JEDDAH, 9 September 2005 — Jeddah Mayor Adil Faqeeh opened the three-week India Festival last night, hoping that the Indian expatriates, part of the rich heritage of their country, would experience and enjoy the pride of local culture.
Welcoming the community in his present capacity, he said: “This is the first function which is different from the official events that I attend since I assumed charge (as the mayor), and am pleased to have been invited.”
He said he was all the more pleased because of what is described about India — its heritage and culture, and tolerance and unity amid diversity. “While you experience your culture, experience it with a flavor of Jeddah’s culture,” he said.
Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook, the guest of honor, referred to the country’s heritage that goes back to over 5,000 years and spelled out the richness of the diverse culture that pervades throughout its length and breadth. “Peace loving Indians take pride in their heritage,” he said and invited the mayor and Saudi citizens in general to visit and experience his country.
He had a word of appreciation for Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and his team at the consulate and various community organizations for chalking out programs on India daily until Sept. 30. The consul general in his welcome address detailed the agenda that includes exhibitions, meetings and seminars.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by a multilingual welcome song, a tableau on the country’s freedom fighters, classical and folk dances from various Indian states including a bhangra (Punjabi folk) dance, all presented by schoolchildren.
Diplomats from Pakistan, Philippines, Ethiopia and some of the Gulf States and Nawab Kazim Ali Khan, UP minister of state and chairman of the UP Tourism Corporation, were also present.
The festival features exhibitions on Indian stamps and coins, and photographs on historical monuments, as well as of postcards and posters on Islamic heritage, and a cartoon show at the International Indian School (Boys Section) at 5 p.m. today. Professor Abubaker A. Bagader, special advisor to the Ministry of Information and Culture, will be the chief guest, and Mohammed Kamal Safdar, president of the Saudi Arabian Philatelic Society, the guest of honor. A rose show and a “Culinary Journey of India” are set at the Jeddah Trident Hotel tomorrow.
