JEDDAH: A remarkable evening celebrating unity, heritage, and enduring friendship unfolded at the packed Layali Auditorium in Jeddah as the Jeddah KMCC Central Committee accorded a grand civic reception to Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. The overwhelming presence of the Indian expatriate community reflected the immense affection, admiration, and respect Thangal commands among Indians living in the Kingdom.
Delivering an inspiring address, Thangal described the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s oldest and most enduring partnerships, nurtured through centuries of mutual trust, shared values, and goodwill. He observed that Indian expatriates have strengthened this historic bond by keeping their noses to the grindstone, making invaluable contributions to the Kingdom’s development while upholding the values and reputation of their motherland
Tracing the deep historical links between India and the Arab world, Thangal noted that Islam reached the Indian subcontinent during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Arab traders who sailed to the Indian coast for commerce. These early interactions, he said, laid the foundation for centuries of religious, cultural, and commercial exchanges that continue to enrich relations between the two regions.
Highlighting the noble traditions of Arab civilisation, Thangal praised its enduring values of compassion, hospitality, and respect for humanity. He said these qualities remain vividly reflected in Saudi Arabia’s treatment of the Indian expatriate community, enabling generations of Indians to live and work in the Kingdom with dignity, security, and mutual respect. He also commended Saudi Arabia’s legal and administrative system for harmonising justice with compassion.
Paying glowing tributes to the Indian expatriate community, Thangal said their dedication and hard work have made them indispensable partners in Saudi Arabia’s remarkable transformation and economic progress. He urged expatriates to continue upholding the Kingdom’s laws, respecting its traditions, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and civic responsibility.
Addressing expatriate concerns, Thangal assured that issues affecting Malayali expatriates would continue to be pursued through appropriate governmental channels. He noted that Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has pledged his continued support, and he has also assured serious consideration of expatriate issues.
Thangal also praised Jeddah KMCC for its exemplary humanitarian initiatives and disciplined organisational structure, describing it as a model community organisation that has earned widespread admiration through its selfless service to the Indian diaspora.
The function, organised with exceptional coordination by Jeddah KMCC, was presided over by President Abubacker Arimbra and inaugurated by Kunjimon Kakiya. Sharafudheen Hudavi Anamangad delivered the keynote address, while Ashraf Vengad, Naseem Pulikkal, Ahmed Palayattu, Khader Chengala, V. P. Mohammed Ali, V. K. Hussain Kutty, and Haris Kallayi offered felicitations.
The well-bred and courteous General Secretary, V. P. Musthafa, welcomed the gathering, while Treasurer V. P. Abdul Rahman proposed the vote of thanks. As a mark of honour, Jeddah KMCC’s tenacious President, Abubacker Arimbra, presented Thangal with a commemorative citation on behalf of the organisation. C. K. Razak Master submitted a memorandum highlighting key concerns of the expatriate community, while Central and District Committee office-bearers honoured Thangal with ceremonial shawls.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the unveiling of the official poster of a forthcoming book documenting the inspiring life and enduring legacy of Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. Witnessed by a capacity audience, the ceremonial launch served as a fitting tribute to his visionary leadership, principled public life, and immense contribution to society, adding a memorable finale to an evening dedicated to celebrating unity, service, and the enduring friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
M Siraj
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