Jubail: Hundreds gathered at Ar-Razi Beach Camp in Jubail, the industrial city of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday evening with smiling faces to celebrate the launch of Mangalore-Dammam direct flight. Coastaldigest.com Gala organised to live the realisation of a long-standing dream of thousands of Indian expatriates scattered across the Kingdom, began with little children singing the Indian national anthem followed by the national anthem of the Kingdom
The highlight of the event was the presence of Udupi-Chikmagalur MP K Jayaprakash Hegde and Mangalore MLA U T Khader along with Coastaldigest.com chairman Muhammad Asif, the names which persuaded and worked for the realisation of this direct flight. Principal of International Indian School-Jubail Dr. Syed Hameed, Jubail Traffic Police Chief Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Muthairy, well known NRI industrialist Zakariya Bajpe were the other guests.
Representatives of a number of organizations from eastern province of the Kingdom, who had occupied their reserved tables, introduced their respective organizations during the event. Air India senior managers Sukumar Bangera and Prem V Devjee were also present.
Addressing the Gala, Jayaprakash Hegde said that it was not a favour that he had done by working for the direct flight but it was his duty as a parliamentarian.
However, while the Gala painted festive atmosphere, there was a sense of pain in the hearts of many due to the strict implementation of ‘Nitaqat’ law. Talking about current situation in Saudi Arabia in wake of ‘Nitaqat’ law implementation, he said that they had a meeting with Indian ambassador and discussed the issue. He hoped that some permanent solution would come soon on this issue.
Mr Hegde said that he and U T Khader coordinated with State Chief Secretary of Karnataka Government and Deputy Commissioners to take immediate steps to help the Indian expatriates seeking Embassy's 'exit pass' for safe departure from Saudi Arabia due to the implementation of 'Nitaqat'.
Praising NRIs in Saudi Arabia he said, “You people have contributed to the development of this country and in return you have earned money and helped for growth of our economy. So we have to balance the things and should not do anything against law of this country.”
Mr Hegde urged NRI businessmen to invest in eco-friendly industries back home so that it will create job opportunities. He promised to do all possible efforts to get all the possible support from government.
While concluding his speech Mr Hegde said that people should encourage issue based politics not the religion based politics.
Speaking about struggle behind the launch of Mangalore-Dammam direct flight, U T Khader said, “If you keep chasing a goal definitely you will achieve it one day and here in this case this goal will be remembered by NRIs forever”. Stating that entire credit should go to Coastaldigest.com chairman Mohammad Asif, he requested the MP to honour Mr Asif with a shawl and peta which were given to them by West Coast NRI Forum earlier.
He said young politicians should learn about good politics from the simple man and non-corrupt JP Hegde. He said that he is pleased to see the culture of Dakshina kannanda with so many organisations coming together in unity for this memorable event.
Recalling the prolonged struggle for a new aviation link, Mr Asif said that he had taken this issue up when other organisations had almost left the hope of getting the direct flight from Mangalore to Saudi. However, refusing to walk away with the credit alone, Mr Asif said that several organizations had worked for the same.
Dr. Syed Hameed, Principal of International Indian School, Jubail, spoke about the scarcity of Kannada text books for which later Mr Hegde replied saying it should not be a problem in providing text books and Mr Khader will take up this issue.
Zakariya Bajpe also spoke on the occasion.
Several questions asked to both Mr Hegde and Mr Khader in ‘Meet Your MP & MLA’, a session held as part of the Gala. Some of the requests by audience were for online voting rights, Adhar card through embassy for which Mr Hegde said that he will discuss these issues with external affairs ministry and authorities concerned to check the possibility.
Question was raised for Mr Khader about the conditions for ration card updates.
Indian Fraternity Forum (IFF) submitted a memorandum to the MP asking for his intervention with government of India to solve some of the problems of NRIs. Requests were also made to set up an organization similar to Non-resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA) to redress the grievances of Non-resident Kannadigas.
Earlier in the evening Kids showed their talent in both drawing competition and pick and speech competition. Several outdoor fun games were also organised.
Mrs Zubair Bajpe won the gold coin in Master Chef Salad making Competition which was held for ladies. Attractive prizes were distributed for all the winners.
Mementoes were given to Arif Jokatte, Mohammed Farooq Portpolio, Mohammed Sharief Karkala, Parvez Ali, Nazeer Ahmed and Sundar Das for their contribution to Coastaldigest.com.
Mr Hegede and Mr Khader were given a warm felicitation by Coastaldigest.com and West Coast NRI Forum. Bajpe Zakariya also presented mementoes to the MP and MLA on behalf of Muzain.
The programme began with the recitation of Quranic verses by Master Adnan.
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