The event, inaugurated by Mohammed Aleem, third secretary at the Indian Embassy, featured renowned ghazal singer from India Riyaz Ahmed Khan, fellow singer Sajid, and comedian Mohammed Ali Mir.Riyaz’s masterly rendition of the ghazals enthralled the audience. Speaking on this occasion, Aleem said he was "very happy to be in the midst of a large number of Indian expatriates." He commended the role of the THH, which has come a long way in organizing social and cultural events from time to time. He called on the THH office bearers to organize good social and cultural programs that would help bridge the cultural gap between the Kingdom and India.Aleem also assured his full support and cooperation in such endeavors. "The aim of the Shab-e-Ghazal was to hold a get-together of the Indian diaspora, to entertain Urdu-speaking gentry of the subcontinent and to preserve the unique Urdu culture and heritage for future generations," said Mohammed Quaiser, the THH president, in his speech.Quaiser appreciated the support of the Indian Embassy and announced that there are plans to hold more such programs in the future.He said the THH Shab-e-Ghazal created history in Riyadh in terms of the number of people attended. More than 1,000 ghazal lovers were witness to its great success, said the THH chief, adding it was the first time in the Saudi capital that such an event was organized with a different concept and format — ghazal with comedy together. He said the THH has proven its commitments to promote Indian art, culture heritage and literature.THH Shab-e-Ghazal began with the lighting of a lamp by Aleem and a few eminent guests on the stage. Quaiser recalled the great services rendered by the former Indian Ambassador M.O.H. Farook, who died in India recently. Quaiser also welcomed the decision taken by current Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao for holding open house programs to listen to the problems of the Indian workers and to resolve them on a priority basis.Khaled Hussain, the THH vice president, welcomed the audience and the guests. The vote of thanks was delivered by Khaled Hussain, another THH vice president. The program lasted until the early hours of morning.
