Mir Mohsin Ali Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Indian Social Forum North Chapter, Riyadh celebrated the 69th Indian Independence Day with fellow Indian community members at Naigara Restaurant, here on the eve of Independence Day. The program was initiated with Indian unity songs sung by a group of children. Shaikh Asif (ISF North Chapter council member) welcomed all the guests, media persons and audience followed by introduction of ISF and then the speech by Iqbal (ISF North Chapter President). Chief Guest Abdul Hakeem (ISF Jeddah Central Committee) remembered the legacy of Muslim freedom fighters in achieving independence for India by fighting side by side with others to case of the British yoke. He drew a clear picture of the socio economic state of minorities, especially the Muslim community, in independent India. He stressed on the necessity of political empowerment of Muslims and other minorities in order to boost secularism, and provide equal rights and justice for all. He also said, “Freedom from fear and freedom from hunger” are the two main feelings desired by the common man from the current government. And if the government manages to provide this, then secular India is sure to thrive. Architect Abdul Rahman Saleem, president, Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu, Salman Khalid, vice president, AMOUBA, Abdulaziz Shamim Khan, chairman, Deccan Cultural Association, Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, president, All India United Society and Syed Zia ur Rahman, CEO, yahind.com spoke on the occasion. Golden Telangana Welfare Association (GTWA) President Taher Bin Jaffer too spoke before the around hundred guests that were present. Bilad proposed a vote of thanks and the program concluded with the singing of the national anthem ‘Jana, gana, mana….”and refreshment being served.
