RIYADH: Saudi citizens and expatriates living in the capital have always known what the city has to offer — and the world is quickly finding out, too.
Many celebrities who have visited Riyadh in recent years have talked about how special the people are, and how beautiful the Kingdom and its warm hospitality is.
The latest is Bollywood star Swara Bhaskar, who was in the capital as a guest of honor for the Sir Syed Day celebration organized by the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association, or AMUOBA Riyadh.
After the AMUOBA Riyadh celebration, Bhaskar toured some of the landmarks of the city, including At-Turaif District in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northwest of Riyadh.
Asked about her experience and the transformation in the Kingdom, the Bollywood star activist said: “I am happy to be here. I am here for the first time, thanks to AMUOBA Riyadh for inviting me. I am feeling good to see the transformation under Vision 2030. Let me just say first how beautiful this city is.”
Every year, AMU alumni across the world celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the university’s founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Born on Oct. 17, 1817, Sir Syed was a reformer, philosopher, theologian and educationist. He paved the way for modern scientific education for Indian Muslims at a time when a large part of the Muslim population was mired in old traditions and unable to compete in the era of emerging technologies.
The alumni carry forward the legacy of the reformer and every year on Oct. 17 celebrate Sir Syed Day.
On women’s empowerment, the Bollywood star said: “As we see anywhere in the world that women have equal participation in different walks of life, I can see the same here, and it really feels good. Staying here for two days, I have seen transformation and have been told how developments are taking place for women’s empowerment. So it feels good to be here at the moment and see the developments taking place.”
On the Global Harmony Initiative as part of the “Quality of Life” program in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 promoted by the Ministry of Media, she said: “Arab hospitality is well known, being here I have experienced it myself, though for a short time, but I am thinking of coming back on a long trip.”
Saudi Arabia launched the Global Harmony Initiative last week, aimed at celebrating the diverse nationalities and cultures of residents through exploring their lives, contributions and cultural integration.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Quality of Life government program, Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Media, will feature events during Riyadh Season showcasing the cuisines, cultures and heritage of India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh and Egypt.
Bhaskar said: “A big and heartfelt thanks to AMUOBA Riyadh for their kind and generous hospitality and care during our stay in Riyadh. Have heard of AMU hospitality, have experienced it now. Met so many wonderful ‘Aligs’ and their families.”
Speaking at the Sir Syed Day celebration earlier, she said: “I am happy that my daughter made her first trip to the holy land, from where Prophet Muhammad spread the message of Islam for peace and harmony.”
The celebration was also attended by veteran Indian journalist and consulting editor of ABP News, Sandeep Chaudhary.
Bhaskar is married to Fahad Ahmad, a student leader and social activist. She gave birth to their daughter, Raabiyaa, last year.
