By Mohammed Saifuddin
Riyadh: The Bazm Urdu Toastmasters Club celebrated its milestone 200th meeting with a special evening of speeches and ghazals, highlighting its 12-year journey of promoting Urdu language, literature, communication, leadership and public speaking.
Speaking as the chief guest, Engineer Muhammad Abdul Naeem, Founder and Chairman of Masah Specialized Construction Company, emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged at all stages of life. “There is no age limit for retirement. We must remain busy and productive until our last breath,” he said. He expessed concern about the common trend of getting retired and becoming lazy after the age of 60 years. We need to change our mindset. He praised the dedication and commitment of the club’s members who have kept the spirit of Urdu alive through consistent efforts. He urged the youth to benefit from the club’s platform to enhance their communication, leadership, and public speaking skills.
Guest of Honor Dr. Muhammad Idris Saleem, CEO of Shifa Medical Services Company, noted that such cultural and literary activities provide peace of mind and joy, especially for expatriates balancing professional pressures, away from their homes.
DTM Georgio Krompas, Director of Toastmasters Division A, applauded the club for its achievements. “Running a non-English club is a challenge in itself, and sustaining it for 12 years with 200 meetings is indeed a remarkable success,” he said and extending congratulations on behalf of the Area, Division, and District leadership.
Architect Abdul Rehman Saleem, Founder President of Bazm Urdu Toastmasters Club, recalled that Hindustani Bazm Urdu was originally established in 1990 to strengthen Urdu among schoolchildren through competitions in speech, essay writing, and poetry reciting. Inspired by the global Toastmasters movement, when non English clubs started flourishing, the Urdu club was launched to build self-confidence and communication skills within the Urdu-speaking community. He encouraged audience to involve youth in the club’s activities.
Club out going President Syed Atiq Ahmed (2024–2025) presented a performance report, highlighting the club’s initiatives to promote Urdu language and literature. The newly elected President for 2025–2026, Muhammad Abdul Quddus Javed, in his acceptance speech, pledged to continue the club’s mission with renewed energy and take it to greater heights.
During the event, mementos were presented to members for their contributions, with DTM Engineer Muhammad Mubeen and Muhammad Saifuddin conducting the awards session.
To mark the occasion, a ghazal night was also organized, featuring Riyadh-based renowned singer Ashok Kumar, accompanied by Biju Athap (tabla), Sobin Lal (harmonium) and Achhu (keyboard). The musicians were honored with shawls in recognition of their performances.
The program was conducted gracefully by Mirza Furqana Fatima, Vice President Public Relations. The evening began with opening remarks and Quran recitation by Sergeant at Arms Syed Abdul Hamid while Muhammad Farooquddin delivered vote of thanks.
The ceremony also included the formal introduction of the following newly elected office bearers for 2025–2026:
Sergeant at Arms: Syed Abdul Hamid
Secretary: Syed Atiq Ahmed
Treasurer: Muhammad Mubeen
Vice President Public Relations: Mirza Furqana Fatima
Vice President Education: Muhammad Saifuddin
The evening concluded with felicitations of the guests and cultural performances, leaving the audience inspired and entertained.
