NCAIA Honors Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in Chicago
National Council of Asian Indian Associations [NCAIA] hosted a rousing reception in honor of visiting Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed that attracted a host of Chicago's leading community stalwarts on Sunday September 12, 2021 at Schaumburg India Banquets in Schaumburg, Illinois. The honoring reception was hosted by principal hosts: Harish Kolasani, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Sunil Shah, Ajeet Singh & Vinesh Virani. Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed earlier served as the Consul General of India in Chicago from 2013-2017.
Prominent community figures paid rich glowing tributes to Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed for his distinguished diplomatic career spanning over three decades and applauded the history of significant accomplishments and reforms he ushered at each diplomatic assignment. Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was eulogized for his role as a Consul General of India in Chicago serving the Midwest America with remarkable distinction and has worked with the Indian diaspora to build formidable ties with India. More importantly, Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed assimilated with the community and business leaders and forged bonding to foster and strengthen business, economic, cultural ties with India. He was praised for hosting major Yoga event and Kala Utsav programs annually to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India in Illinois.
National President of NCAIA Harish Kolasani welcomed the guests and said Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed has left with indelible bonds of friendship with the Chicago's Indian American community - such that it was imperative not to miss the opportunity to honor him and have a meaningful interaction with the community stalwarts on issues of the diaspora. Harish Kolasani described Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed as a endearing friend of the Indian American community. Harish Kolasani also praised Farha Sayeed for her extraordinary Egg artistry that elicited applause and acknowledged her with a flower bouquet.
Prominent Physician and community figure Dr. Bharat Barai expressed his appreciation and praise for the Ambassador for his fervency and passion in promoting India at all levels. Other speakers who expressed glowing accolades include: Dr. Suresh Reddy, Trustee of Oakbrook; Dr. Vemuri Murthy of Chicago Medical Society, Dr. Jampala Chowdary, FIA's Founder President Sunil Shah; Ajeet Singh, President of Indian American Business Council; Sunny Kulathakal, Global GOPIO President; Vinesh Virani, Art of Living; Paresh Patel of BAPS; Raees Yawar, President Board of Commissioners, Streamwood, IL; Ms. Vasavi Chakka, Naperville Commissioner. Amar Upadadhay, Rohit Joshi presented flower bouquet/shawl, Sunny Following the remarks, Community Figure Iftekhar Shareef formally introduced Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Mrs. Farha Sayeed for her artful Egg exhibition.
Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in his remarks exhaustively laid out the emerging robust strategic partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed said India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. Ambassador said the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947 was followed by high-level visits from both sides. Last year marked the start of a new era in bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, with two very successful high-level visits. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India in February, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Saudi Arabia in October. Thus, there is a greater momentum for the evolution of this relationship, added Ambassador.
Giving historical overview, Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed said The Saudi Arabia's friendship with India is ancient, tracing its roots to third millennium BC. It has been further enriched by the movement of people and ideas, in both directions, leaving an indelible mark upon our cultures and civilizations. Trust, mutual understanding, goodwill and respect for each other's interests have nurtured our relations for centuries, but in the last decade, our ties have witnessed an important transformation, said Ambassador.
Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed said the Indian Community in Saudi Arabia is largest expatriate community with nearly 3 million strong Indians living there and are highly respected due to its sense of discipline, law-abiding nature and added that Haj pilgrimage is another important component of growing bilateral relations.
Keerthi Kumar Ravoori serving as the presiding emcee for the event said Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed is a distinguished diplomat who fervently and most passionately represented the people and the interests of India wherever he was posted overseas. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori said Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed at heart is uncompromising in his devotion, fiercely loyal in his commitment and unwavering in his determination to promote India. Satish Ambati owner of Schaumburg India Banquet proposed a vote of thanks.
Several organizational leaders were present including Sunny Kulathakal, GOPIO President, Uma Katiki, TANA Women's Coordinator, Vandana Jhingan, Jigar Shah, Laddi Singh, Sanjay Shah, Jitendra JD, Krishna Rangaraju, Ravi Harsoor, Mir Ali, Dr. Afroz, Alli Dhanraj,Mohd Ali, Khurram Sayeed,Gulbachan Kaur,Dhitu Bhagvakar and Chris were present to acknowledge the Ambassador.