DAMMAM/JEDDAH, 30 January — The Indian community in Saudi Arabia swiftly responded to their prime minister's appeal for donations to provide relief to earthquake victims in their country. In response to offers from various individuals and community groups, the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have started receiving contributions.
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Sunday made an appeal to compatriots in general and non-resident Indians in particular to contribute generously for the relief of quake victims. Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad has called upon Indians living in Saudi Arabia to make maximum possible contribution to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the earthquake victims in Gujarat.
A statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh expressed gratitude for the warm words of consolation from the “great leaders of this Kingdom and the immediate assistance offered by them.”
“It is natural for the thousands of Indians in the Kingdom to be weighed down with a deep sense of grief at the wrath nature has unleashed upon their hapless brothers and sisters and that all should wish to do something to ameliorate their suffering,” Ahmad said. The embassy statement said that voluntary donations in the form of check or cash could be deposited with the embassy for transmitting to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Checks in riyals or dollars may be drawn in favor of “Embassy of India, Riyadh” or “Consulate General of India, Jeddah.”
Rupee checks and drafts should be drawn in favor of “Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund”. Indians can contact V.K. Sharma, first secretary, and Abhijit Chatopadhyay, attache, at the embassy in Riyadh or consul V.K.V. Raman at the vonsulate in Jeddah. Donations to the prime minister’s fund can also be sent directly.
In the Eastern Province, various social and cultural organizations, cutting across regional and social barriers, planned a strategy to generate donations to help the earthquake victims. These organizations will collect canned food, blankets and wearable clothes and send them to India. Indian national carrier Air-India is offering free movement of relief goods.
In addition, several cultural organizations are meeting at International Indian School in Dammam to set up a panel which will oversee the fund-raising and relief campaign. The Malayali Pravasi Cultural Association, the Indian Cultural and Welfare Society and several other organizations are spearheading the camapaign. Abdullah Manjeri and Abdullah Umerkhan are coordinating with Air-India and Indian school in their drive.
Indian school board chairman Dr. S.V.R. Rao has agreed to open a counter at the school to receive donations. Manjeri urged all Indians living in the Eastern Province to donate at least one day’s salary for the cause. The Indian school staff and students are also contributing for the quake victims. Kanoo Cargo Service will transport medicine, clothes, foods and blankets free of charge. Manjeri said that all those willing to join the drive could attend the meeting at school on Thursday.
