Several participants spoke about Ansari’s contributions in promoting English journalism in the Kingdom and his pioneering role in starting SPA’s English service way back in 1981.
A prolific writer with command over Arabic language, Ansari has been contributing articles and reports on a range of topics including politics, economy and culture. Ansari, managing editor of SPA's English news service, is the longest-serving Indian journalist in the Kingdom. He joined SPA in 1978. In recognition of his long services in Saudi Arabia and his contributions in promoting Saudi-Indo ties, YaHind felicitated him and presented him with a memento of appreciation.
In his acceptance speech, Ansari said the Kingdom values the services of Indians, not only in journalism but in all fields. He thanked the YaHind team for recognizing his services and conferring on him the honor. The team members of YaHind.com also appreciated the services of YaHind CEO Syed Zia ur Rahman, who will be shortly leaving for India. Zia dwelt at length about life and opportunities in Saudi Arabia and India. He said: “When we happily travel to foreign lands in search of better life with lots of uncertainties, why should we fear to face similar consequences in our homeland.”
He called on his compatriots to contribute for the nation’s growth and development, while in the Kingdom or when you go back to India. Thanking his teammates for bidding him an impressive farewell, Zia said YaHind would continue its presence in the cyber sphere. In his speech, another senior journalist and photographer K.N. Wasif remembered his long association with Zia and YaHind and recalled the excerpts from his write-ups about Zia, published in Siasat a few years back.
Ghouse Arsalan recalled the early days when YaHind was launched. “Zia’s long story is filled with ardent persistence and selfless efforts,” said a community leader Javeed Ali.
In his welcome address, Mir Mohsin Ali said the portal has made its position in the cyber world. “To understand the importance of the site, only one example is enough, that India’s popular newspaper Times of India, picked up many stories related to Indians in Saudi Arabia from YaHind,” said Mohsin.
