RIYADH — “Being a gentleman is quite common but beings a good friend is rare,” was the feeling expressed by the All India United Society (AIUS) team in Riyadh that gathered at Niagara Restaurant to bid farewell to Dr. Mohammed Aleem, secretary labor, press and information, Embassy of India, upon his transfer to Qatar. The Indian community association from Riyadh All India United Society organized the event. Several prominent Indians attended. In his address, Dr. Mohammed Aleem thanked AIUS for organizing this function in his honor and hoped that he would be posted back in Kingdom after his tenure in Qatar, for he really enjoyed his stay in Saudi Arabia. Aleem thanked the Indian community for their continuous support and hard work, especially during the time of the implementation of the Nitaqat program that saw the exodus of many Indians and realignment of the labor market in the Kingdom. He added that the volunteers played a vital role in helping display a good image of the Indian Embassy and the community among the masses. Aleem said that the Indian community in Saudi Arabia is rule-abiding residents and he hoped that the community would continue to project this good image in the future too. Mohammed Quaiser, president of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, said, “Aleem is a successful diplomat and is the one of the diplomats in the region who has maintained good relations with all the Indian community members.” He also recollected his first encounter with the diplomat, who was the chief guest in the event Quaiser attended. Quaiser added, “Aleem was a keen worker and a spotless performer of his duties and responsibility and really worked hard during the Nitaqat program days and was instrumental in solving many issues. I congratulate him on his new assignment in Qatar and hope he continues his successful run over there too.” Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, president of AIUS, welcomed the guests and said that the Indian community would always remember Dr. Aleem's services and support. AIUS team then presented a flower bouquet to Dr. Aleem, while Mohammed Rafeeq, vice president of AIUS, thanked Aleem for accepting the invitation at a short notice and thus providing encouragement to the AIUS team. Mohammed Shabaz Farooqui, treasurer, Muzaffaruddin, Taher Bin Jaffer, president of Golden Telangana Welfare Association, Amjad Hussain Zubair, and some cricketers attended the function. Syed Khalid Kareem, general secretary of AIUS, proposed the vote of thanks. Favorite Hyderabadi dishes were served at the dinner. Bihar Foundation Riyadh Chapter also gave a farewell to Dr. Mohammed Aleem at Red Chilli where large number of Indian community members was present. Chairman Bihar Foundation Obaid Ur Rahman presented a gift hamper to Dr. Aleem. Neyaz Ahmed, vice chairman, Suhail Ahmed, president of AMOUBA, Dr. Dilshad Ahmed, member of school committee, Shazad Samdani, secretary, Rashid Ayub, Aman Ahmed, Mir Mohsin Ali, Mohammed Kurshid, Dr.Shiroz, CEO of Red Chilli Restaurant, were also present.
