Terry D'Souza induced as I Vice District Governor

[email protected] (Media Release)
June 10, 2013

Chicago, Jun 10: District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism held its Cabinet Awards and Governor's Installation at the Elmcrest Banquet Hall, Elmwood Park, here.

Dr. Richard Racuba was inducted by Ralph Koller as Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee from District 1-A.  Dr. Austin Prabhu inducted I Vice District Governor Terry D'Souza and II Vice District Governor Ralph Zarada with his signature candle ceremony.  He asked vice district governors to learn every step of the way to lead district when they fit into governor's shoes in few years.  He read Lions Code of Ethics and reminded them to follow them religiously to keep faith and trust in one another as leaders of the district.

Terry D'Souza gave an example of Mother Teresa for her community services in Calcutta and all over the world and called Lions as her followers in service to the needy people.  She said that when she visited Mother Teresa's home in Calcutta last year, she was very much impressed to see how those nuns were serving less fortunate without looking at their caste, creed or religion.  Let us sacrifice and help our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate in this world, she said.

Dan O'Reilly gave away International President's Medal to Chris Coleman and International President's Certificates to Dave Hansen, Ernie Lapid and Gerry Crisostomo for their hard work for the growth of Lionism in District 1-A.  Dr. Austin was able to bring in one new club this year namely, Chicago Jose Rizal Lions Club.  Bob Hoffmann, Millie Koller, Ralph Koller, Ray Jachim, Tina Gaddy, Steve Anton, Rick Herpich, Dan O'Reilly, Catherine Rondinelli and Paul Tim were also honored with International President's special certificates of appreciation for their successful chairmanships.

Governor Dr. Austin Prabhu thanked all cabinet members with a memento to remember.  He asked lions to be the lit candles in their communities to serve and brighten their lives.  Also he thanked all cabinet members and club officers and lions, lionesses and leos for making his year for the second time as governor a successful one.

Steven Solomon entertained the gathering with his electronic organ music and live singing.

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Agencies
August 8,2020

Dubai, Aug 7: One may call it good luck, but for two Indian expats it was God who prevented them at the last minute from boarding the Air India Express plane that crashed in Kerala, killing at least 18 people on board.

According to India's Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport on Friday evening. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and four cabin crew onboard the aircraft.

Noufal Moin Vetten, an Ajman resident working as an office boy in a Sharjah school, was booked to travel on the flight and had checked in as per schedule.

Recounting his miraculous escape, Vetten, a resident of Malappuram, Thirunavaya, whose visa was cancelled a week ago, told Gulf News: “I was handed my boarding pass, but when I reached immigration, they told me I had to pay a fine of Dh 1,000 (Rs 20,430) for overstay. I had only Dh 500 (Rs10,215) with me.

"I called my school PRO and he told me to come back. He said they would follow protocols and pay the fines before sending me,“ he said.

Vetten was disappointed and called his family to let them know.

“When I heard about the crash, I was saddened for all the passengers. But I'm so relieved I missed it. God has been really merciful,” said Vetten.

Afsal Parrakodan, a resident of Abu Dhabi, had a similar stroke of luck.

“My work visa was cancelled about a week ago. After getting my boarding pass, I was told I had to pay a fine of Dh1,000 at the immigration counter, but I had only Dh500 on me.”

“I was very keen to board the flight and be with my family. So I called a friend who brought me the additional Dh500, but by then, my baggage had been offloaded and the flight's doors were closed,” said Parrakodan.

“I was feeling very sad and called my mother to tell her I had missed the flight. But a few hours later, when I learnt of the crash, I couldn’t help but feel relieved and thankful to God for saving my life,“ said an overwhelmed Parrakodan who plans to fly back next week. 

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News Network
April 19,2020

Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) Chaiman Dr Sam Pitroda held video conference with senior IOC office bearers across Middle Eastern countries on 14th April 2020 to review the impact of COVID-19 pandemic among Indians residing in the region. Almost all speakers appreciated the efforts initiated and  implemented by  respective governments to contain spread of the deadly virus as well as measures taken towards welfare of the people affected by the lockdown. 

IOC Presidents, Mohammed Mansour - Bahrain, Abdullah Manjeri - Saudi Arabia, Dr J Ratan kunar - Oman and Girish kumar - Qatar, highlighted the quality treatment of patients and finacial aid provided by governments and other authorities. Bahrain IOC president Mansour , also  apprised about the 'Food for Needy' drive in Association with KHK Heroes foundation, initiated by HH Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and quality treatments as well as financial aid to local and expat residents.

Anura Mathai, IOC  Global Event Coordinator, spoke about certain problems of Indians in the UAE. IOC Middle East Convener, Mansoor Palloor, emphasised and requested IOC Chairman to urge Indian government to arrange immediate repatriation of indians stranded in Gulf countries. AICC Secretary, Himanshu Vyas, IOC Secretary Dr Arathi Krishna, Dr Arshi Malik (Abha), Mohiuddin Sirajudeen (Jeddah), Advocate Joseph Palathara (Dammam) Prasad Kodru, Jayati Maitra Ziyad Ahmed (Qatar) and Khursheed Alam (Gen Secretary- Bahrain) also apprised the participants about various issues relevant to the pandemic and suggested further initiatives to be undertaken. 

Dr Sam Pitroda briefed about sustained and consolidated efforts by all IOC members  during this unprecedented situation facing the world and assured that he would convey IOC  concerns to the government and try his best to ensure all possible help is made available to all needy Indians.

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P A Hameed Padubidri
February 24,2020

Riyadh, Feb 24: Indian Islahi Center, Riyadh (IICR) kicked off the propagation campaign of "Learn the Quran" national conference, which is slated to be held on March 27, 2020 at Nofa Istiraha, Exit 18, Riyadh, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. It's IICR's 20th successful program.

Kerala Legislative Assembly's opposition leader & Congress leader, Ramesh Chennitthala inaugurated the campaign that was held at Voco Hotel in Riyadh, capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ramesh was on two days visit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The objective of the campaign is to instil the keenness & to keep creating the continuous awareness amongst the community on Quran. It also enables to recite the Quran with Tajweed (science of reading the Quran) & correct form.

Aboobakker Edthanatukkara (President of IICR), Abdul Qayyum Bustani, Kunhi Kumbala, Abdullah Vallanchira, Adv. Abdul Jaleel, Naushad Ali Kozhikode, Mujeeb Ali Thodigappulam, Muhammad Kutty Kadannamanna, Fasal Rahman City Flower, Mujeeb Irumbuzhi, Jaleel Alappuzha, Arafat & others were present on the occasion.

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