Indians praise Kingdom's generosity

(MENAFN- Arab News) Jeddah's south Indian community celebrated the Kingdom's 23rd National Day at a local banquet hall. It was a musical evening organized by the OSAEMEA, a leading social welfare organization working in honor of the Subcontinent's prominent late singer Muhammad Rafi. OSAEMEA has existed for more than a decade to provide financial assistance to students in need in south India. The charity-cum-musical event was inaugurated by the event's chief guest, Rohail Khan, a financial adviser and social worker. Khan congratulated the Saudi Arabia on its 83rd National Day. He highlighted the rich heritage and sociocultural traditions of Saudi Arabia and the role played by expatriates toward the Kingdom's development. Over 300 guests of various cultures attended the event in colorful traditional dresses. OSAEMEA's President Basheer Thottiyan, General-Secretary Nasir and renowned socialite Mohan Balan addressed the audience and described OSAEMEA's historic contribution and social welfare activities. The audience gave a big hand to five needy students who were awarded scholarships by Iqbal Al-Ansari and Qasim Saab, the two guests of honor. Khan stressed that affluent individuals should come forward and wholeheartedly participate in such noble causes. He thanked the event's sponsors and local philanthropists for their generosity. The five-hour "Muhammad Rafi night" was melodious and entertaining. The 300-odd guests were treated to four hours of quality musical and cultural shows. Forty solo and duet songs of Muhammad Rafi were aptly rendered by local artists. Jamal Pasha, lead singer, entertained the audience with his rich voice and musical prowess. Other male singers Abdul Haq, Mashood, Nohu and Amjad impressed the audience with quality performances. Female artists Rehana and Sangeeta surprised everyone with their versatile talent. Music aficionados swayed to the mood and tempo of the music as the evening progressed and widely appreciated the quality and content of this unique event.