Zahid Ali Khan Editor-In-Chief of The Siasat Urdu Daily, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, was felicitated by the Saudi businessmen at Dewaniah Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia here on Saturday night in recognition for his 50 years of yeoman service to Urdu Journalism, National Integration and Communal Harmony. He was extolled and appreciated at the well-attended function.
Introducing Zahid Ali Khan, Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki General Secretary of IYWA said that in Seven decades of enormous opportunity he has achieved many milestones like creating opportunities for people, make a difference in the lives of poor, weak and deserving who are ravaged by the demands of living, building institutions, starting and running socially relevant programs, spreading awareness and be an active partner in the removal of darkness in a multi-pronged way. Above all leave a decisive imprint on the hearts of millions by commitment to living an exemplary life which reflects an honest approach, transparent behavior, trustworthy actions, wise thinking, passionate and loving concern and an uncompromising attitude in maintaining ideals, rules and moral values.
He said that the remarkably eventful and dynamic life needs to be understood in a manner which does justice to enormous contributions and personal sacrifices made. To understand Mr. Zahid Ali Khan, the current Chief Editor of The Siasat Urdu Daily, we need to look in detail at the efforts made, results achieved and honors given. For this purpose the life of Mr. Zahid Ali Khan will be analyzed according to his involvement in social & developmental programs, economic uplift of weaker sections of society, maintaining communal harmony and creating institutions for health, education and self-employment.
He said Zahid Ali Khan, son of Padmashri Late Abid Ali Khan made a massive contribution to the society and has conducted himself admirably in the public domain as well as in his personal life. His life is an example for those who desire to lead a meaningful life. The numerous awards he has won and many professional memberships he has been requested to take by various developmental, social, educational and health organizations testifies to his stature as a man of integrity, conviction and action.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest Khalid A. Al Fozan said that India and Saudi Arabia have a long history of cultural and brotherly relations. He said the Indian culture and people have a special place in the hearts and mind of Saudi community. He enjoyed the company of Zahed Ali Khan.
Hussam Al Kahtani and Emad A. AL-Muhaidib praised the contribution of Zahid Ali Khan and introduced him to the gathering. The Businessmen of Saudi Arabia are really delighted to have among them, he said.
Zahid Ali Khan, in his address, said that people thought him worthy of these accolades was all by the will of Allah. “I’m just a humble person like all of you”. Every human being should strive for spreading of knowledge, exploring resources for generating employment and moral development of community in the social, business and political arena.
Addressing the Saudi Business community he said that time and circumstances are ripe for investment in Newly formed state of Telangana and the residue state of Andhra Pradesh and offered his services to be a vital cord between the State Governments and the Business community. He said that City of Hyderabad has copious Islamic heritage and invited the people of Saudi Arabia to witness the blend of Indian and Islamic Culture.
The function was attended by Consul General of Bahrain Ibrahim Maslamani, Consul General of Qatar Khamis Bin Ibrahim Al Mohannadi and Consul General of UAE Ahmad Mangoosh and prominent dignitaries like Dr. Irshad Ahmad Consul (Press, Information & Culture), SRH Fahmi Consul (Commercial), NP Singh Vice-Consul (Haj), Anup Singh Vice-Consul (Labor) of Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Husain Mohd. Al-Shareef, Ismail Saifuddin, Fazil Mahmood Zakaria, Mohammed Ayub Ismail, Ayaz Bin Shabibi, Ali Bin Sayeed Al Gutmi and Muzzammil Husain Chief Coordinator of IYWA attended the felicitation function. A large number of Saudi business community members and prominent social figures along with representatives of IYWA and All Saint’s Old Boys of Jeddah were also present.
Syed Baqer Ali Media Coordinator of IYWA proposed a vote of thanks and said that Zahid Ali Khan is a man of Peace and Harmony, A man who Helped in the Revival of a Language, An Educationist, Taking Path Breaking Initiatives for More Employment Opportunities, Playing the Role of a Social Activist Responsibility and Much Awarded, Much Respected and Much Honored person.
By Syed Baqer Ali Jaffery,
Jeddah, K.S.A.