Uttar Pradesh and Goa states day celebrated by Indian Consulate Jeddah

Jeddah: In line with the Government of India’s initiatives to promote Indian States abroad to showcase history, culture, tourism and business opportunities of Indian states, The Consulate General of India, Jeddah in association with Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN) and Indian Community from Uttar Pradesh and Goa organized “The Uttar Pradesh and Goa States Day” on 30th March, 2019 at Consulate General of India premises. The event reflected the rich cultural tapestry and traditions of these Indian states and large number of people from the Indian community and Saudi nationals participated in the celebration.

Consul General of India, Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh, who officially inaugurated the fest along with his wife Dr. Nazneen Rahman, was accompanied by Consuls Mr. Moin Akhtar and Mr. Sahil Sharma. Prominent Indian community members from different states, besides from Uttar Pradesh and Goa, were also present.

Mr. Aziz Kidwai, Mr. Danish Abdul Gafoor, Eng. Nooruddin, Mr. Aziz ur Rub from Uttar Pradesh and Mr. Sikander from Goa welcomed Consul General and other Consuls to the Uttar Pradesh and Goa Day.

Speaking on this occasion, Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh highlighted the objectives of organizing various State Days as part of the Ministry’s State Facilitation Activities Abroad. “The Consulate will also continue to extend all possible assistance to Saudi nationals in connecting them with the concerned authorities in India to facilitate their investments in India as well as to the Indian businessmen/companies to facilitate their business in the Consular jurisdiction of this Consulate,” he said.

He also expressed his admiration for the Uttar Pradesh and Goa for their excellent contributions in social and cultural fields and appreciated the Uttar Pradesh community for coordinating with the Goa community to organize the Goa Day alongside the Uttar Pradesh Day.

Mr. Moin Akhtar, Consul (Commerce), welcomed the audience and gave a briefing about upcoming Indian states felicitation in the Consulate which is followed by Mr. Danish Abdul Gafoor, Higher Board Member, who gave a brief picture about the Uttar Pradesh State.

Mr. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki gave presentation about the investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh and Goa. He explained about the investor friendly policy direction of Uttar Pradesh Government and the Good Governance initiatives, complementing the inherent strengths of the state, will definitely go a long way in transforming the state into a preferred investment destination. The government of Goa has not lagged behind in making the state a paradise for foreign investors. To attract significant investments, the government of Goa offers numerous attractive schemes and incentives for the investors investing in the state.

On the sidelines of the event, video presentations on tourism and investment opportunities of the two states were also shown. A wooden handicrafts from Uttar Pradesh were displayed which drew huge visitors with the nice gift items on offer. The replicas posters of Taj Mahal and Beach of Goa stood out as special attraction during the event.

Mr. Amjad Shareef from the Commercial Section of the Indian Consulate anchored and supervised the event. Cultural part of program was anchored by Mr. Ateeq Siddiqui of AMOUBA. Event was coordinated by Mr. Suresh Rao and Mr. Bobby Manatt from Indian Consulate, Jeddah.

The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Vijay Soni, treasurer SIBN.

The program started off with the dance and Skit, in which the participants metaphorically expressed the range of colors with their emotive depictions. The dance was choreographed by Mr. Sirajuddin & Ms. Rajani and Skit choreographed by Mr. Asim Zeeshan.

Local singers Mr. Sikander, Mr. Waseem Mukhadam and Mr. Amjad Hussain performed Hindi songs from Uttar Prades and Goa. Indian Companies such as M/s Al Kabeer and M/s Haldiram supported with free sampling of their products during the event.