CM inaugurates Karnataka NRI Forum-UAE; hails initiative of Kannadigas

[email protected] (Shodhan Prasad)
April 29, 2017

Dubai, Apr 29: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday officially inaugurated the newly formed official body for non-resident Kannadigas United Arab Emirates, ‘Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE’ at Indian Consulate Auditorium, Dubai.

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Dr Arathi Krishna, the Vice President of NRI Forum Govt. of Karnataka, along with the dignitaries from Karnataka and Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty the Honorary President of the Forum along with President elect Praveen Kumar Shetty were present during the official inauguration ceremony witnessed by various Karnataka based businessmen in UAE, Leaders of various Karnataka based Associations in UAE, 36 registered founder members of the newly formed Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE and other guests.

The programme started at around 3 pm with welcome note and briefing of the NRI Forum by Arathi Adiga who compered the cultural programme organised by Vishwanath Shetty and also read out the names of those sponsors. Welcome dance was performed by the students of Impact Talent Performing Arts Training Centre choreographed by Vidhushi Aruna Umamaheshwari. Later Klassical Rhythms presented a beautiful dance performance which was choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth. Followed was a dance performance by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi and another dance presented by Sankeerna which was choreographed by Vidhushi Sapna Kiran. All the dances were well appreciated by the whole audience in the auditorium.

It was around 4 pm Siddaramaiah along with the dignitaries arrived at the venue with grand salutation by live drum beats and horns by a professional group who led the procession of the dignitaries with traditional greetings by women groups who marched into the auditorium while all the Kannadigas inside gave a standing ovation welcoming the main guests of the evening. It was a day to be remembered in the history of UAE wherein a warm welcome in traditional Karnataka style was honoured for the official inauguration of ‘Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE’ a proud moment for all Kannadigas in UAE.

While the guests were seated the cultural programme continued with dance, performance presented by Impact Talent’s choreographed by Mehul Kumar followed by another dance presentation by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi. Later was a dance presented by Symphony Music Institute choreographed by Vidhushi Sujatha Sham and another dance presented by Klassical Rhythms choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth.

At around 5 pm was the inauguration function and Ganesh Rai took over the stage inviting the guests on to the stage for the official function. Dr. B. R. Shetty escorted Chief Minsiter Shri. Siddaramaiah on to the stage, Praveen Shetty escorted Indian Consul General HE Vipul while Prabhakar Ambalthare escorted Minister U.T. Khader and Dr. Kaup escorted Dr. Arathi Krishna on to the stage for the formal function.

The official inauguration started with UAE National Anthem while all the guests and audience stood with due respect followed by Indian National Anthem and Karnataka ‘Naada Geethe’ presented with traditional touch with background video display of Karnataka and live singing by women.

Soon Prabhakar Ambalthare, General Secretary of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE welcomed the guests and audience and briefed on the progamme. This was followed by traditional lighting of the lamp inaugurating the programme while ‘Hachevu Kannadadha Deepa’ was played on the background symbolizing the inauguration by the traditional lighting of the lamp.

With all the dignitaries on the stage the official launch of Karnataka NRI Forum UAE’s Logo launch was done in a professional way by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Founder President Praveen Kumar Shetty later welcomed the guests and rendered speech in true Kannada depicting the importance of the Forum. He briefed about the formation and said that eight months ago he was hearing a lot of grievances by Kannadigas specially in UAE who were not able to address their issues anywhere with the Government of India. Hence was always thinking of forming an NRI cell based on the success of similar organisation of the neighbouring state Kerala ( NORKA).

With assistance of former MLA H Srinivas he was successful in meeting the CM in several occasions which resulted in success in formation of Karnataka NRI Forum. He also said that the 36 board members of this cell are truly based with the district wise representation of whole of Karnataka irrespective of any caste creed or religion. While anticipating full support from all Kannadigas all over UAE he assured smooth and good functioning of the forum for any grievances and concerns of Kannadigas.

Followed was the oath taking process officially organized by the Forum with the lead by H.E. Vipul inviting the Team of NRI Forum, the Honorary President Dr. B.R. Shetty & the working President Praveen Kumar Shetty for the oath taking ceremony. This continued with the Vice Presidents, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Treasurer & Executive Members doing the honours respectively.

Honorary President Dr. B.R. Shetty spoke on the event and welcomed Indian Consulate General H.E. Vipul and Chief guest Honourable Shri. Siddaramaiah and expressed his happiness for the arrival of the chief minister for the first ever inauguration of Karnataka NRI Forum. He invited non resident Kannadigas to invest in friendly state Karnataka and said that he already invested in few ventures such as Jog Falls tourism development plus major hospital administration in Udupi and also dialysis centre in all hospitals throughout Karnataka. He also added that the Abu Dhabi Government is very keen in opening investments with Government of Karnataka.

Later Minister of Food, U.T. Khader promised full cooperation to the KNRI – UAE and said that his government will look into the grievances of all NRIs with due importance and in quick manner.

Siddaramaiah was felicitated with flower bouquet, fruit basket, Felicitation letter and Memento by KNRI Team. Followed was honour by various Karnataka based organisations in UAE who presented the Chief Minister with flower bouquet one by one.

Speaking after felicitation, Siddaramaiah said that he is very happy that Kannadigas in UAE in the leadership of Praveen Shetty has taken up this initiative in forming the first Karnataka NRI Forum in UAE. He said that any Kannadigas residing outside India should always remember that he is an Indian first and then Kannadiga.

He said “Wherever you live, however you live be a Kannadiga anytime. ( the quotation refers to the well known poet Kuvempu – Yelladuru iru, yenthadaru iru, yendendigu nee Kannada vagiru)”. He briefed that under his leadership Karnataka has become a complaint free state but also assured that any grievances of the citizens will always be his first preference to address.

Karnataka now has become No. 1 investment friendly state for Indians and also No. 2 as friendly investors state for foreign direct investments, he added.

Chief Minister proudly said that he had successfully completed all his 168 manifestos he had promised during his previous election campaign much before his governor’s period. He promised full cooperation and support with legal financial assistance to the newly formed Karnataka NRI Forum UAE and said that this forum should be an example for others to follow.

Main Sponsors of the event were later honored on the stage with shawl and mementos for their contribution. The programme ended with vote of thanks rendered by Sarvotham Shetty.

Also Read: Siddaramaiah invites NRI tycoons in UAE to invest in Karnataka

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News Network
January 10,2020

Davanagere, Jan 9: Residents of SVR colony of Channagiri Taluq here on Thursday built a temple in the memory of a male monkey, who died here 'unexpectedly'.

A group of monkeys entered the SVR colony around three months back. The monkeys have never disturbed anybody in the area and they used to play with children living in the colony.

Locals said that the monkeys are very obedient to them.

Unfortunately, one of the monkeys died suddenly on Wednesday, causing distress among people who were very fond of him.

Showing their love for the deceased monkey, locals performed his final rite according to Hindu tradition.

Later, the residents approached the president of the village Panchayat to allot funds to build a temple in the monkey's memory.

The construction of the temple has already begun in the area at the same place where the monkey's funeral was conducted.

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News Network
June 23,2020

Bengaluru, Jun 23: Karnataka Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar's wife and daughter have tested positive for COVID-19, a day after his father was confirmed to have been infected with the virus.

"Test results of our family members have come. Unfortunately, my wife and daughter have tested positive for #Covid19 and are undergoing treatment," the minister tweeted on Tuesday.

He said he and his two sons have tested negative.

Sudhakar's father P N Keshava Reddy tested positive for coronavirus on Monday. He was admitted to the hospital with a cough and fever.

Earlier, the domestic help of the minister had tested coronavirus positive and was admitted to a hospital.

In April, Sudhakar was quarantined along with three other ministers for coming in contact with a journalist who was coronavirus positive.

Karnataka reported 249 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths on Monday taking the total number of cases in the state to 9,399 and the death toll to 142.

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News Network
April 29,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 29: Indian women have always been the epitome of beauty, strength, and intelligence. Today, the success of Indian women across various walks of life has proven that they have earned this reputation.

One such dedicated social worker is Dr Sunitha Manjunath, the Founder of 'Sumanaa Foundation' of Sanjay Nagar in Bengaluru.

Sumanaa Foundation, based out of Sanjay Nagar in Bengaluru has been on the forefront to support people in distress due to COVID-19. 

The foundation under the leadership of its founder Dr Sunitha Manjunath procured a total of 20000 kgs of farm-fresh produce in four phases from farmers who are unable to sell it due to the COVID Lockdown and have distributed it across 6000 families across Bengaluru city.

"We have procured these vegetables after identifying farmers who are unable to sell their produce due to the challenges of lockdown.

This initiative not only supports the farmers by helping them get the right price for their produce, but also gives us an opportunity to get vegetables at a reasonable price by escaping all middlemen and commissions. We have identified 6000 poor families mainly around Bengaluru city who have not been able to earn their daily wages and given them coupons.

The foundation members identify genuine cases and give them coupons which can be redeemed in exchange of an essential vegetables kit," said Dr Sunitha Manjunath, the founder of Sumanaa Foundation.

These vegetables have been procured from Chikkaballapura, Doddaballapura, and surrounding villages and included vegetables like onions, tomatoes, capsicum, green chillies, beans, carrots, brinjal, potatoes, beetroots etc. These farmers got a fair price for their produce and were overjoyed to know that their harvest is being distributed free of cost to needy and deserving families.

Sumanaa Foundation has been actively supporting the city administration in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. In the recent weeks the foundation has distributed sanitisers and masks to BBMP Pourakarmikas.

The foundation also cooked food for over 400 people each day. This food was handed over to the city administration, which further distributed this to the police department and other staff working across government departments during these testing times.

Dr Sunitha, an engineer by qualification, had enjoyed a high-flying corporate career with BOSCH. She was offered a global role, which she turned down to setup her NGO, 'Sumanaa Foundation' and to serve the needy in and around her locality. Over the past seven years, the NGO with 70 members has done a wide range of activities to support the poor and needy in Bengaluru.

The core team of Sumanaa Foundation works under the leadership of its president Dr Sunitha Manjunath and includes young and energetic individuals like Manjunath K, Prakash K, Vidya Prakash, Sindu Gowda, Byregowda, Nishita Arjun, Arjun Varadaraj and Manoj Kumar
'Meal of Humanity' is a notable initiative of Dr Sunitha Manjunath and her team. Under this program, over 300 poor people are served mid-day meals every day. 

This is currently a self-sustained program with no external funding. Dr Sunitha Manjunath, her family members, and friends contribute their hard-earned money to bring smiles to hundreds of migrant workers and daily wage laborers.

'Wall of Humanity' is another unique concept implemented by Sumanaa Foundation. People can leave used or unnecessary daily use products like clothes, toys, groceries, etc at a designated area. This can be picked by anyone in need of these items. This self-helping model has touched the lives of hundreds of people in and around the area of Sanjay Nagar.

Regular blood donation camps, eye checkups, scholarship for students, tailoring machine distribution, environmental initiatives, Swacch Bharath programs, wall painting across the roadside are just a few among the hundreds of activities undertaken by Sumanaa Foundation regularly under the leadership of Dr Sunitha Manjunath and her team of friends.

"A life without an aim is worthless and so is a death without achievement. The aim of my life is to touch the lives of the hundreds of people who are not as privileged as you and me. I'd like to thank my husband Manjunath, my In-Laws and my friends from Sumanaa Foundation who work tirelessly alongside me across all our initiatives," said an elated Dr Sunitha Manjuanth on receiving the 'ET Power Icons' award for Excellence in Social Service and Public Initiatives.

Dr Sunitha Manjunath has also been awarded the prestigious 'Kempegowda Award' and many more such awards for her contribution to the society.

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