JEDDAH — India's Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) and Bazm-E-Osmania, the first and the oldest NRI association here, have marked a plethora of Indian national days among other celebrations. The association's main aim has always been to provide social services to the people of our nation. The ICSJ and Bazm-E-Osmania celebrated the 66th anniversary of the Republic Day of India recently to honor the sacrifices made by India's freedom fighters at the Indian Consulate here. Dr. Dilshad Ahmed Shamsi, patron of ICSJ, highlighted the activities of ICSJ. He said that ICSJ is providing community services for more than 38 years. "Our main aim is to help needy students by providing free of charge old text books, fees, and uniforms every year. Our activities are continuing not only in Jeddah but also in India." Dr. Kareemuddin, pediatrician and ex-chairman of higher education at the Indian school here, appreciated ICSJ activities. He said: "Arif Quraishi is a strong patriotic man who celebrates National Day functions every year. I hope these functions will continue in future also." As part of the celebration, a comedy show titled "Laughter makes life long" was also organized. Quraishi, president of ICSJ and Bazm-E-Osmania, welcomed the gathering and paid tribute to the martyr's whose struggle resulted in India's Independence. He thanked former ambassador Talmeez Ahmed who had first lent him support to organize National Day Functions. "The Consulate General has always cooperated with me." He also thanked to B.S. Mubarak, Consul General of India, for his kind support and cooperation. "Today, we are celebrating the 66th anniversary of Republic Day and we should be proud as an Indian. I like my country, this is the reason I am organizing the National Day function every year. Despite many problems we face, we are optimistic to organize such functions, hence we have proved to be very successful and have been highly appreciated by the audience," he said. Quraishi said that some people expressed their concerns on why Indian national functions are celebrated here, to which he replied Bharat Ka Wo Shaqs Wafadar Nahi Hai Iss Mulk Mein Rehne Ka Haqdar Nahi Hai Wo Dil Kabhi Hindustani Ho Nahi Sakta Jis Dil Mein Tirange ke liye Pyaar Nahi Hai. The cultural program started with patriotic song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" by Yousuf. Other singers who participated were Jimmy Fareed Al Waheedy, Faris Al Waheedy, Ali Waheedy, Ahmed Siddiqui and Yousuf. Comedians Jamshed Khan and Khader Sharif, who came from India, enthralled the audience with their jokes and acts. The super-hit comedy show followed the rendition of the national anthem. Around 500 people attended the program, which anchored by Dr. Binu Joseph. The sponsors of the program were Air India, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Danube, Badruddin Medical Group, Juffali Automotive Company, Basem Shipping, Fuchs, Luna, Abdullah Hashim, Al Falah International School (DPS-Jeddah), Saudi Master Baker, Jeddah National Hospital, Mehfil Restaurant, Mosad Travel, Al-Asasyah and Best Harvest. Arif Masood delivered the vote of thanks. — SG
