JEDDAH, 5 October 2004 — How does a political and social worker see his new role as a diplomat? The question evoked a straight reply from India’s new Ambassador M.O.H. Farooq when he was given a warm welcome on his arrival here from Riyadh yesterday evening.
“As a politician, I had a fast pace of life,” he said.
As a diplomat he has the satisfaction of coming close to the community he has been interacting with during his visits over the years.
Farooq, who arrived in Riyadh a week ago to assume charge, told reporters at the airport that he was driving straight to Makkah to perform Umrah.
The ambassador will utilize his stay in the holy city to review the arrangements finalized in Makkah for about 120,000 pilgrims for the annual Haj in January.
Farooq has had a distinguished political career spanning more than four decades.
He served as chief minister of the union territory of Pondicherry for three terms and speaker of Pondicherry Legislative Assembly for two terms, and also in various capacities in the federal government, including as minister of state for civil aviation.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Indian Parliament, for three terms.
Over the years, he has been coming to the Kingdom, to Jeddah especially, whenever he led or was part of the official Indian Haj mission.
Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed with his entire team of consuls and officials were present along with community members, including India Forum President Shakeel Sultan and Managing Committee Member Syed Sharique Ali, and Dr. Asar Ahmed, and Air-India’s Saadat Khan to receive the ambassador.
The consulate will host him a reception tonight. This will be followed by other engagements.
