RIYADH/JEDDAH, 16 August 2005 — Indians in Saudi Arabia yesterday marked their country’s 59th Independence Day with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm. Flag-raising ceremonies were held in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook unfurled the national flag at the embassy and read out President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s message. The embassy also held a dinner reception for members of the community in the girls’ section of the International Indian School.
In Jeddah, Consul General Ausaf Sayeed raised the national flag at the consulate premises and read out the president’s message. Consul Haj Suhel Ejaz Khan, Consul Press and Information Hifzur Rehman, Consul Commercial Ashok Kumar, and Consul Consular K.M. Karta attended the function. A large number of Indians, including businessmen and students, attended the function.
The consul general also unfurled the flag at the International Indian School Jeddah. Children and parents witnessed the event.
Students of the IISJ sang the national anthem and a few patriotic songs.