Pravasi Bhartiya Divas celebration @ Indian Embassy, Riyadh, reaffirms faith in the contribution of Indian Diaspora in Saudi Arabia

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas

Shahzeen Eram – Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia celebrated the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas here at the Embassy premises in the Diplomatic Quarters, Riyadh.

The historic event, commemorating the 105th year of the return of the greatest Pravasi – Mahatma Gandhi – the Father of the Nation, to his motherland-India, was hugely attended by over 200 members from the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia.

Indian Ambassador

Indian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed welcomed the Indian Community members and said, “The Embassy thankfully recognizes the contribution of 2.6 million Indians living in the Kingdom in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries .” He noted that the Saudi leadership spoke very highly of the sincerity and dedication of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

The Ambassador also made a brief presentation on the key activities and events of the Embassy in the year 2019, highlighting key milestones in the bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.

Parvasi Bhartiya Divas

Parvasi Bhartiya Diwas is celebrated on 9th January each year, to recognize the invaluable contribution of the overseas Indian community in recognition and appreciation of the constructive, economical, social, humanitarian and philanthropic role played by all NRI’s and share the vision of India in the new millennium towards building a new India.

Marking the special occasion, the Ambassador mentioned the special contribution of the past awardees of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman from Saudi Arabia – Dr. Majid Uddin Kazi, Dr. FazulBhoy, Mr. Mohammad Rabeeh, Dr. Syed Karimuddin, Mr. Shihabuddeen VavaKunji and Mrs. Zeenat Jafri who have rendered their contribution in the development of our motherland while staying in a foreign land.

A recorded address by the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar presented in New Delhi on the occasion was played, in which he recognized the key contributions of Indian diaspora all over the world.

Indian Community

Indian community members Mr. Shihabudeen V.K, Mr. Neyaz Ahmad and Mr. Mohammad Zaigham Khan presented their thoughts on the occasion.

Mr. Shihabuddeen V. Kunji, a Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awardee- Saudi Arabia, shared his thoughts with the gathering and proposed the need for ‘Overseas Workers Resource and Felicitation Centre’ in Riyadh and demanded a ‘Legal Assistance’ facility for all overseas workers. He continued to suggest the opening of an Indian consulate in Dammam and also requested a Special amnesty facility to correct the passport particulars in case of differences in the passport as available in regional passport offices in India.

Niyaz Ahmad another community member remarked. “The Indian diaspora has carved a niche for itself through sheer dedication, hard work, honesty, and determination. The Non-Resident Indians have not only made the country proud with their achievements but have also actively contributed towards nation-building.”

Md Zaigham Khan addressed the gathering about encouraging social initiatives that focuses to conserve the natural resources and encourage water harvesting methods.

The life of Mahatma Gandhi

An educational play on ‘The life of Mahatma Gandhi’ by children of the International Indian School of Riyadh. IISR received admiration from the community members present.

Alongside a neat array of cultural programs including devotional classical dance performances by students of International Indian School, Riyadh was well appreciated by the audience.

The event compared to Ms. Khansa Habibi. Cultural Songs by Md. Shams Raza and Mrs. Sujata Kumari laced in patriotic flavor emotionally moved the audience. The event concluded with the distribution of felicitation certificates to those who participated in various events held by the Embassy.