Prominent Indian social workers honoured in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Prominent Indian social workers Abdul Ahad Siddiqui and Zaigham Khan were felicitated for their outstanding services and contribution to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. The event was part of strengthening cultural and bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.

The two Indian stalwarts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were felicitated by All India United Society (AIUS), and the World Business Group.

Both the senior members were actively serving the Indian community in Saudi Arabia for almost four decades. They founded and led various social and cultural organisations to serve the community. They have also conducted many cultural, social, and educational events.

Abdul Ahad Siddiqui landed in Saudi Arabia in 1981, and led Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMOUBA) as president from 2001 to 2003. He founded the Indian National Forum in 2004. It was an umbrella organisation for all the Indian Associations in Riyadh. He is the founder and president of the Purwanchal Welfare Association since 2017. The Embassy of India appointed him as the convenor of the Mushaira Committee.

Zaigham Khan, another social worker who was felicitated moved to Saudi Arabia in 1985. The Very next year, he formed Bazm e Khayal, a literary and cultural organisation in Dammam. After moving to Riyadh he formed Bazm e Tarang and organised many cultural events. After founding AMOUBA, he served in various positions. The Embassy of India appointed him as a member of the Cultural Committee. He is a member of the Indian Engineers Forum Riyadh and the Institute of Engineers, India.

The steering committee coordinates and looks after the arrangements for the events organised by the embassy. In addition to social and cultural activities, the steering committee members help the Indians in distress in coordination with the Embassy of India in Riyadh.

The chief guest of the event, prominent Saudi Businessman Ibrahim Mohammed Almoajal, appreciated the services of both the community leaders. He advised the organisers and other leaders to bring the Saudi people with Indian roots on one platform. He suggested forming WAQF for the Indian society and helping the deserving students in education and creating entrepreneurs.

It will also help them to establish businesses and let them contribute to the process of developing Indian society. He appreciated All India Society President Dr Ashraf Ali for organising this program and inviting him. He is impressed by the Indian social awareness and expressed his willingness to help develop its society and appreciate as well as encourage others to do more and more.

Guest of Honor, a prominent social worker and Pravasi Bhartiya Awardee Shihab Kuttukad, said India and Saudi Arabia have very strong political and social relations. These relations are getting stronger day by day. He appreciated Dr Ashraf and Engr. Shakeel for taking steps forward to appreciate the Steering Committee for their services.

Abdul Ahad Siddiqui was humbled to receive this Honour from All India United Society. He mentioned several occasions about their service to the Indian community together with all the members of the Cultural committee. He thanked and appreciated the AIUS for their commitment to Indian society.

Zhaigham Khan shared his memories of AIUS Programs and Dr Ashraf for his long dedication to serving Indian society. He thanked All the Steering Committee members for their unconditional support to him and to Indian Society.

Dr Mohammed Ashraf Ali welcomed the gathering. He appreciated the efforts of the Cultural committee members for all their efforts which are unforgettable. Eng. Mohammed Shakeel, the NTT CEO, gave a business presentation at the occasion and offered a free website to the Cultural committee in support of the efforts which will help the steering committee digitally in planning and executing their Programs in the future.

On this occasion, community leaders and other members of the steering committee expressed their views and appreciated both the leaders for their timely felicitation. Mohammed Mubeen, Dr. Dilshad Ahmad, Dr. Khursheed Anwar, Ibrahim Subhan, Mohammed Ghulam Khan, Deepak, Anthony, Abrar Hussain, Aftab Nizami, and Mohammed Saifuddin expressed their views.

As a Master of Ceremony (MC) Vice President Education, AIUS, Nayeem Abdul Qayyum eloquently conducted the proceedings while Cultural Secretary Soheb Mohiuddin delivered a vote of thanks.