Riyadh: Dr Aarti Krishna, Deputy Chairperson, Non Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka govt, during her recent visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, interacted with Kannadiga expatriates in Riyadh. This is the first such event ever held in Riyadh.
Addressing over 700 non-resident Kannadigas on February 23, Dr Arathi Krishna said that most of the demands of the Karnataka NRIs are very genuine and promised to take-up with the Chairman of KNRI Forum, the Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramiah.
She stressed that the government of Karnataka would fulfill the aspirations and needs of the people of Karnataka in Riyadh. She announced that roll out of NRK card for Karnataka NRIs is on the anvil and will be executed very soon. She said that the government of Karnataka this year has allocated budget for NRI welfare activities. She informed that Karnataka NRI Forum has already set up NRI Welfare Centers in Commissioner Office at each district in Karnataka. She assured that her government would make necessary arrangements for Karnataka NRIs returning from Saudi Arabia on final exit.
Santhosh Shetty Ardi, President of Karnataka NRI Forum, Riyadh, while delivering welcome speech recalled the vast experience and determination of Dr Arathi Krishna and apprised the audience of her contribution to the Kannadigas staying globally.
He expressed optimism in her efforts to address genuine issues pending for NRIs, Santosh Shetty also assisted Dr. Arthi Krishna in answering some questions raised by audience on her behalf. Shetty also thanked Ahmed Javed, Ambassador of India in Saudi Arabia and Anil Nautial, Community Welfare Councilor Indian Embassy for giving opportunity showcase the theme “ONE STATE MANY WORLDS” - Karnataka’s culture, tradition, people and their progress in Janadriyah Festival. India is the guest of honor country in this magnificent Saudi cultural festival this year.
Dr Anwar Khursheed, Advisor, KNRI Forum Riyadh delivered a short speech outlining his experience in KSA spread over four decades. He stressed the need to be united and exhibit the solidarity of Karnataka NRIs in Riyadh. He conveyed to the visiting dignitary Dr. Arathi that Indians are very well known and respected for being law abiding and hardworking expatriate community in Saudi Arabia.
A memorable memento of appreciation was presented to Dr. Arathi Krishna by the dignitaries present on the dais on behalf of Kannadigas in Riyadh.
Many Karnataka organizations participated and contributed financially to make this event highly successful including, Karnataka NRI Forum, Karavali Welfare Association, JF Riyadh, Karnataka Cultural Forum Riyadh (KCF), PANORAMA, NRI Forum Riyadh, NRI Muslim DK, Khidma Foundation, Mangalore Cricket Association,
Konkan Ghar Riyadh, Hidaya Foundation, Dakshina Kannada Muslim Okkuta Riyadh, Karnataka Welfare Association, Katipalla Muslim Youth Association, Bhatkal Muslim Welfare Association, BISMI, BARSA ,ISF,and Indian Fraternity Forum.
Well-known entities in Riyadh, such as Friendi Mobiles, Taj Restaurant, Kadesiah Medical Center co-sponsored the event.
Karnataka NRI Forum Riyadh, office bearers Santhosh Shetty Ardi , President, Roshan Shabbir, Treasurer, Usman Kunjathur, Secretary, Nazir Ahmad Joint Secretary, Irfan Sheikh Mani, coordinator, Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed and Dr. Sayeed Mohiuddin, Advisors graced their presence on the dais along with the Chief Guest, Dr. Arathi Krishna.
Dr. Arathi Krishna had personal interaction with office bearers of the different Organizations individually and heard patiently the issues faced by them. She promised to resolve the problems faced by Karnataka NRIs in Saudi Arabia and to maximize the facilities for returning NRIs for their rehabilitation, children’s education, loan and other legal support.
Vote of thanks was proposed by KNRI Forum, Treasurer, Roshan Shabbir. He extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr. Arthi Krishna in her dedication to visit Saudi Arabia and assured all support required by NRIs in building vibrant Karnataka.
Further, visiting dignitary paid avisit to Janadriyah Cultural Festival as “Representative of the people and Government of Karnataka” and appreciated the efforts and hard work done by Indian Community. She was welcomed at Janadriyah Festival by ShriAnil Nautial, Community Welfare Officer of the Indian Embassy, Riyadh.
Welcoming the move Dr Arathi Krishna told coastaldigst.com that Indians stranded in any foreign country can utilize this facility. "Initially, I was approached by Mr Zakaria and Mr Sheik who wanted chartered flights to help their employees fly back to India. I asked them to write to the Indian Ambassador in Saudi Araia Mr Ausaf Sayeed. Then I requested the ambassador to forward the request to Joint Secretary Dr Nagendra Prasad, who is in charge of gulf division in the Ministry of External Affairs, and then to Secretary on charge of Gulf and then I requested Secretary of Economic Relations Mr T S Tirumurti who was also in charge of Gulf to follow this up," she said. 
Comments
Great... good intiative by karnataka govt. But what sort of benefit govt provide for returning NRI'S no one knows. No officials of commissioner office knows about this. And site is not working to register. Is anyone can answer about the actual facilities or its only publicity.
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