr. Ausaf Ahmed, an Islamic economist, poet, writer and former employee of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and Shareef Aslam, a renowned journalist, president of Zinda Dilan-e-Jeddah, Bazm-e-Urdu and Indian Readers Forum at Star Restaurant Saturday. Indian literate figure Faza ul Rahman presided over the meeting while Shams Ahsan, managing editor (International), Saudi Gazette, was the chief guest. Other prominent TUF executives who were present at the meeting included Obaid Bajaho, Badr Ansari, Farooq Ahmed, Obaid Bajaho, Ahmed Yezdani, Mohammed Aliuddin, Tauseef Haider, Junaid, Syed Afzal, Shakir Anees, Minhajuddin Mazhar Khan and Arif Hussaini. The program started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Abdul Salam followed by Naat by Noor Mohammad. Mahtab Qadr, vice president TUF, welcomed all the guests and presented few quotes on life and death. Speaking at the inaugural session, Siadath Ali Khan, president of TUF, said: "The main purpose of this gathering was to remember humanitarian projects which were accomplished by departed personalities. A message which they left behind and we all need to work forward and continue, which will lead to better living of fellow human beings." Laiqullah Khan, a well known Islamic Scholar of Saudi Radio, and Saleem Quadri, IDB, also spoke about the humanitarian projects undertaken by late Ahmed and Aslam. Both were of the opinion that Ahmed and Aslam were generous and loving human beings, holding no prejudice against people from any country. They were both fond of Urdu, contributing to the development of the language through their works. Khan also praised the extra ordinary efforts put by the deceased in uniting all expatriates and working for their welfare. Saleem Quadri highlighted his close relationship with Ahmed and appreciated his work toward humanity and proper utilization of time and resources. Other speakers at the meet were Quadri, Ahsan, Fiza Ur Rahman, Shafi Aslam (son of late Sharif Aslam), and Bahjat Najmi. Fiza Ur Rahman remembered Aseem Hanif, a well known social activist and author of Urdu dictionary "HARF E AKHIR," who passed away recently. Ahsan spoke about the Awaz supplement of Saudi Gazette where Mahtab Qadr worked as the literary editor, and Aslam offered his services without any financial benefit as a proof reader. Shafi Aslam said that his father was a university/institution in himself. Hethanked TUF executives for organizing this program and requested all guests to pray for the departed soul. The program was followed by the recitation of poetry in tribute of both Ahmed and Aslam by Qadr, Irfan Barabanky, Ather Nafees Abbasi and Naeem Bazeipuri.
