INDIAN Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) hosted a farewell party for the outgoing Indian Consul Commercial and HOC, Cyril Tigga, recently. Arif Quraishi, ICSJ president, expressed his appreciation for Tigga's “outstanding and memorable services rendered to the Indian community during his stay in Jeddah,” adding that the Consul supported various cultural and social activities by the Indian community here. B.K. Aseeja, Consul Admin, and Shakeel Ahmed, Consul Education and Culture, both at the Indian Consulate, said that Tigga had been well-known in the Indian community for his ‘good attitude and helping nature'. Akbar Batcha, former chairman of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), and Salah Karadan, present chairman, praised Tigga, describing him as a “very friendly diplomat who has always cooperated with the school, especially during the Fete 2009.” In his speech, Tigga thanked the Indian Consul General, Saeed Ahmed Baba, for giving him the opportunity to work under his patronage and thanked the Indian community for their cooperation. Tigga expressed his appreciation for the services of ICSJ and Quraishi, saying: “I have been watching the activities and services of ICSJ since 2006. I personally appreciate his contribution to cultural programs held in connection with India's Independence and Republic Days, the group's commendable work of the collection of old textbooks and their free-of-charge distribution to the needy students of IISJ, and their organizing of memorable ‘Eid Milan' parties every year. During my three years of service in Jeddah, I found Quraishi to be very honest, patriotic, and hardworking and he is by far the best organizer here.” ICSJ presented a memento to Tigga recognizing his ‘services to the Indian community'. The ceremony was followed by a light cultural program which included performances by local artists: Saleh Siddiqui, Nadeem, Amjad, Rafay, Mohsin, Muftin, Jabbar and Imran. Arif Masood Siddiqui delivered the vote of thanks. __
