By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Hyderabad: Former Union Minister and ex-Governor Bandaru Dattatreya on Saturday strongly assured the Gulf NRI community that he would personally take their long-pending issues to the Government of India and push for solutions.
Dattatreya was the chief guest at a felicitation ceremony held in honour of Mohammed Quaiser, President of Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, Riyadh, and President of the Osmania University Alumni Association, Riyadh. Organised by the Saudi-based NRI community, the programme at Media Plus Auditorium drew more than 200 well-wishers, community leaders and dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dattatreya said the concerns of Indians working in the Gulf would be conveyed to the Central Government. “I will make every effort to bring these issues to the notice of the government and seek appropriate solutions,” he declared, reiterating his firm support for the Gulf Indian community.
He felicitated Mohammed Quaiser with a traditional flower garland, shawl and memento amid warm applause. Describing Quaiser as a talented and dedicated personality, Dattatreya said he had been tirelessly working for the welfare of fellow Indians in Riyadh for decades. The former minister also fondly recalled his own association with Anwar-ul-Uloom College as an alumnus.
Quaiser Appeals for Contract Labour Status to Access Government Schemes
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Quaiser — an alumnus and former Students’ Union President of Anwar-ul-Uloom Evening College — shared his decades of social service and personal experiences in Riyadh. He highlighted several unresolved problems faced by Gulf NRIs and appealed to the Government of India to grant them the official status of Contract Labour.
“Many Indians in the Gulf work extremely hard to earn their livelihood and support their families back home,” Quaiser said. He urged that Gulf NRIs be given the status of Contract Labour so that they can avail the benefits of various Indian Government schemes when they return to India. He called for greater recognition and institutional support for their contribution to the nation and their families.
Friends Recall Decades of Camaraderie
Several of Quaiser’s long-time friends and associates from Riyadh and Hyderabad shared warm memories of their years together in Saudi Arabia. Speakers included Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, Dr. Abid Moiz, Dr. Khaja Nasiruddin, Dr. Shujath Ali Sufi, Dr. Fazil Hussain Parvez, Dr. Islamuddin Mujahid, Prof. S. A. Shukoor and Bandaru Dattatreya himself.
Earlier, flower bouquets were presented to the chief guest, guest of honour and special guest by Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Younus Saleem, Advocate Mohd Vali ur Rahman and Shah Gulam Subhani.
Smooth Proceedings Mark the Evening
Senior journalist and photojournalist K. N. Wasif, Convener and Chairman of the Organising Committee, presided over the programme. He welcomed the gathering and presented a brief profile of Mohammed Quaiser. The proceedings were compered by Co-Convenor Syed Zia ur Rahman, Editor and CEO of YaHind.Com.
Towards the end, many old friends and well-wishers once again felicitated Quaiser with garlands and shawls. Media Plus also presented a traditional shawl to him. Separately, Mohammed Khalid Shabaz, CEO of Media Plus, presented a memento to Bandaru Dattatreya on his first visit to the Media Plus office.
Journalist Mir Mohsin Ali, Co-Convenor, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, organisers and the entire gathering.
Dattatreya Invites NRI Delegation
In his thanksgiving speech, Quaiser again underlined that not all NRIs are affluent and that many continue to face serious difficulties even after returning to India. Responding promptly, Dattatreya asked the community to send a small delegation to his residence with a written proposal, which he would forward to the government. An NRI delegation is expected to meet him soon.
Those present included Mateen Mujadday, Moin Baig, Viqar Hussaini, Syed Zabeeh ur Rahman, Mohammed Samad, Mohammed Saleem, Abdul Qayyum Maqfi, Asif Ali, Qasim Mustafa, Tajamul Ali Khan, Mohammed Bin Zubair, Javed Kamal, Mohammed Muzaffer Ahmed, Shaik Rafi, Mirza Anwar Baig and Ayub Hussaini, son of Khaleelullah Hussaini, among many others.
