Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The students of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) in collaboration with Abeer Medical Group, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East owning and operating a chain of medical centers and hospitals, entered the Guinness Book of World Records by forming the world’s largest human mosaic on Tuesday.

The students formed the largest mosaic that reflected the logos of World Diabetes Day, Saudi Vision 2030 and Abeer Medical Group besides the world map.

“The adjudicator for Guinness World Records Hoda Khachab declared that it officially set the World Record for the largest human mosaic with 4,500 students,” Abeer Group said.

Khachab had come from Dubai to adjudicate the attempt. It surpassed the current record, which was set in April 2015 by Iraq’s community police in Baghdad. The picture mosaic of Iraq’s national flag was formed by the 4,200 officers of Bagdad.

The World Diabetes Day falls on Nov. 14, which coincides with the birth anniversary of first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and is marked as Children’s Day in India.

An elated Abeer Group President Alungal Mohammed, speaking soon after the record attempt, called the students the real winners.

“Whether you win the record or not, you have already won with your effort to raise awareness. You are the real winners of today. I thank the school committee and you’ll for participating,” he said while announcing Abeer’s sponsorship of ten needy students of IISJ.

Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh was the chief patron besides veteran journalist and towering media personality Khaled Almaeena, managing partner, Quartz Communications, Abeer Group’s Alungal, Chairman of Managing Committee of IISJ, Mohammed Asif Daudi and others attended.

All were of the view that the biggest takeaway from the event was the boost for awareness of the disease on World Diabetes Day.

Consul General Noor said the students learned to be teachers, by becoming a willing participant in spreading awareness. “It is very nice to see the efforts made by the students, about 4,500 is no small number, guided by the school, Abeer Medical, volunteers and community members. “It is a celebration and a creative message to carry. The very fact that they (students) were part of the attempt at the record itself is an achievement. My congratulations to the Abeer Group, all the students of IISJ who participated, the school managing committee and the staff and everyone who witnessed this very wonderful event,” he said.

In his assessment of the day, Almaeena lauded Abeer Group for taking the initiative and succeeding. He said, “I think Abeer is a forerunner in helping the community and living up to its corporate social responsibility. It is a matter of pride for local people in Jeddah that a company from India comes and plays a big role in societal development and creating awareness amongst all, and the Indian school, a mainstay for education with such an alumni spread all over the world, was the venue for this record. I hope the message goes out, involving people, especially people from abroad, is a great thing for the country.”

Uzma Siddiqui, vice president investments, Abeer Group, termed the effort as fantastic. “I think this is a fantastic event because it really showed the spirit of the school and the community and the involvement of Abeer in such an event really put emphasis and prominence on World Diabetes Day. As we know diabetes is a problem, which is increasing, particularly in this region and Saudi Arabia. So publicity and awareness this event will create will be fantastic and it will be wonderful to see all these children really enthusiastic and lively, and it was great.

While Deputy Consul General and IISJ Observer Mohammad Shahid Alam was all praise for the students and staff for their successful effort. He said, “The Indian students are always well connected in health and global issues, so when we got this opportunity to raise awareness and at the same time to make an official attempt at the world record, they confidently stepped forward to do it.

“The primary objective of raising awareness on World Diabetes Day has been fulfilled, and as the school observer I feel proud that the students have done really well.”

Abeer Medical Group, a leading health care provider, attempt of mass gathering on World Diabetes Day on Tuesday is another example for Abeer’s commitment towards the community in health awareness.

The largest mosaic was the brainchild of Dr. Jemshit Ahmed, vice president for strategic planning of Abeer Medical Group.

“We have begun a new chapter in health awareness,” said Daudi. “It is a great achievement for our students. It is probably a once in life time experience for them,” he said.

He hailed the decision of Abeer Group to sponsor the school fee for 10 poor students and also free health check for all participant students in the event.

Syed Masood Ahmed, principal - IISJ, Noufal Palakkoth, headmaster – IISJ, and the management representatives and teachers of IISJ were part of the world record event.

Through this initiative, Abeer aims at joining hands with the ethos of the celebrated Saudi Vision 2030 for the national growth and transformation. The health challenges currently faced by the Kingdom relate to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, smoking etc.

“Abeer will conduct a wide range of awareness programs on the subject of ‘how to prevent diabetes’ in its healthcare facilities and the educational institutions in the region. On making significant interventions in the youth and student groups, we can save the future generations from the health disorders arising from diabetes,” Alungal said.

Alungal, when asked about the record, stated, “This is going to be a major fillip for awareness for diabetes. If we could create awareness through this program and programs like this we have succeeded. Of course these children will take with them tomorrow the message and through them we want this message to reach the whole community and society. — With input from Irfan Mohammed