Left-to-Right: K. N. Wasif, Mohammed Qauiser, Mir Mohsin Ali, Mohammed Muzaffer Ahmed, Dr. Abid Moiz, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, A. R. Saleem, Mir Ahmed Ali, Mohammed Akram, Syed Zia ur Rahman, Ghouse Arsalan, Baseer Khalid.
By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Hyderabad, July 13, 2025 – A vibrant reunion of expatriate Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Ex-NRIs who returned to Hyderabad, India after serving in Saudi Arabia for a long time unfolded at Saleem Villa in Hyderabad, hosted by the esteemed architect and community leader Architect Abdul Rahman Saleem (A. R. Saleem). On a short visit to Hyderabad from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend and from his home in Chicago, where he has resided since 2017, Saleem extended a warm invitation to his old friends from Riyadh for a memorable dinner aimed at fostering cultural exchange and promoting Urdu while supporting the Indian diaspora. The event, held late into the night, showcased Saleem’s enduring commitment to community welfare and his remarkable legacy. Today’s host was Imran Saleem, who works at AA Associates and studied Architecture at CSI Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, and the son of A. R. Saleem. He is one of the leading examples for our young generation, having the option to settle down in the USA with his family but choosing to stay in India to serve the nation.
A. R. Saleem, a senior architect and project manager, built an illustrious 41-year career in Saudi Arabia starting in 1976 before relocating to the USA. As the Founder President of the Urdu Cultural Heritage Foundation (UCHF), he has been a passionate advocate for Urdu literature and culture worldwide. His exceptional expertise was recently reaffirmed when Gulf Real Estate Company in Riyadh, where he once served as Director of Projects, called him back as a consultant for a technically critical project, proof of his unparalleled skills even years after leaving in 2017. Known for his selfless community service across India, Saudi Arabia, and the USA, Saleem’s influence continues to inspire.
The gathering brought together a distinguished group of attendees, each contributing to the evening’s rich dialogue. K. N. Wasif, a seasoned senior journalist with decades of experience covering community issues, shared insights on media’s role in cultural preservation. Mohammed Qauiser, President of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, brought his leadership in uniting the Indian community abroad. Mir Mohsin Ali, a respected senior journalist, and Ghouse Arsalan, a well-known journalist, enriched the discussion with their perspectives on Urdu journalism. Mohammed Muzaffer Ahmed, Finance Manager at Al-Zameel Co., offered financial expertise for community projects. Dr. Abid Moiz, a prominent Urdu writer on health and nutrition, highlighted the importance of health awareness in literature. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Managing Director of SAP Medicals, Vilayath Ali Muneer, former executive of SPIMACO, discussed healthcare initiatives for the diaspora. Mir Ahmed Ali, a former banker who worked at Arab National Bank (ANB), reminisced about his banking days in Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Akram, a former DHL employee, shared memories of Riyadh life. Syed Zia ur Rahman, Managing Director of ZITCO Group, proposed business collaborations to support cultural efforts, and Export and Import (EXIM) opportunities to Ex-NRIs in the respective fields from India. Zia also shared that as a Toastmasters, he is associated with the team conducting Youth Leadership Programs (YLP) for under privileged students. Baseer Khalid, who works at Rich Earth Promoter and Developers, brought his real estate expertise to the conversation. Architect Mohammed Ateeq, former Projects Manager at Jocky Club, Al-Janadriya, Saudi Arabia and Architect Syed Azmath, added there architectural insights.
The night was filled with nostalgia as attendees recalled their shared experiences in Saudi Arabia, followed by a thoughtful exchange of ideas on promoting Urdu through educational programs, publications, and cultural events. Saleem’s heartfelt address, “Our cultural roots in Urdu and our shared NRI journey are our strength,” set the tone for a renewed commitment to collaboration. The group pledged to work together on future initiatives to ensure Urdu’s legacy thrives across borders, making the reunion a beacon of hope for the community.
YaHind.Com
