(MENAFN - Arab News) ON March 21, a plane carrying the Saudi Youth Forum participants flew from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Hyderabad, India, in accordance with the initiative launched by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah enabling religious and cultural dialogue.
The Saudi-Indian Youth Forum was an attempt to unite the youth of both countries, and come up with two letters written by the youth of both countries, one to the secretary-general of the United Nations, and a second to the president of India and king of Saudi Arabia.
At first I thought it would be difficult clicking with the Indian Youth since we come from completely different backgrounds. But surprisingly, bonding with them came naturally. I found a lot of similarities. We both share the same love for our countries and long for its development.
Poor was the only word that described India for me, but the moment we landed at Hyderabad a whole new story started. I was inspired by all the colorful fabrics, the spices and the warm smiles painted on the Indian people's faces. Yellow "Tuk-Tuk" filled the streets of India; cows stroll down alleys like they own the land - elements that give India its extraordinary flavor.
The simplicity of the people touched my heart. I was amazed by the level of education and knowledge the Indian youth hold despite the scarce resources available in their country, that made me realize that money does not make you smart, money does not make you kind, money does not make you advance in any field. I met people that were doing all that they could to help their country advance using the limited resources available, it was immensely inspiring.
I truly believe my colleagues and I have grown, we have learned a lot from our fellow Indians. They have inspired us to learn more, dream with no restrictions, and most importantly, as Indian industrialist Tata once said citing an African proverb: "If you want to walk fast walk alone, if you want to walk far walk together."
This quote touched my heart because it precisely reflects the team atmosphere we have been living during the forum. The Saudi delegation members started as strangers, we shared laughs, moments of stress, and hard work that made us become one big strongly connected family.
My last words are a thank you to the people of India who made us feel at home, who opened their arms and happily embraced us. This forum helped in building a bridge of understanding and prosperity between the two cultures, my wishes for this relationship between the Saudi and Indian youth is to grow stronger for the betterment of both countries.
