JEDDAH, 30 April 2008 — Speakers at a Saudi-Indian Friendship Society (SIFS) function emphasized the need to build people-to-people relationships through cultural exchange programs between the two countries. About 200 movers and shakers from both communities attended the event, which was hosted by the SIFS in honor of a visiting Indian civil society delegation, at Hotel Westin here on Monday night.
The SIFS has been formed with the support of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information and the government of India through the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to promote people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
The Saudi delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Abu Baker Bagader included columnist Fatin Bundagji, Dr. Rashad Hussein, president of SIFS, and other prominent Saudis.
The Indian delegation included Vice President of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations Syed Shahid Mehdi, Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University P.K. Abdul Aziz, film and theater actress Mita Vasisht, Islamic scholar Anwar Moazzam, Confederation of Indian Industries’ A.C. Patankar and Rakhshanda Jalil of Jamia Millia Islamia. Also present at the event were Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook, Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Haj Consul Dr. Suhel Ejaz Khan and prominent businessmen.
Bundagji welcomed guests on behalf of the Saudi civil society delegation that toured India on the sidelines of a visit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in 2006.
“There is no replacement for human relationship. We aspire to build people-to-people contacts to take our ties to a new high,” Bundagji said in her address, adding that King Abdullah’s visit to New Delhi has infused new rhythm in relationships.
Mehdi, leader of the Indian delegation, expressed similar views and called for more efforts in this regard. “Only through cultural exchanges can we know each other better and dispel misconceptions,” he said.
Dr. Hussein, who was part of the Saudi civil society delegation that visited India in 2006, shared with the audience his experiences during the trip. He announced that a group of Saudis would visit India next year.
The highlight of the evening was a cultural program showcasing the rich musical heritages of both countries. Students from the International Indian School, Jeddah, created euphoria by their “Bhangra” dance on popular numbers such as “Nagara, Nagara, Baja, and “Rang De Basanti.”
Amid clapping and cheering from the audience, a group of young Saudis performed “Al-Majas,” a traditional wedding song and dance — originally from Makkah and popular in the Hijaz region. The performance showcased the wedding procession that goes to the bride’s home singing and dancing. Coming true to the tradition, the Saudi dancers distributed gifts among the audience, in the same way it is done at an actual wedding.
The Saudi side also entertained the visitors with the presentation of a traditional folk dance called Al-Khabaiti, which was similar in tune and costumes to Rajasthani folk dance. This was followed by a solo song and oud performance.
