Education Consulting and Guidance Services, a Jeddah-based professional consulting body for education services in Saudi Arabia, partnered with Indira Gandhi National Open University, the world’s largest open university, two decades ago. On Feb. 18, ECGS celebrated its 20th anniversary with team members, the alumni of IGNOU, community leaders and a number of ECGS well-wishers.
Deepak Yadav, one of the consuls at the Indian Consulate, attended the event as chief guest. “Twenty glorious years of successful and prosperous partnership between ECGS and IGNOU is a milestone,” said Yadav. “It serves as an acknowledgment for the achievements, successes and efforts put forth by everyone involved in this joint venture.”
Indian Hajj Consul Mohammed Hashim said that the passion for ECGS to create a learning environment and encourage students to reach their fullest potential was highly commendable. He praised the efforts of ECGS General Manager Riaz Mulla in popularizing and promoting education, especially among the Indian diaspora.
Mulla welcomed the guests and said that ECGS took pride in accelerating and disseminating learning and knowledge by diverse means. He reiterated that ECGS and IGNOU have continuously strived to build a knowledge-based society through inclusive distance learning education.
In order to extend thanks and gratitude to all who have contributed to this inspiring journey over the past two decades, an audio-video presentation was broadcast at the event.
A few prominent alumni speakers of ECGS-IGNOU spoke on the occasion. Among those who shared their views were Ozma Siddiqui, Faridul Alam, Hassan Cheruppa, Huma Jabeen and Sabitha Raheem. They were each given certificates of appreciation.
Prominent community leader Siraj Mohideen praised ECGS. “It has created a legacy that would last for generations,” he said.
Other guest speakers who echoed those views included Ram Narayan Iyer, Siraj Mohideen, Mohammed Hyder and Arif Quraishi.
ECGS Chairman Mohammed Al-Nefaie thanked the community for supporting the activities of ECGS. He said he would continue to work in the sector of education.
Dr. Shahnaz Patel, center head at ECGS, and Mehad Ahmad, student coordinator at ECGS, were recognized for their excellent efforts and services.
The former president of the IISJ Alumni Association Asim Zeeshan was the master of ceremonies, who skillfully kept the audience entertained, while Ahmad proposed a vote of thanks.
