JEDDAH – In a vibrant display of diaspora solidarity and civic pride, the Global Telangana Forum (GTF) hosted its much-anticipated Annual Gathering and Awards Ceremony at the Village Restaurant in Jeddah. The event brought together a distinguished assembly of scholars, community leaders, and volunteers to celebrate a year of significant social impact and cultural enrichment.
A Foundation of Faith and Values
The evening opened with a resonant recitation of the Holy Quran by Abu Bakar, Mohammed Abdul Haseeb, and Abdullah Abdul Majeed. The spiritual tone was further underscored by Sheikh Omar, who delivered a stirring address to the youth. He urged the next generation to remain anchored in Quranic teachings, emphasizing that moral integrity is the bedrock of community progress.
Expanding Footprints: A Vision for Service
GTF Founder and President Mohammed Jabbar provided an insightful retrospective on the organization’s growth. With thriving chapters now established in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, the GTF has become a vital lifeline for the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom.
“Our mission is 24/7 service,” Jabbar remarked, highlighting the forum’s collaboration with the Indian Embassy and Consulate. “From blood donation drives to repatriation support and Hajj volunteerism, the GTF is committed to being there when our community needs us most.”
Vice President Mohammed Layeeq and Veera Swamy further echoed these sentiments, stressing that the forum’s strength lies in its strategic partnerships and the tireless energy of its volunteer base.
Celebrating Achievement: From Quranic Arts to Civic Knowledge
A centerpiece of the gala was the recognition of young talent. The forum honored winners from two major 2026 initiatives:
- The Holy Quran Qirat Competition: Showcasing exceptional melodic recitation.
- The Republic Day Quiz Competition: Testing the civic and historical knowledge of over 200 participants across Saudi Arabia.
The ceremony also paid special tribute to the “unsung heroes” of the pilgrimage season. The Makkah Hajj Volunteers Team, led by Khaleeleelullah Siddique and Fazal Mohammed, received a standing ovation for coordinating over 150 volunteers who assisted pilgrims through the rigors of the Hajj.
Leadership and Acknowledgments
The event, seamlessly moderated by General Secretary Mohammed Imtiaz Shaikh, concluded with a vote of thanks from Hussain Shabbir. The leadership team—including Dr. Obaidullah Junaid, Dr. Abdul Matheen, and others—was lauded for their dedication to education and medical outreach.
Special Recognition was extended to:
- Sponsors: Asian Restaurant (Abdul Majeed) and IPDNA (Mohammed Akbar Khan).
- Media Support: Shaikh Aleem for his comprehensive visual documentation of the evening’s festivities.
As the night drew to a close over a formal dinner, the atmosphere was one of profound unity. The GTF has once again proven that while the Telangana diaspora may be far from home, their commitment to excellence and mutual support remains closer than ever.
