JEDDAH, 27 January 2008 — Indian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia celebrated their country’s 59th Republic Day with a variety of cultural programs. Ambassador M.O.H. Farook raised the national flag to set off the celebrations in Riyadh that were attended by people from different Indian states.
In a speech on the occasion, the ambassador highlighted the growing political, economic and cultural relations between Saudi Arabia and India. He opened a painting exhibition dubbed “India-Saudi Friendship” organized by Indian students and teachers.
A similar flag-raising ceremony was held in the premises of the Consulate General of India in Jeddah. Consul General Ausaf Sayeed read out the president’s address while Indian schoolchildren sang patriotic songs to the delight of a large gathering of Indians.
More than 2,000 people attended the Republic Day celebrations at International Indian School (IIS) in Jeddah, where girls presented a variety of cultural programs representing different states of India. Shoheb Kazi, chairman of the school management committee, unfurled the national flag.
Marching with the beat of drums, the students of IIS Dammam presented a picture of discipline and determination. Principal E.K Mohammad Shafae read out the president’s address while Muntaz Ali Khan, the chairman of the school management committee, unfurled the flag.
Small in frame but big in spirit were the tiny tots from the kindergarten as they presented a wide array of color during a cultural show. Senior boys had the audience glued to their seats as they showed their commando skills. “A wonderful Republic Day presentation and the school needs to be complimented for its efforts,” said Saeed Younis, a prominent member of the Indian community.
— With inputs from Mohammed Rasooldeen in Riyadh, P.K. Abdul Ghafour in Jeddah and Syed Abdallah Rizvi in Dammam
