RIYADH/JEDDAH, 27 January 2007 — “This is the happiest occasion for every Indian living in any part of the world,” Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook told Arab News soon after he unfurled India’s national flag to mark his country’s 58th Republic Day yesterday. He further stressed that India expects its children to have the same feeling of patriotism for the mother country.
Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed unfurled the tricolor at the consulate in Jeddah and read out the president’s address to the nation.
A large number of community members from all walks of life were present to celebrate the event in the morning in Riyadh and Jeddah. The functions provided a platform for the members of the community to meet and greet each other on this day.
Those present at the two functions included embassy and consulate officials, staff and students of the International Indian Schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, and prominent members of the community with their families.
“Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has described India as his second home. We Indians should work for the nation-building of the Kingdom since we should treat Saudi Arabia as our second home,” Farook noted. While being loyal to their country, the envoy called all Indian citizens to be more loyal to the host country and abide by its laws.
Farook said that King Abdullah’s visit to India on the last Republic Day had undoubtedly opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and has contributed to a stronger bilateral relationship.
“There is enormous potential in our relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we are determined to enhance the areas of interaction as well as to build on the momentum already achieved.”
Reading out Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Kalam’s Republic Day message, Farook said: “Providing leadership for the one billion people with multicultural, multi language and multireligious backgrounds is indeed the core competence of our nation. Our technological competence and value systems with cultural heritage are highly respected by the world community.”
IISJ children sang patriotic songs to the delight of the large Jeddah gathering.