JEDDAH — The Indian Pilgrim Welfare Forum (IPWF) this week organized an interactive virtual event with the Indian community to commemorate the 74th Independence Day of India. The event was made memorable by the power-backed patriotic performance by the young Indian talent. Y. Sabir, acting consul general of India, consul Hajj and director IPWF, addressed the community on the occasion. Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF) functions as a non-governmental, non-profitable organization under the patronage of Consulate General of India, Jeddah. The event started with a recitation of few verses of the Holy Qur"an by Farhan Abdur Rab (Treasurer-IPWF). In his welcome address, Md. Ayyub Hakeem, IPWF president, said: "Independence Day is both an occasion to celebrate and to remember the sacrifices of our thousands of freedom fighters who fought the British gallantly and gave us the valuable gift of freedom." Master Kabir Der Paul, aged 8 years, recited a patriotic poem by Rabindranath Tagore: "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, Where knowledge is free... Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls..." Nine-year-old Ms. Aaira Khan beautifully presented a patriotic poem by Dr. Prashant Bhatt. It emphasizes the need to preserve and nourish our independence: "India is my pride, I pledge my life to the nation, right when I was born. Come any situation, I’ll fight the raging storm..." Master Ibrahim Shakir Khan quoted "Dil say niklegi ab mar kar hi vatan ki ulfat, meri mitti se bhi khushbu-e-vafa-aa-gi... and recited Sir Allama Iqbal"s national song "Chishti ne jis zamin me paigaam-e-haq sunaayaa, Naanak ne jis chaman me vehadat ka geet gaayaa... meraa vatan vohi hai, meraa vatan vohi hai." Mohammed Sikander Ali mesmerized the audience with his melodious voice. He presented a patriotic song from his album "Piya Bina"... Maa Rang Tera Kartha Hai Kuch Ishara, Kehtha Ye Humse Tum Karna Ek Wada, Raho Tho Milkar Ek Jaisa, Kesar Shweth Haraa, Teen Rang Bharlo Dil Me Tum, Ek Nahi Sau Baar, Maa Rang Tera..." It was followed by a ghazal that thrilled everyone. Mohammed Yonus Azmi, Hajj news anchor of CGI Jeddah, shared an emotional nazm which he wrote for his mother. Titled "Maa" the poem touched the hearts of all the viewers... "Maa Kay Qadmo Tale Tu Dhundle Jannat Apni, Dar-Ba-Dar Dhundta Phirta Hai Zamane Main Kahan... Maa Ki Daulat Jo Milee Hai Tau Ganimat Jano, Ye Woh Daulat Hai Jo Duniya Kai Khazane Main Kahan..." Ather Shakeel, a well-known poet full of telent and energy, made the audience spellbound with his nazm titled "Mera Hindustan"... "Tu Hai Rashke Zamin, Tu Hai Rashke Jahan, Mera Hindustan, Mera Hindustan..." Mohammed Aziz Kidwai, advisor IPWF, and Laiqullah Khan, noted scholar and journalist, shared their wishes with the Indian community on the occasion. The program was meticulously anchored by Abdul Rahman Poyakkra, IPWF ExCom member. Syed Nasir Khurshid (general secretary), Mohammed Amin and Ghulam Khan (ExCom members), Mrs. Nusrat Khan, member, and women coordinators, Mrs. Noorus Sabah, Mrs. Farah Ayoob, and Mrs. Afreen Farhan actively assisted in the organization of the event. Fazal Mohammed, IPWF ExCom member, proposed a vote of thanks. He said: "Tirange may lipat kar kai badan aaj bhi aate hai, aise hi nahi dosto hum aazadi manate hain" Y. Sabir"s guidance, outstanding support and participation made this Independence Day celebration virtual event an special occasion which was a grand success.