Screenshot
By: Abdul Rahman Baig, YaHind.Com
Mesmerizing performances of over 150 Saudi and Indian artists steal the show
JEDDAH – Around 3000 people, including several Saudis, turned out to celebrate the Saudi – Indian friendship and partnership at Saudi India Festival Season 2 held in Jeddah on Friday. Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri was the chief guest at the festival, organized by Goodwill Global Initiative (GGI), in collaboration with the Consulate General of India. The mega event was held under the theme “.5CM CORRIDOR,” which depicts half a century of Indians’ migration to the Gulf sector, which was once the second largest migration corridor in the world.
A cultural fiesta, featuring mesmerizing performances of over 150 Saudi and Indian artists, mostly tiny tots, enthralled the audience, who packed the auditorium and spilled over to the sprawling campus of International Indian School (IISJ) Boys’ Section in Al-Rehab district.
In his keynote address, Consul General Suri highlighted the significance of the celebration of the vibrant cultural connect and confluence between the two great nations through captivating performances by Saudi folk artists and Indian students. He identified people, participation, partnership, purpose and prosperity as five key ideas that are the core underlying elements of the festival, saying that the festival will be instrumental in further cementing the centuries-old cultural bonds between India and Saudi Arabia. “When people connect and participate actively, with a purpose guiding their efforts, prosperity naturally follows leading to the current strategic India – Saudi partnership that rests firmly on the foundations of human connections,” he said.
Referring to the centuries-old cultural bonds between India and Arabia, and the outstanding contributions of Indian diaspora to the nation-building of Saudi Arabia during the last half a century, the Consul General said: “The theme of the festival beautifully captures civilizational linkages and people to people ties that connected our societies over generations. Culture is the language of soul represented through music, dance and artistic expressions, and we discovered shared values that transcend geography and language, deepening mutual understanding and respect,” he said while commending GGI for their vision and commitment to bring together a vibrant celebration of the cultures of the two great nations.
GGI President Hassan Cheruppa presided over the inaugural session during which felicitation speeches were delivered by President of Saudi Indian Healthcare Forum Dr. Ashraf Amir; Dean of Effat University Dr. Reem Al-Madani; Principal of International Indian School Dr. Mohammad Imran; Executive Vice President of Abeer Medical Group Ahmed Alungal; and CEO of RACO Group Rahim Pattarkadavan. GGI General Secretary Ishaque Poondoli welcomed the gathering while Treasurer Jaleel Kannamangalam proposed a vote of thanks.
The dignitaries who attended the inaugural session also included Fahmina Khatoon Suri, spouse of the Consul General; Consul P&C and Head of Chancery IM Husain; Chairman of Managing Committee of IISJ Dr. Mohammad Aslam Khan; Supervisor of Madrasa Saulathiya and Madrasa Malaibariya Makkah Adil Hamza Melibari; Chairman of Global Bridge Company Sheikh Abdulraham Abdullah Yusuf Melibari; and Sheikh Ahmed Atallah Farouqi, Advisor to Prince Abdullah bin Turki.
The atmosphere was extremely exhilarating as the beautifully orchestrated performances by around 150 talented artists kept the audience enthralled throughout the five-hour long audio-visual treat. The cultural extravaganza featured a wide variety of Arab and Indian traditional dances and folk performances.
The mesmerizing performances of the 15-member ‘Sautul Mamlaka’ Folk Performing Arts Troupe, led by Fadi Saad Al-Hawsavi, stole the show. They enthralled the audience with their unique and breathtaking performances of Saudi traditional folk art forms such as Bahri, Mizmari, Khubaiti, Jazani and Khutwa Janoubiya.
The audience enjoyed the captivating and enthralling performances of Indian talent teens. These included Indian traditional dances such as Bharatanatyam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odissa Sampulpuri and Kadhak. The Saudi Indian Fusion featuring a super blend of various artistic forms depicted beautifully the beginning phase of the migration of Indians to Arabia.
Nearly 100 talented teens joined in staging spectacular performances of welcome dance, traditional oppana, fusion oppana, Arabic dance, sufi dance, and cinematic fusion dance, choreographed mainly by Rahmath Muhammad Alungal, who is also convener of GGI ladies wing. Artists from Good Hope Arts and Science Academy and Phenom Academy also staged stupendous performances.
Well-known singers Jamal Pasha, Mohammed Sikander Ali, Mumtaz Abdurahman, Sofiya Sunil and Shifana Shaji enthralled the audience with their melodious songs.
Consul General Suri and Consul P&C and Head of Chancery IM Husain gave away mementos to the sponsors and performers of the event respectively.
About The Author
