Tamil Nadu Day 2018 and North East States Day 2018 organized in Jeddah

The Consulate General of India, Jeddah in association with Saudi Indian Business Network and Jeddah Tamil and North East States Community organized TAMIL NADU DAY 2018 and NORTH EAST STATES DAY 2018, as part of the India @ 70 celebrations and State Facilitation Activities abroad in the Consulate General of India premises on 26^thJanuary 2018. The ambience of the Consulate premises was beautifully designed and decorated. The entry to the venue was routed through Srivilliputhur temple (Tamil Nadu state logo), a mammoth Thiruvalluvar (a great poet in Tamil language) statue, Kutraalamwaterfalls and portraits of People’s President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Jallikattu.A banner portraying North East States was also placed in the venue. The technology had its place - a large LED screen above the stage had facilitated the visitors with uninterrupted viewing of the program from any part of the consulate premises, without crowding and blocking the stage. The event started off with reciting of Qirat by Master Umer Ahmed, with Tamil and English translations by Master Faheem and Miss FarhanaMd Rafi respectively. The Qirat recitation was followed by Tamil Thai Vaazhththu, Saudi and Indian National Anthems. Mr. Ibrahim Maraicar, gave a brief of the Jeddah Tamil community activities and welcomed the gathering. Mr. Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh, the Consul General of India and his family, were given a traditional Tamil welcome of music and flowers. Mr. M. Siraj welcomed Mr. Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh and other Consuls to the Tamil Nadu Day. Speaking on this occasion, the Consul General Shri Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh highlighted the objectives of organizing various State Days as part of the Ministry’ 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 also highlighted various services being provided by the Consulate to the Indian community and emphasized that the Consulate remains ever ready to provide best possible assistance to all Indian nationals residing in the Western Region of the Kingdom. He also expressed his admiration for the Tamil community for their excellent contributions in social, cultural fields and appreciated the Tamil community for coordinating with the North-East community to organize the North East States Day alongside the Tamil Nadu Day. The program started off with the vibrant Mayilaattam (peacock dance), in which the participants expressed the emotions very well. The dance was choreographed by Mrs. Pushpa Suresh, one of the well-known and senior most choreographers of Jeddah. Mrs. Myhtili& Mr. Murali conducted the fancy dress program for the kids up to second standard and every participant had beautifully adorned themselves from the diverse fields of Tamil personality and enacted very well, pepping up the ambience. Dr. Nurul Hassan, Consul (Commerce) gave a briefing of the upcoming Indian states felicitation in the Consulate. The Mizo/Cheraw/Bamboo dance by the students of IISJ was impressive. The Thang-Ta (sword and Spear dance) performed by the renowned artists led by Mr. RajkumarKhogendra Singh and comprising of Mr. NaoremRajenMangang, Mr. ThongamBiju Singh and Mr. ThounaojamRoshan Singh from Manipur was quite mesmerizing and exhilarating. On the sidelines of the event, a photo gallery was organized to showcase the beautiful tourism destinations of all the Eight North East States and to promote India as an attractive tourism destination among Saudis and other nationals. A large number of Saudis and Indian visited the gallery and witnessed the beautiful sceneries. A banner portraying North East States was also placed in the venue. The above dance program was followed by an excellent gramiyanadanam (village dance) by ladies and children. The dance, which was organized by Mrs.Mythili  Murali and choreographed by Mr.ReznieSrihari, gave a wonderful traditional dance performance, a mix of various dances, such as, Kummiaattam, Puli (tiger) aattam, Kavadiaattam, Karagattam and the scintillating JalliKattu. The Kurathiaattam, yet another folk dance, was well performed by the girls under the guidance and choreography of Mrs.Pushpa Suresh. Tamilnadu has 32 districts and the dances from various districts were well executed by the boys under the guidance of Mrs. RaznieSrihari, a renowned Kuchipudi and folk dance teacher. SANGHE MUZHANGHU (blow the conch shell) -  an exemplary nonstop of mixed dances - awakening of the Tamils, Chaiyachaiya dance, Ooty Badaga tribal community dance, Silamabattam – an art of defense using bamboo sticks, followed by Kongu dance – movement of hands and legs and ended with popular Lungi dance. The program was designed and directed by Kovai Ganesh, who was well supported by the boys, girls and men and women. The choreographers and the sponsors were duly honored. Vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Sherif. There were stalls depicting tourism and investment opportunities in Tamil Nadu. The grand show concluded at 10.30 PM. More than 1500 persons attended the Events. Entire program was brilliantly compered by Mr.Parthibane and Mrs.RabiyahMohideen, which was appreciated by all.  The event kindled much interest amongst the visitors, who thoroughly enjoyed and many are awaiting to participate in the forthcoming programs. Bhatkallys News Bureau/ Habib Mohtesham