Arif Quraishi, a Jeddah-based Indian expat, was honored in Hyderabad recently for his service to the community and for the promotion of the Urdu language.

Mohammed Mahmood Ali, the deputy chief minister of the newly-created Telangana state, presented the “Great Indian Lover and Patriot” award to Quraishi.

Quraishi said he started celebrating India’s National Days in 1976 until 1987 at his home. He was much appreciated by the former Indian Consul General Talmiz Ahmad for his patriotism.

Speakers at the event praised Quraishi for his textbook campaign that has helped thousands of Indian school students in Jeddah.

The deputy chief minister hailed Quraishi’s contribution and said he has set an example for other expatriates in community service.

He said: “Telangana is a golden opportunity for Muslims. We want to see more Muslim police officers. We are also working on a plan under which police officers will ensure that children attend schools. If they are not, the sub-inspector will be punished.”

Mahmood Ali said the state will soon form a ministry for non-resident Indians on the lines of the Kerala model.

“A representative of Telangana state will be located at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, as the large number of Indians in Saudi Arabia are from Telangana,” he said.

The deputy chief minister said that Hyderabad has much to offer to Saudis. “We have helped Saudis in every way. Now we need help. It will be an honor for Muslims if Saudis invest in our state and build universities,” he added.