RIYADH, 14 August 2007 — The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and its consulate in Jeddah are gearing up to celebrate the 61st Indian Independence Day with flag hoisting ceremonies and many other cultural programs. Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook will unfurl the national flag at the embassy here at 8 a.m., while Consul General Ausaf Saeed will hoist the tricolor at the consulate premises on Medinah Road in Jeddah at 8 a.m.
Ambassador Farook will also read extracts from the address to the nation by Indian President Pratibha Patil. Farook, who is currently visiting the holy city of Makkah to attend the Kaaba washing ceremony, told Arab News yesterday by telephone that “a reception will be hosted at the girls’ section of the International Indian school in Riyadh to mark the occasion.”
The Indian community in Riyadh has lined up a series of monthlong colorful programs to mark the occasion. “A ghazal night will be organized on Aug. 23 by Hum Hindustani, a social and cultural forum of Indian expatriates,” Mohammed Qaiser, the forum’s president, said yesterday.
Dr. Abdul Ghani, a famous Ghazal singer, will perform live. Qaiser said that Hum Hindustani will also organize a symposium and a poetry session (Mushaira) on Aug. 24 and Aug. 30, respectively. Those interested may contact Imtiaz Ahsan (0562968773), Mir Liaqat Ali Hashmi (0501650567) or Mohammed Najeeb (0558557712).
