THE cause was the celebration of the 60th Republic Day of India and the effect was a teeming 2000 strong crowd at the International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) Boys Section auditorium. The means – a ‘Shabbir Kumar Nite' musical show organized Thursday by the Indian Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) to pay tribute to the country's freedom fighters. Bollywood playback singer, Shabbir Kumar, popular for hit numbers in the 1980's and 90's and for his voice's likeness to that of the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi's, kept the audience enthralled as he crooned some of the melodies of yesteryear. Chief Guest Cyril Tigga, Indian Consul Commercial and HOC, said: “It is because of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters that we are able to celebrate today our National Day. Indians are respected worldwide and Indian workers are in demand here as they are hardworking and honest.” Thanking Tigga for his support, Arif Quraishi, president of ICSJ, said it is for the love of the country (India) that he and his team, “were doing, are doing and will continue to do” similar functions. He referred to the society's other activities, such as, free distribution of textbooks, school uniforms and fees, etc. Kumar presented a ‘Best Organizer' shield to Quraishi in recognition of his role in organizing Indian National Day functions. Special guests Shams Ahsan, Saudi Gazette acting managing editor, and Tarek Mishkas, Urdu News executive editor, lauded the ICSJ's efforts. “Such refreshing programs should be held every year,” said Ahsan. Local singers who participated are: Jimmy Al-Waheedy, Rafey Kumar, Lateef, Jabbar, Mohsin, Amjad, Haseeb Khateeb, Sangeeta, Rehana Salim and Master Ahmed. The program ended with India's national anthem and was compered by Arif Bhaldar. __
