The ambassador unfurled his country's national flag to mark the event followed by the recital of the national anthem. Embassy officials and Indians from all walks of life were present at the morning ceremony.

“We are all equal and the embassy attaches equal importance and respect to all Indians in the Kingdom irrespective of their professions, and it extends the best possible services to every one of them,” said the envoy.

He lamented the plight of job seekers who fall prey to unscrupulous recruiting agents who mislead people coming to the Kingdom in search of jobs.

The ambassador advised Indians to be careful of this section of the community, whom he called parasites.

“Before accepting jobs in Saudi Arabia, please check details of your employment contracts and, if necessary, communicate with the embassy through e-mail," he said.

Explaining his mission's dedication in serving its community members, the envoy said his office exerts maximum efforts to help Indian overstayers in utilizing the amnesty announced by the Saudi government for illegal residents to leave the Kingdom by March without facing punitive measures.

“We are totally committed to ensure that they reach home safely and comfortably," he noted, adding that the Indian Embassy is working six days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to offer assistance to Indian citizens seeking emergency exit passes. He also thanked the embassy staff for services rendered to fellow countrymen.

Ahmad, who read the message from the president of his country, said there are plenty of job opportunities in India because of the vast developments that are taking place in the country. 

On the sidelines of the event, photographs of India’s rich architectural heritage taken by eminent Indian photographer K.N. Wasif were also displayed.

In the evening, the ambassador and his wife, Sunita Mainee Ahmed, hosted a reception in the Diplomatic Quarter for the members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials and the country's well-wishers.

As part of the celebrations, the embassy will host a ghazal concert called by renowned maestro Pankaj Udhas and his troupe at 7:30 p.m. at the International Indian School (Girls Section) auditorium on Feb. 2.