He is just not an Indian Ambassador but an ambassador of Indian culture and heritage. During his numerous postings abroad he is at his tireless best in promoting the rich customs and traditions of India. That's Ausaf Sayeed for you.
A career diplomat of 1989 batch, Dr. Sayeed is currently the Indian emissary in Yemen. And true to his nature he has brought cheer to this trouble torn country.
A scintillating performance given by a Rajasthani folk cultural troupe in Sana, Taiz and Aden on India's Republic Day last year came as a welcome relief. Two special exhibitions organised in Sana to mark the 150 birth anniversary of Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore were also a big draw.
During his earlier stints in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Sayeed helped organise many a ‘mushaira' and humour sessions. No wonder the Indian Diaspora looks up to him fondly.
The other day when Dr. Sayeed flew down to Hyderabad, his house in Masab Tank was flooded with visitors. The Yemeni community here made a beeline with their own problems. Humble to a fault, Dr. Sayeed gave a patient hearing to everyone at the cost of his own kith and kin.
Love for Urdu language and literature runs in his veins. Dr. Sayeed has rich literary credentials with his father, Awaz Sayeed, being a Urdu short story writer, and uncle Mughani Tabassum, an eminent poet and critic. The latter died recently and Dr. Sayeed was in town to attend the funeral.
“Bollywood style programmes are very popular in Yemen. People are particularly crazy about Shahrukh Khan”, says Dr. Sayeed. In fact next year he plans to organise an Indian film festival in Yemen as part of the 100 anniversary of Indian cinema.
Arab connections
Interestingly Dr. Sayeed has Arab connections. His paternal grandfather served under the Sultan of Al Mukalla in Hadramaut of southern Yemen before migrating to Hyderabad. His wife, Farha Sayeed, has a passion for egg decoration and silk painting. She has made a name for herself through artistic decorations on eggshells.
Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Sayeed has authored a book on “Indian art and culture” in Yemen. He is now busy writing another book on “Haj – an Indian experience through the ages”. As Consul General of India in Jeddah, he did his bit in improving Haj management.
