By: Mohammed Saifuddin, YaHind.Com
Riyadh – The Charge d’Affaires Embassy of India H.E. Abu Mathen George said the Indian community has always played an important role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
While addressing the Indian community gathered to bid farewell to eminent journalist K N Wasif, George said that Wasif’s journalistic services were not limited to the activities of the Indian community and the Embassy of India, but he also played an important role in the development of India-Saudi relations through his journalistic skills. He continued, “On the one hand, K.N. Wasif connected the community with his writings highlighting his activities, on the other hand, he also played an important role in promoting India’s tourism through his art of photography.
It is pertinent to mention here that over the last three decades, K.N. Wasif has held numerous photo exhibitions of Indian historical monuments in the kingdom and garnered immense acclaim. A book of his photographs has also been published.
In recognition of his long literary and journalistic services, Indian community paid rich tributes to KN Wasif. In an impressive farewell ceremony organized by Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu (HBU) and Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club (BUTMC) Riyadh, leaders of various social organizations representing the length and breadth of the country expressed immense love for them.
During his 34-year stay in Saudi Arabia, Wasif spent most of his vacations photographing the historical monuments of his beloved country. The exhibition of these photographs in different cities of Saudi Arabia attracted Saudi nationals and expatriates alike to visit the country. The second edition of K.N. Wasif’s book ‘India’s Atchitectural Heritage’, a collection of photographs of India’s monuments, will be released soon. The sponsor of the book, Chairman, MASAH Construction Company Saudi Arabia, Masah Specialized Construction Company UAE and MAN Construction Company India, Eng. Mohammed Abdul Naeem hoped that KN Wasif will remain active even after returning home because man never retires.
Coordinator All India Steering Committee Eng. Zaigham Khan said the void created in Riyadh will be very hard to fill, especially the art of sketch writing. Former president of Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu Taqiuddin Mir presented a humorous sketch on K N Wasif titled “Siasat se Success tak ka safar”.
Dr. Idrees Saleem, prominent social activist Shabab Katokod, Director of Success International School Dr. Syed N. Masood, prominent educationist Dr. Shaukat Pervez, prominent journalist Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Toastmaster Syed Nasir Khurshid, President Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association Riyadh Inamullah Falahi, President Osmania University Alumni Association Sultan Mazharuddin, President All India United Society and International Journalist Fraternity Forum Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, President Global Telangana Forum Mohammed Jabbar, Steering Committee members Saleem Mohiuddin, Dr Misbah-ul-Arifeen, Wasi Haider Rizvi, Toastmaster Syed Abdul Hamed, Toastmaster Saleem Ahmed, Dr Javed Kamal, President Anjuman-e-Rekhta Goyan and Senior NRI Abdul Ahad Siddiqui highlighted various aspects of KN Wasif’s personality in their speeches and appreciated his services.
Thanking all his well-wishers, Wasif said that he would keep in touch with everyone even after returning home and would continue to cover the events in Riyadh. He thanked Engineer Mohammed Abdul Naeem for his invaluable contribution in publication of his book and presented him with a commendatory memento.
Chief guest Abu Mathan George presented memento to K N Wasif on behalf of HBU and BUTMC.
The event started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Toastmaster Muhammad Farooquddin. The President of Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu Muhammad Saifuddin welcomed the gathering. DTM Eng. Mohammed Mubeen and Toastmaster Mirza Furqana Fatima jointly conducted the proceedings.
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