JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia proudly celebrates its 96th National Day, the occasion resonates as a powerful testament to the Kingdom’s remarkable journey of transformation, unity, progress and enduring national pride. Reflecting this spirit of celebration and gratitude, Al Huda Madrasa in Sharafiyah, Jeddah, marked the cherished national occasion with a vibrant array of artistic and cultural programmes presented by its students.
Madrasa Principal Liyaqath Ali Khan delivered a thoughtful and heartfelt National Day message, underscoring the profound bond between expatriates and the Kingdom that has embraced them. Extending warm greetings on the occasion, he noted that although many expatriates hail from India, a substantial part of their lives has been spent in Saudi Arabia. “If India is our motherland, Saudi Arabia is our nurturing homeland,” he remarked, emphasising that gratitude, respect and loyalty towards the country that has provided them with livelihood, security and opportunities are not merely sentiments, but a shared duty and moral responsibility. He also called upon expatriates to contribute to the Kingdom’s continued growth and prosperity and to keep the country, its leadership and its people in their prayers.
He urged expatriates to contribute wholeheartedly to the Kingdom’s continued growth and prosperity and to keep Saudi Arabia, its leadership and its people in their prayers. He wished the Kingdom enduring peace, prosperity and progress, with greater happiness and success for its leadership and people.
The children were at the heart of the celebrations, adding youthful enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy to the National Day programme. Tickled pink to perform on Saudi National Day, they participated with remarkable confidence and zest. The festivities opened with the Saudi National Anthem, proudly rendered by the madrasa students. Aida Ana, Aiza Mehak, Shaza Nahrin, Ifra, Inara, Fadi Firoz and Mishhab Abdullah delivered thoughtful speeches reflecting the significance and spirit of Saudi National Day, while Aakif Arshad captivated the gathering with a Malayalam song. Their enthusiastic participation beautifully reflected the younger generation’s appreciation of the Kingdom’s heritage, values and national pride.
The madrasa teachers and members of the management committee led and coordinated the celebrations, ensuring that the occasion became a meaningful blend of national pride, cultural expression and youthful participation. The programme offered a poignant reminder that when children learn to respect the land that nurtures them, they not only celebrate a nation’s heritage but also become ambassadors of gratitude, harmony and shared values for generations to come.
M Siraj
