Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Deccan NRIs group, which has taken up the causes and issues of the people here, celebrated their 9th annual function at a local restaurant here recently. They honored members of Indian community for their dedicated services to better others' lives. President Deccan NRIs group Syed Abdul Qadeer Khalid presided over the function while Tarek Mishkas, Editor-in-chief of Urdu News and Malayalam News dailies, was the chief guest of the event. Many prominent members the Indian community attended the program along with the members of more than seven other charity organizations. Qadeer, in his address, said: “The Deccan NRIs group has worked to their strategy during the past nine years and were instrumental in tackling issues such as widow's allowance, marriage arrangements for orphan children, Ramadan food package, eye testing camp and free distribution of eye glasses.” Rashid M.A. Razzak, group's event & media secretary, provided a PowerPoint presentation about the group's activities and its future plans as well. Noted members of the community, Dr. Sayed Ali Mahmood, Syed Khaja Viquaruddin, Jamalullah Qadri and Dr. Aleem Khan Falki were felicitated for their role in the society Qadri and Dr. Aleem were presented with Lifetime Achievement Award plaque and Social Activist of the Year 2014 plaque respectively. Mishkas praised the work done by Deccan NRIs group and appreciated their efforts of helping the needy in society. He said: “Deccan NRIs group is doing great work, and the social services they are doing will surely get rewarded from Allah. It's really commendable”. He expressed his support to Deccan NRI's group activities and encouraged the members to carry on the noble work. He also advised others to follow the same path. Guest speaker Qadri, president Urdu Academy Jeddah, expressed his pleasure at the group's choice for this award, as it's an appreciation and reorganization of people's efforts. He aims to continue his social work. Dr. Syed said, “We need to work more to serve our community, for many problems are still unsolved and it requires our efforts and time.” He advised all to be active in social service to all community members. The program concluded with hosting of a Mushairah (Poetry gathering) , which the audience appreciated with their cheers and applause. Dr. Aleem anchored the Mushairah in a humorous way. Nayeem Bazaidpuri was the convener of the poets. General Secretary of Deccan NRI Group, Razzak anchored the program and executive member Meraj Ali Akhtar delivered the welcome address. Mirza Ghayasuddin Baig, vice president of the group, gave vote of thanks. He thanked to all executive members of the group for their efforts and time in making the event a success.
Tarek Mishkas presenting the plaques of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Aleem Khan Falaki. — SG photo by Abdul Rahman M. Baig
