By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Riyadh: After completing a highly successful and memorable diplomatic assignment, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is set to return to Delhi for his next posting at the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Indian community across the Kingdom is giving him a warm and grand send-off, with multiple social organizations hosting elaborate farewell events to express their deep appreciation and affection for the outgoing envoy.
In one of the prominent gatherings, Engineer Mohammed Yusuf, CEO, and Engineer Mohammed Abdul Bari, CGO of the reputed Saudi construction company MASAH Specialized Construction Company, extended heartfelt tributes and felicitations to Dr. Khan on behalf of their organization.
Widely admired for his humility, accessibility, and strong people-to-people connect, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan has been immensely popular among the Indian diaspora, much like his predecessor Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. His personal rapport with the community has left a lasting impression.
A standout initiative of his tenure was the launch of the annual week-long cultural festival “Prawasi Parichay”. Transformed under his dynamic leadership into a grand celebration, the program has become a much-awaited event every November. It showcases the rich cultural diversity of India through state-wise presentations featuring documentaries, traditional dances, folk music, and heritage displays.
Riyadh, lovingly known as “Mini India”, is home to Indians from nearly every state of the country. Dr. Khan’s personal involvement, attending the program daily from 6 PM till late night for over six hours, has been a major highlight, strengthening cultural bonds and helping the younger generation connect with their Indian roots.
A career diplomat with more than 25 years of rich experience, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan holds an MBBS degree from MGM Medical College, Indore, and an Advanced Diploma in Arabic from the American University in Cairo. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1997 and has served in key diplomatic assignments across Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Islamabad, Vienna, and as Ambassador to Lebanon before taking charge in Riyadh in January 2023. He has also been concurrently accredited as Ambassador to Yemen.
As Dr. Khan prepares to depart Riyadh at the end of this month, the Indian community is reflecting on his tenure with pride and gratitude. His departure marks the end of a memorable chapter defined by warmth, cultural promotion, and effective diplomacy.
The entire Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia wishes Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan continued success in his future responsibilities.
Source: K. N. Wasif
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