JEDDAH, 26 January 2007 — The nine-day Indian cultural extravaganza “India Week in Jeddah” was inaugurated yesterday at a colorful ceremony marked by rendition of welcome songs and performance of semi-classical and folk dances depicting different parts of India by girls of the International Indian School.
The event was inaugurated by Ambassador Mohammed Bin Ahmed Tayyab, director general, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah region. This was followed by the rendition of national anthems of Saudi Arabia and India.
Mohammed said he was happy to join the celebrations commemorating the first anniversary of the landmark visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India, as the chief guest during the last Republic Day.
He said King Abdullah’s visit laid a strong foundation for greater cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
He commended the efforts of Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in promoting Saudi-Indo relations. The director general said that cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts were the best ways to build a strong and solid relationship between the two nations.
He was highly impressed by the folk dances and costume parade by the students. “I wish similar programs are held all over the Kingdom because they can play a major role in building the cultural relationship between our two countries,” the director general said.
Earlier, the consul general welcomed the guests and said that it was a proud moment for the consulate to celebrate the “India Week in Jeddah” in commemoration of India’s Republic Day as well as the landmark visit of King Abdullah.
He said that the royal visit opened up new vistas of cooperation both in the public and private domains.
The consul general said India is a land of mysteries and mystique and it always mesmerizes its visitors with its beauty and charm and its unique civilization which has history of over 5,000 years. Its vibrant democracy, independent judiciary and complete freedom of press along with the inimitable feature of its unity in diversity make India an exceptional place in the world. Indeed, it can be described as a mini world or an epitome of world, he added. After the inaugural ceremony, the audience enjoyed ghazals by renowned singer Talat Aziz, who was accompanied by well-known tabla maestro, Jeetu Shankar. The India Week is being organized by the consulate with the help major cultural organizations of Jeddah.