JEDDAH: The Indian community held a reception here recently in honor of two members of the Indo-Arab Friendship Foundation.

The welcome for Jaber Patel, president of the body, and Ateeq Siddiqui, general secretary, was attended by representatives from the Indian community’s social, sports, cultural and welfare outfits.

In a speech, Patel said he had come to explore business opportunities that would benefit India and the Kingdom, especially the newly formed southern state of Telangana.

“In my personal capacity I will definitely highlight some core issues that include the waqf property of the late Nizam of Hyderabad,” he said.

Referring to his political career, Patel said he and his father were associated with the oldest nationalist political party in India, but remained committed to uniting the nation. He urged Muslims increase their representation at national, regional and local levels and counter forces weakening the country.

Aijaz Ahmed Khan, head of several social, cultural and sport organizations, said the two visiting officials were focused on bringing political parties together. Others who shared the dais were Mohammed Shameem Kausar who praised the efforts of the men.

Mohammed Sayeeduddin, head of the Indian Engineers Forum, echoed these sentiments.

Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig, Gazanfar Ali Zaki and a host of others also spoke. At the end, there was a question-and-answer session with the two men.

Earlier, the program began with the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Mohammed Noor, followed by a “naat” by Ameenuddin Ansari of Urdu News.

Aijaz Khan and Shameem Kausar gave them plaques, while flowers and shawls were presented by Mahmood Ali, Syed Rafat Shah, Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig and the host of the program Mohammed Jabbar.

The program was moderated by the President of Telangana Non-Resident Indian Forum Mohammed Jabbar. The vote of thanks was proposed by Rafat Shah.