DOHA: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Mahmoud, former chief justice of Qatar's Shariah courts, who was conferred with the India's prestigious civilian award Padmashree on Wednesday, was given a warm reception at the Doha International Airport on his arrival from New Delhi.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman was greeted by Indian embassy officials at the airport, led by the Minister (Political) Rajinder Bhagath.
"I was very delighted to be honoured with a prestigious civilian award by a country with which we have very cordial relations. Besides, this is an honour to my country as it is the first time in the history of India that a top civilian award is being given to a Qatari,'' said the Sheikh Abdul Rahman.
He also thanked Indian community for their support.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman received the Padmashree award from the President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Wednesday at a colourful function held at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi.
He was selected for the award for his efforts in helping the government of India to release three Indian hostages held in Iraq a few years ago.
The Indian embassy in Qatar and the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Doha had honoured Sheikh Abdul Rahman at a well attended ceremony at Doha Cinema recently, during a cultural pageantry organised to mark India's 57the Republic Day celebrations.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman, who had a distinguished career as a judge and chief justice at Qatar Shariah Court, was one of the few foreign dignitaries selected for this annual award.
Other foreigners who received the awards this year included educationist Dusan Zbavitel (Czech Republic) and Gregory Maximovich Bongrad-Levin (Russia).
© The Peninsula 2006
