Unexpected Journey

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I have tried to translate for the first time a story that has touched my heart. Even though I had read so many touching stories in the past, seldom have I cried reading it. The actual story in Malayalam was written by an anonymous friend. My salutations to that anonymous friend who has presented all his love towards his father in this beautiful story. This story holds similarity to the lives of several great fathers who has sacrificed their lives for the betterment of his family especially in the Middle-East which includes my father too. This translation was mainly made for those friends of mine who are not fluent in the Malayalam language. There was no better time to take this effort than this wonderful “Father’s day”. My dear father…. I love you and I am sorry if I have not expressed that love to you….

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Unexpected Journey

I never wished to come to this country…. Not because I hated it. Infact I never hated this place… moreover had the most respect and love towards it. But I never liked the lifestyle here and my father was the sole inspiration for this thought of mine. 

My father was strict about this… that his children should not suffer in this desert. Behind this concrete world and the admirable beauty of the city lies the horror of loneliness and isolation. The depression that those feelings were not new to my father and probably this aspect made him take this decision in his children’s life. 

“The only thing that should matter to you now is to study. Get all the education that you wish and reach the top. I, your dear father, am there for everything that you need” used to be a regular sentence in his neatly handwritten letters that we used to receive in addition to the numerous advises, jokes, surprising information about this place. He used to write separately to my mother and also to us. If at all a reference is required to find a good person, these letters would be more than sufficient. It is with awe that I discovered that he managed to teach us the lessons of good life and also taught us how to identify good things and bad things from whatever happening in our life using this simple hand written lines. 

We both, my brother and myself, had a proud life during our education phase in life. We shared our seats with the richer, always had the best clothes; used our own vehicles and had the best compared to our classmates, never having inadequacy for anything. In the end, when I passed my engineering with flying colours he asked again “Do you want to study anything else? Do you want to go for higher degrees? I do not know much about these matters… so don’t hide anything and tell me if you want” 

The only aspect that I didn’t like his way was his vacations. He used to come to see us only once in two or three years. He had several reasons for that like not getting leaves; the sponsor did not approve, cannot leave everything and come as if the entire world was in his shoulders!!! However, the fees, money for new dress, money to make our wishes true… all came without any break. 

Whenever he came, we used to proudly introduce him to my friends as a manager of a big company… what else could we imagine for a father who had the entire world on his shoulders? Friends boiled in jealousy when the bicycle gave way to scooter and then to the latest motorbike. “Your father is really great buddy”. Yes we too agreed upon when they said it. True… the father who loves us and who lives for us should be great… nothing below that!!! 

I was awakened from my thoughts upon the announcement that the flight is landing at Sharjah echoed through the speakers. Balan uncle was waiting outside… sparkle in his eyes when he saw me. He hugged me. This is not my Ganga’s child… This is my Ganga himself”… he said with teary eyes. The reason for the sparkle in his eyes was well understood when he said that I look just like my sweet father and he had drifted away to the past when he saw me. The pride that surfed inside came out as a sweet smile!!! 

“You did not go for work today” casually I asked him when we were driving back from airport. He smiled and told…. “This is my work”. He looked at my surprised face and reiterated his statement that he has been working as a driver for the past twenty-five or so years. My first surprise started from him. My great father had a Taxi driver as his friend… Tried to bring my father’s broad mind into mine!!! 

Even though the air conditioner in the car was chilling, I decided to keep my blazer folded. When I had informed that my company was sending me for a conference, he had sent money to buy this suit reminding me its importance in high profile meetings. When this trip to Sharjah came up as a company sponsored event, my mother persuaded me to wear this suit. “That is where he sleeps. You should visit him in this suit. Your father would see it and he will be happy”. My mother and father… how long did they live far apart… seeing each other once in several years… having a separated life…. just for us!!! 

The car passed the concrete jungles and was running through an empty area of the city, both sides with endless sand-dunes. Remembered the travels in interior India where development was something unheard of. The second surprise started there. I was always expecting that the great Gangadharan, my father, used to live in a posh apartment inside the city. But this place did not even have the shades of that expectation. So many small cottages in a line made with wood… all single room cottages that were made without any planning!!! 

I was insisting on not staying in the company sponsored hotel, just to live where my father used to live… where he spent most of his life even if it was for a couple of days. But what I am witnessing here was nowhere near my wildest expectations and beliefs. “Come, these are our palaces… They call it caravans”, Balan uncle laughed and pointed it to those lined cottages 

There were boats lying in the area that looked like a sea shore… in different colours... probably fishing boats. We passed a couple of caravans and reached in front of a small garden beautifully set up besides a caravan. “This is where we used to stay… your father and me. Now, I am alone here” His voice trembled when he said that. 

Inside, there were two cots on each side of that small room with a television kept on a rack in the middle. Underneath was a very old Toshiba cassette player with Mehdi Hassan’s, Ghulam Ali’s and Yesudas’ cassettes stacked carefully. Balan uncle switched on a kettle that was lying in a corner of the room. I sat on one of the cot with a numb feeling. 

“That was your father’s cot” uncle said pointing at the cot on which I sat. Couldn’t control the tears that pumped out of the eyes… Cried aloud… Wanted to throw away the blazer that I had kept folded in my hands. Words did not come out when I hugged Balan uncle and cried out so loudly. Pointing at the long Arab dress on the wall, Balan uncle said that they were the ones used by my father when he used to go in the boat. Hugged that dress which was slightly soiled, it had the smell of sea rather than that of my Father. “I did not keep it away… I could feel Ganaga’s presence when it is hanging there” Balan uncle continued. 

I wished that I had known… that my father was sacrificing his life…never complaining his difficulties and not letting know anybody his life in these caravans and fishing boats… He was a candle… an incense stick… that spreads light and smell as it is getting over!!! My father, whom I know now, was standing tall and high against the father that I used to know... A man who can be compared to an ocean of love… a mountain of care. Tears flowed out with more force despite my best ways to stop it. 

“He wanted to come back after your studies… were dreaming about a life with his wife and children… we always shared our dreams…“ Balan uncle continued, “The heart attack happened in the boat and he fell into the sea… could find his body only after two days… by then….”. “Stop uncle…. Please stop… I cannot hear anymore”, I cried from within not able to listen to whatever he was saying. Probably he sensed it… he too became silent. Kissed the long dress that was in my hands… and whispered “You defeated us with your love my dear and great father”!!! 

Balan uncle pulled out a trunk box from under the cot and said that it was my father’s box which he wished to open several times but couldn’t. Remembered what my mother had told when I left home… “that all his belongings could be lying there, try to send everything if it is possible… even if it is expensive”… My mother… she couldn’t see her husband… wishing to see his belongings at least!!! Opened the box with care to find a photograph of the little Krishna… surrounding it was several of our photographs taken on different birthdays…mother’s photo near to that… several letters neatly wound with a rubber-band… couple of dresses, medicines, prescriptions and… and…nothing else!!! 

“Oh mother… my father has not left any belongings here…. all the belongings of my father are there… in our small village… in the form of mother…. In the form of the two sons… in the form of a house and the land”. I murmured while hugging the soiled dress more vigorously amid uncontrollable tears… then folded and kept it in the bag. 

Back in the car. It moved slowly through the empty roads into a public graveyard…. There he is…. Sleeping with heartbeats echoing the love for us… There he is… sleeping irritated without being able to be with us… holding on to the true symbols that drank his sweat… I stand before you, my dear father… bless us accepting our love as the only offerings!!!! 

Exclusive: When Sachin played for Pakistan

This was a surprising information and I though probably my friends also would be interested to read this!!!

Article by Hemant Kenkre in Rediff.com

My own personal favourite is the story of when a Pakistan XI led by the awe-inspiring Imran Khan took on the Cricket Club of India Golden Jubilee XI at the historic Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, sometime in 1987-'88. The Pakistan team was playing this festival match as part of the CCI Golden Jubilee celebrations, and the CCI team had stalwarts like Roger Binny, Mohammad Azharuddin among others in its ranks.

Having been a member of the CCI cricket team, I was one of the 'volunteers' looking after the Indian dressing room, and was warned by the Pakistan manager that they would require a couple of fielders in case any of their stars decided that the hotel was a better place to be instead of the field. Sure enough, after the guests had finished their batting and Chandrakant Pandit was smashing the ball around, Javed Miandad and Abdul Qadir decided to hop back to their hotel and the Pakistan manager looked toward us for much needed resources to patrol the Brabourne outfield.

CCI, that year, had in their ranks a few promising youngsters as 'playing members', a fabulous tradition that has given a platform for young cricketers to display their talents in Mumbai's senior tournaments. Kushroo Vasania, a former India Under-19 captain, was among those who had been drafted into the CCI as was a young man with curly mop of hair and prodigious talent, who answered to the name of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar!

Sachin had become a 'playing member' that year, and had played in Mumbai's senior league for the first time. The CCI's then president Madhav Apte (a former India player) had changed the rules to allow the 'minor' to step into the 'above-18 allowed' CCI cricket dressing room. Both were told to be available if required

Kushroo was an obvious choice, having been one of the good fielders in the Mumbai cricket circuit. While Shishir Hattangadi (former Mumbai captain) and I were looking for 'fielder No. 2', we heard the (now famous) soft voice ask: 'Me Zaaoo Ka?' (Can I go?). Even before we said 'yes' the curly-topped kid was on the ground, rubbing shoulders with Wasim Akram, Imran, Rameez Raja, Mudassar Nazar!

India's pride and joy, Sachin Tendulkar, had in fact stepped on to the international arena for the first time as a reserve fielder for a Pakistan XI!

Postscript: Marcus Couto, a cricket enthusiast, umpire, statistician and friend of Sachin's remembers the conversation they had when he and Sachin headed home after that game. "We were travelling in a second class compartment of Mumbai's Western Railway, and Sachin was upset that the captain had posted him too deep at long on. He tried to go for a catch, but the ball was too far away from him," says Marcus. "I think that was the last time Sachin traveled in a Mumbai suburban train," he adds.

Appended Labour Law in Saudi Arabia

Sponsorship transfer only after two years

Expatriates working in the Kingdom will have to wait two years now if they want to transfer sponsorship to another employer, according to a new law.

The Labor Ministry said in an announcement on Wednesday that expatriates have to work at least two years with their present employer in order to get approval for the transfer of sponsorship to another. Under the current system, workers can seek to shift jobs after six months with their employers’ consent.

Acting Labor Minister Abdul Aziz Al-Khuwaiter has approved the new measure, which will be enforced beginning April 15. All labor offices across the Kingdom have been informed of the new decision.

Abdul Rahman Al-Bawaridi, deputy minister for labor affairs, said the decision was made after observing the movement of expatriate workers in the job market in recent years. “Some companies recruit workers in order to transfer their services to others. This practice had a negative impact on employment of Saudis,” said Al-Bawaridi. “The present decision aims at stabilizing relations between employer and worker and reducing negative aspects that have been observed in the job market.”

Muhiyuddin Hikami, chairman of the Labor Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said the new decision would help fight the black market in work visas. Some private institutions sell visas or transfer their workers to other firms after recruiting them, a practice that is illegal.

Abdullah Marei Bin Mahfouz, a member of JCCI board of directors, said the decision should consider the requirements of both employers and workers. He said there are certain jobs that require transfer of sponsorships in less than two years. “The new decision is part of the government’s efforts to restructure the labor sector,” Bin Mahfouz said.

Saudi Arabia requires more foreign workers to carry out various development projects. At present there are more than six million expatriates in the Kingdom from nearly 120 countries.

Courtesy Article in Arab News By GALAL FAKKAR Published: Mar 25, 2010

Save our Tigers

At the turn of the 20th century, according to sources, India had an estimated 40,000 tigers in the wild. In 2002, based on pug mark census, this number were 3,642. As per the monitoring exercise by Wildlife Institute of India in association with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Government of India using camera traps, in 2008 we were left with only 1,411 tigers. This number is so small that they will be gone soon if we don’t wake up to the crisis. Our goal is to restore, maintain and protect tigers as well as their habitat and prey base in important tiger landscapes in India.


The objectives are to:
Protect, restore corridors to ensure connectivity between tiger habitats while ensuring that human-tiger conflicts are reduced.

Reduce pressures on the tiger habitats by promoting alternative livelihoods for local communities in and around tiger habitats.


Create incentives for local communities as well as state and regional government and opinion-makers to support tiger conservation.


Enhance capacities of the Forest Department to control poaching of tigers and prey species.


Provide policy inputs at state and central levels to ensure effective measures for conservation of tigers and their habitats.


Promote the political will as well as popular support within all sectors of society for tiger conservation. With one tiger, we protect about a 100 sq. km of forest


What you can do to save the tiger?


The tiger is not just a charismatic species. It’s not just a wild animal living in some forest either. The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator and is at the apex of the food chain and keeps the population of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. Therefore the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well being of the ecosystem. The extinction of this top predator is an indication that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected, and neither would it exist for long thereafter.


If the tigers go extinct, the entire system would collapse. For e.g. when the Dodos went extinct in Mauritius, one species of Acacia tree stopped regenerating completely. So when a species goes extinct, it leaves behind a scar, which affects the entire ecosystem. Another reason why we need to save the tiger is that our forests are water catchment areas.


When we protect one tiger, we protect about a 100 sq. km of area and thus save other species living in its habitat. Therefore, it’s not just about saving a beautiful animal. It is about making sure that we live a little longer as the forests are known to provide ecological services like clean air, water, pollination, temperature regulation etc. This way, our planet can still be home to our children. Without adequate and timely protection there is a real possibility of these children never seeing a tiger in the wild once they grow up


Spread the word: Go out loud and tell others that tigers are dying and that they need our help. You can form forums (or join existing ones) on the web for discussions and exchange views on tiger conservation. Reach school going children. WWF can help you in this regard.


Be a responsible tourist: The wilderness is to be experienced and not to be disturbed and polluted. Follow the forest department guidelines when visiting any wilderness area, tiger reserve in particular. As the saying goes ‘Don’t leave thing anything behind except footsteps, and don’t take anything except memories.’


Write to the policy makers: If you are really concerned and feel that more needs to be done for tiger conservation, then write polite letters to the decision makers - the Prime Minister, the Minister for Environment and Forests or even your local MP.


Informing the nearest police station: If you know of any information on poaching or trade of illegal wildlife. You can also contact TRAFFIC- an organisation fighting the powerful poachers and pass on the information to them.


Reducing pressure on natural resources: By reducing the use of products derived from forests, such as timber and paper.

Article from www.wwfindia.org

Article worth reading

My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we went to the airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train, I got them tickets on Jet Airways. The moment I handed over the tickets to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of travel. Just like a school boy, he was  preparing himself on that day and we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for a window seat and waiting restlessly for the security check-in to happen. He was thoroughly enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him experience all these things.

As they were about to go in for the security check-in, he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became very emotional and it was not as if I had done something great but the fact that this meant a great deal to him. When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to thank me. But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back at my life. As a child, how many dreams our parents have made come true. Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for cricket bats, dresses, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability, they have catered to all our needs. Did we ever think about the sacrifices they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did we ever say thanks for all that they have done for us? Same way, today when it comes to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good school. Regardless of the amount of donation, we will ensure that we will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake to see us happy, so it is our responsibility to ensure that their dreams are realized and what they failed to see when they were young. It is our responsibility to ensure that they experience all those and their life is complete.

Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions, I have actually answered back without patience. When my daughter asks me something, I have been very polite in answering. Now I realize how  they would have felt at those moments. Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and

just as we take care of our children, the same attention and same care needs to be given to our parents and elders. Rather than my dad saying thank you to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long for this small dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all their wishes.

Just because they are old does not mean that they will have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren also. They have wishes, too.

Credits : To the unknown good friend who wrote this article

Republic Day Thoughts

Let me take this opportunity to wish your esteemed self, your correspondents and all the readers a very Patriotic and Honoured Republic Day. Being an expatriate, living in a country where celebrations other than the festival of Eid is looked upon suspiciously by the local authorities, Republic day celebrations is missed in all its essence.

Republic day is a day to remember the patriotism of our freedom fighters who, fought against the colonial rule and brought it to an end. It is a day to mark respect for those brave souls who wanted the “Purna Swaraj” on the 26th January 1930. It is a day when those great leaders identified the future of India and set up a law that was to give democracy to the millions spread across diverse cultures, numerous languages, assorted terrains and dissimilar tastes but all united in just one dream, that of an India which is a “SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and secure to all its citizens; JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation”

I wish being in India during Republic Day so as to be a part of the flag hoisting ceremony with the same enthusiasm and excitement with which I used to go to my school in my childhood days and also give me the opportunity to rush back home to watch the live ceremony of Republic Day celebrations in the doordarshan starting from the floral wreath in the Amar Jawan Jyoti, Silent prayers for those warriors who laid down their lives for our independence, Flag hoisting by the President, Saluting the nation by singing the Anthem, Applauding those brave hearts receiving their medallions for their service to the society, Watching in awe the synchronized parade of our forces and the display of our strengths, and the Colourful display of our varied heritage.

However, all these wishes remain a dream that is never fulfilled. Being in a community who gives preference to religious Faith than to Nationalism, those feelings are never allowed to get any space. Once again wishing all my compatriots a Proud Republic day and with tearful eyes dear mother, I am missing you!!! 

Credits: To Rekha

An Indian now owns the East India Company

London: With just around a month to go for the re-launch of the East India Company - the world's first multinational whose forces once ruled much of the globe - its new Indian owner says he is overwhelmed by "a huge feeling of redemption".

It's been a long, emotional and personal journey for Sanjiv Mehta, a Mumbai-born entrepreneur who completed the process of buying the East India Company (EIC) in 2005 from the "30 or 40" people who owned it.Acutely aware that he owned a piece of history - at its height the company generated half of world trade and employed a third of the British workforce - Mehta, now the sole owner, dived into the company's rich and ruthless past in order to give it a new direction for the future.

With a $15-million investment and inputs from a range of experts - from designers and brand researchers to historians - Mehta is today poised to open the first East India Company store in London's upmarket Mayfair neighbourhood in March. And then there is the inevitable - and daunting - task of launching in India, a country whose resources, army, trade and politics the company had controlled for some 200 years.

It's a task that Mehta has not taken lightly, he told IANS in an interview. "Put yourself in my shoes for a moment: On a rational plane, when I bought the company I saw gold at the end of the rainbow. "But, at an emotional level as an Indian, when you think with your heart as I do, I had this huge feeling of redemption - this indescribable feeling of owning a company that once owned us."

The formal start of the East India Company is usually dated back to 1600 when Britain's Queen Elizabeth I granted a group of merchants a charter under the name 'The Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies.' With its own Elizabethan coat of arms - now owned by Mehta - the company was made responsible for bringing tea, coffee and luxury goods to the West and trading in spices across the globe.

By 1757 the company had become a powerful arm of British imperial might, with its own army, navy, shipping fleets and currency, and control over key trading posts in India - where it was known variously as Company Bahadur and John Company. In 1874, the British government nationalised the company, opportunistically blaming the 1857 uprising on its excesses. But the East India Company army, brought under the command of the Crown, retained its all-powerful presence in India.

"When I took over the company, my objective was to understand its history. I took a sabbatical from all other business and this became the single purpose in my life," said Mehta. He travelled around the world, visiting former EIC trading posts and museums, reading up records and meeting people "who understood the business of that time". "There was a huge sense of responsibility - I didn't create this brand, but I wanted to be as pioneering as the merchants who created it." "The Elizabethan coat of arms stands for trust and reassurance, but we are not repeating history. It took me four years to do the brand positioning and put up the milestones."

The 'relaunched' company, with its headquarters on Conduit Street in Mayfair, is set to open a diverse line of high-end, luxury goods in London in March and in India some time this year. EIC products in India will include fine foods, furniture, real estate, health and hospitality. "India is the spirit of the East India Company in many ways - it evokes a huge amount of connectivity and emotions," Mehta told IANS.

"It's also a major ambition to bring Indian products to the rest of the world. Today there is no single brand name from the East that can stand alongside, say, Hermes or Cartier from the West. "The East India Company has that ability."

Credits : in.msn.com

Shoura Council welcomes Dr. Manmohan Singh

Following is the text of the speech of Speaker of the Majlis Al-Shura (Consultative Council) on the occasion of the visit of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to the Majilis Al-Shura.

'Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Peace and prayer be upon the noblest of the prophets and messengers, Prophet Mohammed and his family and companions.Your Excellency, Mr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the friendly Republic of India. The Shura Council, presidency, officials and members are pleased to welcome your Excellency and your companions on this visit which expresses your high interest and admiration of this council.

Mr. Prime Minister,

You are aware of the important role and great functions undertaken by the Shura Councils in the parliamentary affairs world-wide which embodies an important tributary for governments' endeavors. Majlis Al-Shura in Saudi Arabia exercises the regulatory and oversight function, where it overlooks in the rules and regulations, studies plans and strategies and discusses the conventions and treaties with other countries and organizations. Moreover, the Council studies government agencies performance reports, and it requests the presence of ministers and officials to discuss the agencies' performance and workflow. Hence the Council has a vital role to play in the development and reform process aiming at serving the country and meeting the hopes of citizens.

'Your Excellency,

Now the Shura Council is living its modern era since the update of its regulations eighteen years ago. These days the Shura Council is emerging into the second year of its fifth-run of the new formation. The Shura (consultation) is a basic principle of the governance principles in the Islamic Share'a (Islamic divine law). Consultation has a long history in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and extends for about eighty-five years since Late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman established this state pillars. During this era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Shura Council is living a massive move of quality in all trends. 

Your Excellency,

Nowadays, the Council enjoys the confidence and the appreciation of the houses of parliament in friendly and brotherly countries. It has become an active member in the international and regional parliament unions. It enjoys full membership in the IPU and the Arab, Islamic and Asian parliaments. Through those unions, the Council plays an influential and important role. The Shura Council attaches a great importance to develop and promote the relationship with various parliaments of the world through the parliamentary friendship committees. One of these committees is the Saudi-Indian friendship committee. The Shura Council is looking forward to more cooperation with the Indian parliament to serve better mutual interests of both countries and to promote them.

 

'Your Excellency,

The relationship between the nations of the Gulf and India is ancient and historical extended over a thousand years when the Gulf convoys traveled to India for trades. This led to the establishment of what is known as the Silk Road which helped the establishment of relationship based on cooperation and common interests. Today it seems that this Road has enforced its role and its influence is growing to include all forms of cooperation due to the desire of both Saudi Arabia and India to build relationships more firm and active. The Kingdom enjoys a good and active relationships with lots of countries and by the grace of Allah possesses a religious, political and economic status for its Islamic location and it contains the two Holy Mosques and the Holy Places and as such it cares for Islam and Muslims in the world. And for its ties with countries of the world, it is promoted through relationships based on mutual respect, commitment to UN principles, as well as for its economic status as the largest oil exporter, and as an effective member in the economic twenty group. The Kingdom is witnessing an accelerating growth in the investment sector. Therefore, the Kingdom is always looking for more effective partnership that promotes development and cooperation with friendly and brotherly countries, especially those countries witnessing progress and development in the field of industry, science and technology as the Republic of India which became today an important and effective nation in the equation of the international economy with its political and strategic weightage on both Asian and global levels.

Although the cooperation between the two countries reached an advanced level, however, it will be increased much further due to your Excellency€™s visit following the boost of the bilateral relations due to the historical visit made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to India in January 2006. It was one of the first visits made by King Abdullah after taking the reins of power as a belief in the prominent status of your country on the continental level and internationally. This visit has helped pushing forward the relations between the two countries to a higher promotion-level of cooperation. The commercial exchange increased between the two countries to reach about $27 billion in the year 2008.

 

Your Excellency,

The world is still living under different conflicts threatening its peace and security. And there are unresolved international issues until this moment because of the failure to comply with United Nations resolutions and commitment to international laws. Israel continues to exercise intransigence towards peace initiatives launched by the Arabs, and the latest of which is launched by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and adopted by the League of the Arab states in 2002. Although eight years have passed since the launching of the initiative, Israel continues aggression, raises tensions in the area and hinders peace efforts. In this regard, we pay tribute to the Republic of India's stands towards the international issues. Realizing this approach will contribute to the efforts of bringing stability and peace in the world. And now allow me to pay tribute to the vital role played by the Republic of India in Asia. We are confident that India along with the countries of this continent is keen on the prevalence of harmony and peace in this important area of the world.

Finally, I would like to assure your Excellency that Shura Council, while being aware of the importance of the relation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, it will do everything possible to strengthen the relationship. Moreover, it will support all positive cooperation enhancing the relations between the two countries. I, once again, welcome your Excellency and your honorable companions to Shura Council and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which holds for India, its leadership and people, all respect and adoration.

Assalam Alaikum.'

 Credits : Saudi Press Agency

Dr. Manmohan Singh's speech in Saudi Arabian Shoura Council

Following is the text of speech of the India's Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh delivered today at Majlis Al-Shura:

'Your Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, the Speaker of the Majlis Al-Shura, Distinguished Members of the Majlis Al-Shura, Distinguished Guests,

I am deeply grateful and privileged to have this opportunity to address the Majlis Al-Shura. This august body has come to symbolize participative governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The members of the Majlis Al-Shura have among them some of the best minds in the Kingdom, representing different segments of Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and society. I am, therefore, deeply conscious of the honor done to me and to India by inviting me to address this august House. Saudi Arabia is the cradle of Islam and the land of revelation of the Holy Quran. I have come to ancient land with a message of peace, brotherhood and friendship. I bring to you the fraternal greetings of the people of India.

'India regards Saudi Arabia as a pillar of stability in the Gulf region. Under the enlightened and sagacious leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom has taken rapid strides towards modernization. Its influence today extends far beyond the region. As I stand before you, I am conscious of the wealth of history behind us, and the promise of a new partnership ahead of us. We are two nations linked by the waterways of the Indian Ocean. Over 5,000 years ago, ships made with teak from Kerala freely traversed the waters of the Indian Ocean and linked the people of Sindh, Gujarat, and Malabar with the different ports of the Gulf and the Red Sea, going up to Basra and Alexandria.

Commercial enterprises and exchange of foodstuffs and cloth for dates and pearls provided the basis for the development of deep people-to-people ties. Indian townships mushroomed across the Gulf. Arab traders established themselves along the coastline of western India. Our languages were influenced by each other. These linkages, over several centuries, have left an indelible mark upon our culture and civilization. This is reflected in the natural empathy and sense of comfort we have when we meet each other. Islam qualitatively changed the character and personality of the people in Arabia as it enriched the lives of millions of Indians who embraced this faith. It is said that during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Indian pilgrims constituted the largest movement of people by sea. 

Indian Muslim scholars went to Makkah in order to learn Islamic theology. Arab Muslim scholars came to India to learn mathematics, science, astronomy and philosophy. These exchanges led to the widespread diffusion of knowledge in sciences, arts, religion and philosophy. 'Today, Islam is an integral part of India's nationhood and ethos and of the rich tapestry of its culture. India has made significant contributions to all aspects of Islamic civilization. Centers of Islamic learning in India have made a seminal contribution to Islamic and Arabic studies. Our 160 million Muslims are contributing to our nation building efforts and have excelled in all walks of life. We are proud of our composite culture and of our tradition of different faiths and communities living together in harmony.

The foundations of our relations in the modern era were laid during the visit of late King Saud bin Abdulaziz to India in 1955 and Prime Minister Pandit Jawahrlal Nehru's visit to the  Kingdom in 1956. These foundations were strengthened by the visit of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Saudi Arabia in 1982. The tone of our relations in the 21st century was set by the landmark visit to India of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in January 2006. The King's participation as the chief guest at our Republic Day celebrations was a matter of deep honor for the people of India. The Delhi Declaration that I signed with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques enshrines our shared vision for a new relationship. Our two countries pledged to work not just for the development and prosperity of our peoples but for the security and peace of the region as a whole.

My dialogue with the King yesterday and my meetings with the other distinguished leaders of this great country have led to the reaffirmation of our close ties and our common interests. 

We have agreed to impart a strategic character to our relations, and have put in place a roadmap for bilateral economic, political and security related cooperation that will constitute the core of our relationship in the coming years. India is in the midst of rapid socio-economic transformation. Over the last five years, our economy has grown at an average annual rate of 9 percent. Despite the global economic slowdown, we hope to achieve a growth rate of about 7.5 percent in the current financial year. In the next 25 years, we aspire to have growth rates of between 9 to 10 percent annually. This will enable us to lift millions of people of poverty and transform India into one of the largest economies of the world. India looks to the future with confidence and hope.

Saudi Arabia is itself witnessing remarkable progress as the vision of its leaders to modernize and diversify its economy becomes a reality. There is vast potential for cooperation between our two countries based on our inherent strength and complementarities. We seek Saudi investment in a range of sectors from infrastructure and manufacturing to services and hospitality sectors. Equally, Indian industry is ready to take advantage of many opportunities that are opening up in IT, banking, telecommunications, pharmaceutical and hydrocarbon sectors in Saudi Arabia.  The Kingdom is one of India's major trading partners. Our bilateral trade has registered unprecedented growth in recent years and stood at over 25 billion US dollars in 2008-2009. We are looking at ways and means of expanding our traditionally strong collaboration in the energy sector.

Saudi Arabia is home to the largest Indian community abroad numbering about 1.8 million. Indian workers and professionals have participated in the extraordinary development of this region. Indeed, it would be difficult to identify a major project in this region with which Indians have not been involved in some way or the other. As many as 165,000 Indian pilgrims perform Hajj annually. This is the second largest group from any single country. A similar number perform Umrah annually. We are grateful for the warm welcome that the Kingdom has given to the Indian community and to our pilgrims.

 

'We have noted the high priority given to the development of human resources in the future development of Saudi Arabia. We would like to see more contacts among our parliamentarians, scholars, scientists, and students to renew the intellectual bonds between India and West Asia. In addition to these areas of cooperation, there is a scope for considerable expansion of our interactions in the political, defense and security spheres. West Asia is a vital part of India's extended neighborhood. We have deep and intricate ties with Gulf countries. We have a high stake in the peace and stability of the region. Neither the countries of the region nor the world can afford fresh turmoil. We sincerely hope that wisdom will prevail and that in the resolution of conflicts and differences, dialogue will triumph over confrontation. 

There is no issue more important for peace and stability in the region than the question of Palestine. For far too long the brave people of Palestine have been denied their just, legitimate and inalienable rights, including most of all, the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state. I wish to pay a special tribute for the King for the initiatives he has taken to bring about a just settlement. We applaud and support the Arab Peace Initiative. I take this opportunity for reiterating the principled, strong and consistent support of the government and people of Indian for the struggle of the Palestinian people. India has been making a contribution to the development of the Palestinian economy and its human resources and we will continue to do so. Both our countries are today threatened by extremism and violence. The pursuit of terror in the name of religion or any other cause or grievance cannot be acceptable to civilized societies. It has no sanction in any religion. History teaches us that the scourge of terrorism must be confronted with determination and united efforts. Nowhere is this challenge greater than in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan have suffered for far too long. They deserve an atmosphere of peace and the opportunity to pursue a life of dignity and hope. The government of Afghanistan needs the support of the international community in restoring peace and development in the country. 'The international community should support all sections of Afghan society who wish to work towards the emergence of Afghanistan as a modern, stable and sovereign nation. No sanctuary should be given to those who promote terror, violence or instability in the country. India wishes to live in peace and friendship with its neighbors. I believe that all countries of South Asia should work to realize a common vision of peace and inclusive development for the region.

We seek cooperative relations with Pakistan. Our objective is a permanent peace because we recognize that we are bound together by a shared future. If there is cooperation between India and Pakistan, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel, and development that will create prosperity in both countries and in South Asia as a whole. But to realize this vision, Pakistan must act decisively against terrorism. If Pakistan cooperates with India, there is no problem that we cannot solve and we can walk the extra mile to open a new chapter in relations between our two countries. We live in a world where the interests of peoples and countries are intertwined. As two countries representing old civilizations, India and Saudi Arabia should work together to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence among nations, religions and societies. We should work together as partners in shaping the global discourse on issues such as energy security, climate change and terrorism. We should cooperate to deal with regional challenges such as maritime security, piracy, narcotics, human trafficking and other non-traditional threats to security.

The Kingdom and the region are blessed with the benevolence and statesmanship of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Our two peoples are desirous of peace and goodwill,. Together, India and Saudi Arabia can become a potent moral force for a better world and for a more secure future for our children.

I thank you for your attention. 

Credits : Saudi Press Agency