Media Release
Riyadh, Aug 18: The celebration of the 72nd Independence Day was held on August 15 by the Central Committee of the Indian Social Forum here at the Al Mas Resturant Hall in the city.
People from different Indian states and religions were present at the occasion, which itself was a living example of unity in diversity.
The programme was inaugurated with a unity song. T T George, second secretary of the Indian Embassy was chief guest. Speaking after inaugurating the programme, he said, "Many civilizations have come and gone but Indian civilization is getting wealthy by the day.
"Social Forum Central Committee president Janab Harris Angaragundi Mangaluru chaired the programme and welcomed the gathering and guests. In his presidential speech he urged everyone to continue their good work for the nation as well as for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Social Forum convener Janab Afzarul Haq delivered the Independence Day message. He said, "India was formed based on the concept 'unity in diversity' and it becomes every Indian's responsibility to safegaurd it."
He expressed concern over growing insecurities and lack of unity in the nation. "Those who are operating on lines of fascism today are teaching the lesson of nationalism to the ones who were in the forefront to make India free from British rule, freedom of speech, freedom to express thoughts is being curbed systematically by killing the progressive thinkers and social activists, anyone who speaks against the ruling government is termed anti-national which is against our democratic and constitutional values.
"Mass killings and lynchings that are taking place in the name of cow and child trafficking is embarrassing for Indians present all over the world. Since the current government in india has no developmental works to present during upcoming elections, they are setting agenda to divide India on religious lines and gain votes. I request people not to fall into such traps of fascism."
Engineer Salman Khalid, former president of Aligarh Muslim University Old Students Association, Basheer Ingapuzha, president of India Fraternity Forum Zonal Committee, Mariyappan, Air India Airport manager, Srinivasan, vice president of L & T Company, Mohamed Hanif Shaikh, Qidma Foundation vice pPresident, Ajmal P V, president of MES, K N vasiph, Arab News reporter, Idavanna Ubaid, president of Media Forum were the guests who delivered the message of Independence to non-residents of India.
The gathering also requested for special prayers for the people of Kerala and Karnataka suffering due to flood.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem.
Basheer Karandur, general secretary of Social Forum Central Committee welcomed the gathering and Central Committee member Rasheed Kasimi Kerala presented the vote of thanks.
Abdul Basheer was master of ceremony.