By Special Correspondent

Chicago : Well-known socio -educational organization of Indian-origin Muslims, the American Federation of Muslims of India (AFMI) conferred the AFMI Excellence Award to Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed for his  outstanding contributions in several fields including the promotion of Urdu language.

The AFMI’s highest award was presented to Dr. Sayeed at a prestigious ceremony held at a convention center in Chicago which is known as mini Hyedrbad.

Envoy Dr. Sayeed, who holds a PhD in Geology is currently in U.S. to celebrate  his son’s wedding. He was felicitated by the Indian diaspora for his contributions in bridging ties between India and USA during his stint as the Consul General in Chicago.

Thanking for this honour, Dr. Sayeed said that he was trying to further strengthen and widen the ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Former AFMI president and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Khutbuddin and AFMI trustee Dr Tajuddin presented the award to Dr Sayeed in a gathering of eminent Americans of Indian origin in Chicago.

In his speech, Dr Khutbuddin was all praise of Dr. Sayeed for his outstanding contributions in various fields.

Describing Dr. Sayeed as the ambassador of Urdu, and the Indian civilization and the model and epitome of Hyderabadi Tehzeeb and Aqdar( culture and values), Dr. Khutbuddin said  whenever he went to  serve, he never forget serving the cause of Urdu. He expressed the hope that the community will take inspiration from Dr Sayeed’s achievements and works.

Noted oncologist Dr. Tajammul Hussain presented a vote of thanks while AFMI Trustee Dr. Tajuddin Ahmed welcomed Dr. Sayeed and other guests.

Mohammed Akram, Syed Ashfaq Hussain and the ambassador’s wife Farha Sayeed, who is a well known artist, were also present on this occasion.

AFMI  is a non-profit formed by American Muslims of Indian Origin in the year 1989. It strives to improve the socio-economic status of the underprivileged Indian Muslims through education. Since it was founded, AFMI remained steadfast in its mission to achieve 100% literacy amongst Indian Muslims. Towards this goal AFMI has built schools in many Indian villages and has adopted many schools, with students numbering in several hundred thousand. For motivation to excel in education AFMI has awarded over 1,300 gold, silver, bronze medals (Over 2000 medals distributed so far) and certificates to meritorious students of X and XII of each state of India.

It also intends to serve as a bridge between Indian intellectual, public officials and business people and Indian Americans.

Because of Covid-19 pandemic, AFMI did not hold this year’s annual conference in India.