Riyadh: Expatriates’ role is vital – Arab News Editor at ‘Hum Hindustani’
By Faheem Jawaid - (Riyadh)
Riyadh, Mar 26: “If you do not thank people you do not thank God. This country would not have ever been the way it is now, minus the vital contribution of expatriates.” asserted, Khaled A. Al Maeena, Editor in Chief, Arab News, the Chief Guest of Grand Farewell Event; hosted by “Hum Hindustani” and “OUOBNA”, showcasing Javid Hassan’s 27 dedicated years of services and achievements in the domain of journalism with Arab News (The largest English-language Newspaper in the Middle East), at Sholay Banquet Hall, on Monday, 24th March 2008, at Riyadh.
While speaking about Javid Hassan, he said, “English-language journalism took a big leap in this country, because of people like Javid Hassan. It was a matter of great pride to be associated with him for so many years. He was my colleague, guide, advisor and teacher.”
Javid Hassan belongs to Hyderabad and obtained Bachelor of Science and Degree in Journalism from Osmania University. He was associated as Sub-Editor, with Free Press Journal, Indian Express, Times of India, and worked for three years as Editor-cum-Publicity Officer for Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. He has settled permanently in Bangalore.
During his tenure with Arab News, Javid Hassan covered the visit of former US President Bill Clinton to Saudi Arabia, and interviewed former US President Jimmy Carter during his visit to Riyadh for talks with late King Fahd. He covered OPEC conference held in December 2007.
Javid Hassan conducted interviews with diplomats, senior government officials and leading businesspersons on various aspects of bilateral relations and the Saudi economy. He visited 27 countries in Southeast Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, Turkey, Australia, the UK and the US.
After having worked for 27 long years with Arab News as Senior Reporter and Bureau Chief of Riyadh, he resolved to quit and start afresh in his home country, India.
Khaled A. Al Maeena, Editor in Chief, Arab News, urged Javid Hassan to write a book on Arab News, with special emphasis on the role that the newspaper has played in the history and development of Saudi Arabia. According to Javid Hassan, this project is expected to last for six months.
Shah G. Subhani, General Secretary, OUOBNA (Osmania University Old Boys NRIs Association) convened the event, and gave a brief prologue of Javid Hassan’s academics and career. Mohammed Niaz Ahmed Khan, Chairman, OUOBNA welcomed the gathering.
K.N. Wasif, photographer, reporter, columnist and a close friend of Javid Hassan read an article “Zinda-e-Javid”, highlighting Javid Hassan’s personal habits, mannerisms, qualities, areas of expertise and talents humorously, amidst several rounds of applause.
Mohammed Quaiser, President, Hum Hindustani (an active organization that works for the NRIs' welfare) in his speech, while appreciating Javid Hassan’s reporting technique and elegance, affirmed that the latter’s reports were equally popular and admirable among the professionals and the common readers.
Raid S. Qusti, journalist, Arab News said, “Days, weeks, and months would not be sufficient to put across to determine and appreciate Javid Hassan as a human-being, an individual and as a professional. His devotion, hard work, sincerity, loyalty, guidance, and support know no bounds. I found him the person who finds peace in WORK. He definitely has enlightened our lives, and set examples for the generations to come”.
Nasser Al Salti, Corporate Communication Manager, ANB said, “Javid Hassan did not know me but I knew him well through Front Page of Arab News. He has indirectly been a source of inspiration to me”.
Javid Hassan in his speech said, “My departure from the Kingdom comes at a critical juncture in its history. The country is marching ahead in the midst of various challenges. On the domestic scene, the most pressing issue is Saudization of the work force. In the economic field, it is the challenge of attracting overseas investment despite competition from other Gulf States. Then, there are security concerns, women’s issues, human rights, educational and economic reforms, the impact of satellite TV on the Saudi youth, and last but not the least, the Kingdom’s accession to the WTO. These are just a few of the many issues that I shall be discussing in the proposed book on Arab News.” He emphasized on importance of acquiring media literacy and said, “Media literacy is the best way forward in heightening your sense of perception. No matter what profession you belong to, you can benefit from media education.” Further, he told that media literacy programs could play a strong motivational role in a society, and he believed that the starting point of this exercise is to making media literacy part of the school curriculum. He added, “In Canada, it is required for high school graduation, and it is embedded in the language arts program”.
Rajeev Shahare, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, said, “It is an occasion of pride and honor to preside over the Farewell Event, of a person, of such a stature. It is delightful to know and hear about Javid Hassan’s humanity, and work life. I saw in him a thorough gentleman and a thorough professional.” He advised the entire Indian community to work here as if they are working in their own country and participate abundantly in the development of this country.
The event saw an eclectic mix of people from several spheres of Indian community. In addition, officials and representatives of Indian National Forum, Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association, BISWAS, Jamia Millia Islamia Old Boys Association, India Forum, Muslim Educational Society, Hira Educational Society, Keralite Muslim Congress, Deccan Cultural Association and IISR Managing Committee were present to grace and favor the event.
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