JEDDAH, 3 February 2007 — A member of Parliament from Kerala, Panniyan Ravindran, urged his compatriots from the south Indian state to uphold moral values while continuing their efforts to achieve greater progress and prosperity. “We have made tremendous progress, achieved everything but are losing our values,” he said.
Ravindran made this comment while opening the Kerala Festival here late Thursday, which was held as part of the India Week organized by the Consulate General of India. The nine-day cultural extravaganza ended yesterday.
In his opening address, Ravindran lambasted Air-India and Indian Airlines for charging higher fares for flights to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries and not operating flights on time, causing trouble to passengers. “I myself arrived here on Air-India, an hour late,” he added.
He emphasized the need for introducing a bill in the Parliament to protect the rights of NRIs (non-resident Indians) such as voting and travel concessions. He noted the role being played by non-resident Keralites (NRKs) in strengthening Indian economy. Keralite expatriates alone contribute about 200 billion rupees (about $4.3 billion, or SR16.1 billion) to state coffers.
“You are the ones who protect our country,” the MP said to the applause of more than 3,000 people who had thronged the International Indian School auditorium. “The government has a duty to provide comfortable living facilities for NRIs. We, the parliamentarians will raise our voice to protect your rights.” Ravindran said the Kerala government should provide all facilities to NRIs who want to invest in the state.
Referring to moral decadence, he said the traditional value-based dances have been replaced by break dances. He, however, underscored Malayalees’ efforts to preserve their outstanding qualities. “This India Week has a special significance as it comes at a time when Saudi-Indian relations have made tremendous progress,” he said.
Consul General Dr. Ausaf Saeed, the main architect of India Week, commended the members of the Malayalee community for their valuable contributions to the economic progress of India as well as for the development of their host countries. He also noted their dedication and hard work.
“Kerala was the doorway of three major religions — Islam, Christianity and Judaism — to India,” Saeed said and appreciated the religious harmony in the state and political awareness of its people. “Kerala is the first and foremost tourist destination in India,” he said while commending its scenic beauty.
M. Rahmathullah, chairman of Kerala Housing Board, who was one of the chief guests at the opening ceremony, announced plans to launch a special housing program for expatriates within two months, as part of a government program to ensure housing for everybody in the state within the next five years. He expected NRKs’ support to the project, which will be launched first in the main cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Eranamkulam and Calicut.
The Kerala Festival, according to participants, was the main attraction of India Week. Being the largest Indian community in Jeddah and elsewhere in the Kingdom, Malayalees presented a variety of marvelous cultural programs including modern and folklore dances and songs, drawing the applause of a record gathering that packed the auditorium.
Aslam Cherat, the general convener of Kerala Festival, thanked the consul general for providing such a venue for Indian children and artists to display their skills. “The festival was a good opportunity for Keralites to showcase their valuable cultural, traditional and modern art forms to other people including Saudis.” He said about 200 students had participated in different programs. The festival was organized by Jeddah Keralite Forum that represents 150 cultural organizations.
Shoheb Kazi, chairman of the managing committee of the International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ), said the Kerala Festival was well organized. “India Week gave all of us a platform to come together and present our cultural programs. I am proud that our school has been chosen as a venue for its activities. Next year, we are planning to have an IISJ Day as part of India Week as we have a large number of talented students who can present excellent programs.”
Efforts must be made to ensure the participation of a large number of Saudis in future events. IISJ girls are ready to present Indian cultural programs at Effat College here if invited, Kazi said.
Dr. Abdullah Moopan, a patron, said the festival gave the community a rare opportunity to meet and interact in order to feel good about themselves. “We have tried to ensure the participation of every segment of the community in this event,” he said.
Moopan, who is the chairman of Indian Education Council, said IEC had conducted a career day during India Week for Class VIII to Class XII students.
Kurian George, imports manager at Alstom, said the festival was a demonstration of universal brotherhood and love. “It gave our people an opportunity to display their skills and express their feelings openly without any restrictions.” Sultan Mazharuddin, accounts manager of Media Edge, praised the organizing ability of Keralites.
“The Kerala Festival in 2006 inspired me to organize an Andhra Pradesh Day this year with a variety of programs,” he added.
The festival’s programs started with a musical dance that was staged, according to P.P. Raheem, program convener, for the first time in Jeddah. There was another musical presentation of famous Muslim poet Moinkutty Vaidyar’s love story about Badr Al-Munir and Husn Al-Jamal. Kolkali, Daff Mutt, Oppana, Bharatha Natyam and other traditional art forms were also presented. Raheem said the students were trained to present various dances and other programs by 10 choreographers.
