Seated L-R: Syed Arifuddin, Abbas Ali Khan, Khaleequr Rahman, Lutfi Syed Hassan, Javeed Razzak, Mir Aftab Ali. Standing L-R: Mohammed Ali, Syed Azam Hasan, Syed Fasihuddin, Shamsheer Hussain, Ameer Hussain, Syed Sirajuddin & Dr. Shakeel Siddiqui.
Houston, USA: The Honorable Consul General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the Southwest United States of America, H.E. Lutfi Syed Hassan, hosted a warm and distinguished banquet in honor of Senior Congress Leader from India, Mr. Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman, during his visit to the United States. The event brought together eminent members and leaders of the Indian community in Houston, marking an evening of camaraderie, dialogue, and shared commitment towards strengthening Indo–Caribbean and Indo–American relations.
The gathering was attended by several prominent personalities from Houston’s Indian diaspora, including Syed Arifuddin, Abbas Ali Khan, Javeed Razzak, Mir Aftab Ali, Mohammed Ali, Syed Azam Hasan, Syed Fasihuddin, Shamsheer Hussain, Ameer Hussain, Syed Sirajuddin, and Dr. Shakeel Siddiqui, among others. The evening was marked by a spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural pride reflecting the deep-rooted ties between India and its global community.
Mr. Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman, who is currently on a visit to the United States to attend the grand Diwali celebrations at Times Square, New York, organized by the Indian American community to commemorate a decade of the iconic festival in the heart of Manhattan, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Lutfi Syed Hassan for his kind hospitality and the thoughtful gesture of hosting such a memorable event.
In his address to the gathering, Mr. Rahman conveyed his appreciation for the Indian diaspora in Houston for their remarkable contributions in various spheres — from business and community service to cultural and social engagements that continue to enhance India’s image abroad. He lauded H.E. Lutfi Hassan’s decades-long association with India and his outstanding efforts in building bridges between the Indian community and the wider multicultural fabric of the United States.
He also highlighted H.E. Lutfi Hassan’s continued involvement with India, citing the successful book launch event of the legendary Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper, Mr. S.M.H. Kirmani, which was organized by Mr. Hassan in collaboration with the Government of Telangana. Mr. Rahman praised the initiative as a reflection of Mr. Hassan’s enduring affection and cultural connection with India, calling it “a gesture that beautifully represents how the Indian diaspora remains emotionally and culturally invested in the progress of their motherland.”
Responding to the warm words, H.E. Lutfi Syed Hassan welcomed Mr. Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman to Houston and spoke glowingly of his dynamic leadership, social commitment, and the impactful role he continues to play in India’s political and developmental landscape. He also commended Mr. Rahman’s consistent engagement with the youth, his advocacy for empowerment and education, and his collaborative approach in strengthening people-to-people relationships between India and the global diaspora.
The evening concluded with a lively exchange of ideas and discussions on India’s growing global presence, the evolving role of diaspora diplomacy, and the shared responsibility of global Indians to contribute meaningfully to both their adopted and native lands.
The reception not only celebrated Mr. Rahman’s visit but also served as a meaningful platform that reinforced the bonds of friendship between India, the Indian diaspora, and the broader international community — a testament to the enduring strength of people-to-people diplomacy nurtured by distinguished individuals such as H.E. Lutfi Syed Hassan and Mr. Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman.
Source: Press Release
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