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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
March 4,2020

Mangaluru, Mar 4: Fifteen Iranian fishermen, arrested for illegally entering Indian waters, were shifted from Mangaluru to Central Prison Bengaluru at Parappana Agrahara recently.

 On October 21, coast guard officials intercepted two fishing vessels near Gayathri island, about 168 nautical miles off Mangaluru Coast and took into custody 15 crew members after they failed to produce necessary documents.

While one of the boats capsized after developing a technical snag, the other boat was brought to Mangalore Port.

On the basis of a written complaint lodged by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Deputy Commandant Kuldeep Sharma, Karnataka State Coastal Security Police (KSCP) station in Mangaluru filed case against the 15 Iranian fishermen under Maritime Zone of Indian Act 1981.

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News Network
April 10,2020

The Indian government has advised expats in the UAE and the Gulf against travel till flight curbs to their home country are lifted. This follows the clamour from some quarters for special repatriation flights to India.

A senior Indian External Affairs Ministry (foreign ministry) official said Indian citizens are safe in the countries they reside in. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to leaders of Gulf countries who assured him of their welfare, the Indian foreign ministry said. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan,, according to a Malayalam news report, also ruled out special flights.

Responding to a question from Khaleej Times on blue-collar workers' angst following job losses, Vikas Swarup, Secretary West in the foreign ministry said, "Insofar as repatriation is concerned, as you are aware, government has advised against all travel, and Indians have been told to stay where they are, As and when the (21-day) lockdown is lifted, and normal civil aviation resumes, Indians wishing to come back will be able to do so."

According to the latest data from the Indian foreign affairs ministry, there are 1,400 cases of Covid-19 infections among Indian expats in the Gulf region.

Swarup said infected Indians are being treated and kept in isolation in the UAE and Gulf. "Our missions have established contact with all the community leaders and the situation is under control," he said.

Cargo flights operating as usual  

Cargo flights carrying fruits and vegetables from India to the Gulf have not been disrupted and would continue as usual, the diplomat said. "We are also helping with medicines based on the requests of Gulf countries," he said.

Eight million India expats live in the Gulf, including close to three million in the UAE. They account for more than 60 per cent of remittances to their home country.

India's long lockdown of 21 says ends next Tuesday. Indications are that it could be extended. Some states like Orissa have already stretched it till the end of the month and others are expected to follow suit.

The government believes that the disease is now concentrated in 75 districts, and the focus should be on these areas to manage and contain the virus.

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News Network
May 27,2020

In a development which highlights the diversity in the United Kingdom’s legal system, a 40-year-old Muslim woman has become the first hijab-wearing judge in the country.

Raffia Arshad, a barrister, was appointed a deputy district judge on the Midlands circuit last week after 17-year career in law.  

She said her promotion was great news for diversity in the world’s most respected legal system. She hopes to be an inspiration to young Muslims.

Ms Arshad, who grew up in Yorkshire, north England, has wanted to work in law since she was 11.

Ms Arshad said the judicial office was looking to promote diversity, but when they appointed her they did not know that she wore the hijab.

‘It’s definitely bigger than me,” she told Metro newspaper. "I know this is not about me.

"It’s important for all women, not just Muslim women, but it is particularly important for Muslim women."

Ms Arshad, a mother of three, has been practising private law dealing with children, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other cases involving Islamic law for the past 17 years.

She was the first in her family to go to university and has also written a leading text on Islamic family law.

Although the promotion by the Lord Chief Justice was welcome news for her, Ms Arshad said the happiness from other people sharing the news was “far greater”.

“I’ve had so many emails from people, men and women," she said.

"It’s the ones from women that stand out, saying that they wear a hijab and thought they wouldn’t even be able to become a barrister, let alone a judge."

Ms Arshad is regularly the subject of discrimination in the courtroom because of her choice to wear the hijab.

She is sometimes mistaken for a court worker or a client.

Ms Arshad said that recently she was asked by an usher whether she was a client, an interpreter, and even if she were on work experience.

“I have nothing against the usher who said that but it reflects that as a society, even for somebody who works in the courts, there is still this prejudicial view that professionals at the top end don’t look like me,” she said.

A family member once advised her to not wear a hijab at an interview for a scholarship at the Inns of Court School of Law in 2001, warning that it would affect her chances of landing the role.

“I decided that I was going to wear my headscarf because for me it’s so important to accept the person for who they are," Ms Arshad said.

"And if I had to become a different person to pursue my profession, it’s not something I wanted.”

The joint heads of St Mary’s Family Law Chambers said they were “delighted” to hear the news of her appointment.

“Raffia has led the way for Muslim women to succeed in the law and at the bar, and has worked tirelessly to promote equality and diversity in the profession,” Vickie Hodges and Judy Claxton said.

“It is an appointment richly deserved and entirely on merit, and all at St Mary’s are proud of her and wish her every success.”

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