Readers’ forum holds ‘Welcome to Ramadan’ in Riyadh

Riyadh, Jan 28: The celebration of the 71st Republic Day was held on January 26th by the Central Committee of the Indian Social Forum Riyadh at the Ramada Hotel Auditorium in Riyadh. People from different Indian states and different religious backgrounds were present during the event.

The program was inaugurated with the unity song, Saleem Moulavi– Regional committee member India Fraternity Forum/Riyadh inaugurated the program.

Social Forum Central Committee president Janab Harris Mangaluru chaired the program and welcomed the guests. In his presidential speech he described and uncovered stories of freedom struggle and participants of Indian Muslims for the freedom fight. He urged everyone to fight against unconstitutional Citizenship Amendment Bill which passed by Centre government. He said that the We will continue its agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the NRC and would not relent unless the Union government withdrew the Act.

Indian Social Forum Karnataka State Committee member Janab Mohammed Naveed delivered the Republic Day message. He said India was formed based on concept of ‘unity in diversity’ and it becomes every Indians’ responsibility to safeguard it. He expressed concern over CAA, NRC and NPR. Across India, students at other universities are against the Citizenship Amendment Act passed by Centre government.  The law offers amnesty to undocumented migrants from three neighboring Muslim-majority countries but only if they are non-Muslim. Critics say that by excluding Muslims, the law establishes a religious test for Indian citizenship, in violation of the secularism enshrined in India's constitution. The Indians, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and region have firmly resolved to oppose the draconian laws and fascist moves to debar the poor. Constitution granted to every person and citizen of India who are not ready to put them on a test of ideology of RSS and programs of BJP to implement the Brahmanist mind-set. He said that the police atrocities against CAA/NRC/NPR protesters had increased only in BJP-ruled States and  there were several loose ends in the police story about the incidents leading to the firing.

Eng Shahul Hameed – Coordinator of Tamil Nadu Islamic Federation, Dr. Jahangeer Ahmed - Assistant professor/King Saud university, Mohammed Rafi – Gen Secretary of India Fraternity Forum Regional Committee, Mr. Abdul jaleel– Vice President of Indian Islahi Center, Mr. Basha –Member of IFT Executive Council , Mr. Ajmal Hussain – Member of Pravasi Forum central Committee, Younus Wallan – President Humanity Forum Riyadh. All delivered the message on the eve.

Basheer Karandur, General Secretary of Social Forum Central Committee, welcomed the gathering and Social Forum Riyadh Tamilnadu State Committee President Jabir presented the vote of thanks. Abdul Basheer was master of ceremony.

Abu Dhabi: Yogish Prabhu K is the newly elected president of Abu Dhabi’s prestigious India Social & Cultural Centre (ISC) and he will serve for the period 2020-2021. ISC’s annual general body meeting and Election for 2020 were held on Thursday, February 27 and the election results of the election were announced during the early hours of Friday, February 28th morning.

In the keenly contested election, Yogish Prabhu emerged victorious. Humble origin and hailing from a small town of Karkala from Udupi district of Karnataka state has never deterred him from setting challenging goals. He belongs to a well-known Gouda Saraswat Brahmin family of K.V.Prabhu Coconut oil mill in Karkala. He is the eldest son of Late Rtn. Krishna Prabhu and Rtn. Bharati Prabhu.  His father and grandfather were freedom fighters who left a profound impression on him and their ideology “serving people is like worshiping God” (Jana seveye Janardhana seve) inspired and guided his life ever since. Prabhu has been a privilege member of ISC since 2003 and has been actively involved in ISC activities throughout. His relationship with ISC spans over 2 decades during which he has immensely contributed in many ways to ISC and the Indian community at large. A banker by profession, Yogish Prabhu is currently working as Vice President, Group Finance & Treasury, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

With some new initiatives in his mind, Prabhu wants to creatively improve the quality of ISC’s services, its humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership. His intentions are always to help everyone irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language or status. As a new elected President of ISC, Prabhu’s main objective is to strategically plan and implement his vision through his ABC 5 Year Plan i.e.,

A-    Accountability & Transparency,

B-    Build a Sound Financial Plan and

C-    Compassion & Affection for the needy

so that ISC is recognized not just in UAE, but worldwide as a mascot of the great Indian community.

Prabhu thinks “as individuals, we can do only so much but with the support of Elected ISC Committee members and all the ISC members together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly transform the ISC”. He proudly says, “I have a strong treasury management experience in ISC as well as in the bank which we need now more than ever”.

With his dynamic leadership, sheer dedication and ambition, ISC will definitely be scaling new heights of glory and prestige in Abu Dhabi and beyond. His humble nature, leadership qualities coupled with his rich administrative experience will surely help boost ISC’s popularity and meet its challenging goals and can serve people in a better way and contribute to the Indian community at large.

Yogish Prabhu has been married for 28years. His wife Chethana Prabhu Kasaragod too has been equally active in ISC and continuously supporting and participating in various sports, entertainment and literary committees throughout these years. She became ISC Women’s Forum Convener in 2016-2017. Their daughter, Aarti Prabhu is an IT Engineer from NITK Suratkal, working in Bangalore. Son, Ajith Prabhu finished his Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Management in Industrial Design in Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK and at present doing his internship there. Both Aarti and Ajith are alumni of Abu Dhabi Indian School and both have represented National level CBSE Badminton meet. Also, Aarti was a Gold medalist in the school for scoring 100 in Mathematics in SSLC.

Following are few of his contributions and achievements:

•          Hon. Asst. Treasurer of ISC for consecutive years from 2005 till 2007

•          Hon. Treasurer of ISC in 2011.

•          Member of Finance Committee of ISC new infrastructure and premises from approval till completion.

•          In 2016, initiated the participation of ISC members as officials for International Yoga Day organized by Indian Embassy

•          In 2017, initiated the participation of children as officials to help the organizers so that children could learn their social responsibility and become good citizens.

•          In 2012, initiated ladies throw ball tournament in ISC and now it is extended to men too.

•          Member of IPEF since its inception in 2014. Also served as its Governing board member in the same year.

•          Founder member of ‘UAE GSB group’ since its formation in 2004

•          Committee member of ‘Gandhi Sahitya Vedi’ Abu Dhabi

•                    Treasurer of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha

•          Head of Finance and member of other committees of ‘World Tulu Convention’ held in Dubai - 2018

Election was held for other Posts too. The other office bearers elected to the present committee are:

Vice-President: George Varghese.

General Secretary: Jojo J Ambooken

Asst.Gen.Secretary: C. George Varghese

Treasurer: Shijil Kumar N K

Entertainment Secretary: Jayapradeep K P

Literary Secretary: Elias Padavetty

Sports Secretary: Freddi J. Fernandes

Secretary Southern Region: Raja Srinivasa Rao Aita

Auditor: G.N.Sasikumar

Kuwait: The Fourth annual general body meeting of Mogaveers Association Kuwait (MAK) was held on January 3rd 2020 at Tamarind Restaurant , Abu Halifa, Kuwait.

Mr. Suresh Salian who was an excellent host for the day welcomed all the MAK members to the event & thereby invited all the committee members to the dais.

As is customary and traditional, the proceedings of the MAK AGM commenced with  Kuwait & Indian National Anthem followed by a prayer song sung by Mr.Santhosh Kunder.

The lighting of the lamp was done by the President Mr. Rajesh Mendon, Conevener Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor the Management Committee members Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mr. Kishore Kotian ,Mr. Arun Mendon, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & senior MAK members Mr. Gopal Suvarna, Mr. Ashok Suvarna ,Mr. Shekar Thingalaya and guest  Smt. Prema Mendon who was on visit to Kuwait.

The General Secretary, Mrs. Poonam Mendon read the Annual Report of the activities of the association for the year 2019. While the Treasurer Mr. Kishore Kotian read out the financial report for the year, both of which were approved by the members.

Some of the major events of 2019 are as follows MAK organized its third indoor, National level Volleyball & Throw Ball Tournament under the title of “MAK Champion Trophy 2019 “ which was held on 25th Feb American International School, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait

As part of the welfare project Scholarships were given to First three Meritorious students of Mogaveera Management Schools in India Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila & Sagar Vidya Mandir, Beach Road, Padubidri.

The outgoing members of the management committee Mr. Kishore Kotian, Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mrs. Kusuma Girish, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & Mr. Paresh Karkera were honoured with mementos for their dedicated service to the association.

President Mr.Rajesh Mendon is his speech urged all the members to be united He also assured the members, that management committee would support and provide help to any member who is in need of help. He urged everyone to Support & come forward for the upcoming event “MAK Champion Trophy 2020” a National Level Volley Ball & Throwball tournament which will be held on 25th Feb 2020 at American International School,Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.

Convener Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor urged all the members to come forward showcase their talent and increase the visibility of the Assocation in Kuwait & take the association to the next level.
MAK’s Seniormost member Mr. Gopal Suvarna was presented with a florel bouquet to mark 75th year of his birthday.Our guest Smt. Prema Mendon was also presented with a bouquet as a mark of respect.

As part of the welfare project scholarship of INR.10,000 was given to Master Rishab Puthran Son of active member Mr. Srinivas Puthran who has scored 95.36% in S.S.L.C.

The Main attraction of the AGM was Bhajan & Kolata which was beautifully choreographed by Mr.Suresh Salian & performed by Mrs. Geetha Suvarna & Team. Audience were mesmerised with the performance.The participants were Mrs.Geetha Suvarna, Mrs.Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan,Mrs.Poonam Mendon, Mr.Arun Mendon,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna,Mr.Kishore Kotaian, Mr.Rajesh Mendon,Mr.Kiran Kuamar,Mr,Dhanajaya Salian, Mr,Manoj Amin, Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr.Nithin Suavarna,Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Prashanth Kunder .Solo dance performance was given by Mr.Arun Mendon.

Games were Conducted By Mr.Suresh Salian & Mrs Geetha Suvarna which was enjoyed by all the MAK members .Melodious songs were sung by renowned artist of MAK Mr. Suresh Salian, Mr.Jaya Kotian,Mr.Purandara Manchi,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna Mr.Dhananjaya Mendon & Mr.Kishore Kotian.

The returning officer, Mr.Nithin Suvarna announced the new managing committee for the year 2020. The group unanimously relected Mr.Rajesh Mendon as the president.

The officer bearers for 2020 are as follows:

President               :   Mr.Rajesh Mendon, Suratkal
Vice President        :   Mr.Sachidanad Suvarna, Yermal Bada
General Secretary   :   Mr.Dhananjaya S Salian, Malpe
Treasurer               :   Mr.Lakshmeesh Salian,Malpe
Cultural Secretary  :   Mr.Prashanth Kunder ,Malpe
Sports Secretary     : Mr.Arun Mendon, Boloor
P.R.O & Welfare officer : Mr.Jaya Kotian,Kinnimulki

The managment committee members introduced themselves, thanked and assured all the members for rendering their best service during their tenure.

President, Mr.Rajesh Mendon in his speech thanked all the members for relecting him as president.

Below Welfare Projects would continue as informed by the President

-Death Grant of IRS. 1,00,000/- in case of death of any active member, financial help will be provided to next of kin of the deceased.

-Financial help (Health Grant) of IRS. 25,000/- will be given to the members in case of serious health issues or permanent
disability or severe injury due to accident.

- Merit Cum Means Scholarship- Children of MAK members residing in Kuwait or India would be awarded Scholarship of IRS. 10,000/- for 10th Standard Students & IRS. 20,000 for 12th Standard Students.

Scholarship for Mogaveera Management School in India President, Mr. Rajesh Mendon also announced that scholarship of IRS. 7,000/- , IRS. 5,000/- & IRS. 3,000/- would be awarded to the First three Meritorious students respectively for the year of 2019-2020, for the following schools of the Mogaveera Community Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila Sagar Vidya Mandir,Beach Road, Padubidri

The new management Committee welcomed the new year 2020 in a traditional way by distributing the “OleBella” (palm jaggery) to all the members.

Executive Committee of 20 members were announced by the President who are as follows 

Mr.Suresh Salian, Dr.Vikyath Boloor,Mr Divakar Kotian, Mr.Kishore Kotian,Mr.Kiran Kumar,Mr.Purandar Manchi, Mr.Neishant Salian, Mrs.Geetha Suvarna,Mr,Rakshith Suvarna,Mr.Srinivas Puthran,Mr.Nithin Suvarna, Mrs.Kusuma Girish,Mrs.Poonam Mendon,Mrs. Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Santhosh Kunder,Mr.Kaushik Kanchan &Mr.Manoj Amin Katapady, Mr.Ramesh Kunder, & Mr.Jeevan Amin

Followed by, A Sumptuous Lunch was served by Tamarind Restaurant.

Prizes were given away to the winners of games.

Mr.Jeevan Amin & Mr.Arun Mendon for musical Chair.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Kiran Kumar for Group Game.

Mr.Dhanjaya Salian,Mrs Indiara Purandar & Mr,Baskar Amin for Alphabetical bingo Game.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Vittal Sriyan for passing the parcel.

Mr.Nithin Suvarna & Mr.Lakmeesh Salian for Pillow Game.

Mr.Shekar Amin,Mr.Jayanth Kunder,Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr,Purandar Manchi,Mrs Ranjitha Kanchan,Mr.Arun Mendon,Mrs.Indira Purandar & Mr Arun Mendon won the Housie Housei.

Quiz was won by Mr.Arun Mendon & Mr.Ramesh Kunder.

Surprise gifts was won by Mr.Dhananjaya Salian & master Kanishk Kumar.

“Lucky Mogaveera” was won Mr.Jeevan Amin.

Beautiful Moments of the day were captured by Mr.Kiran Kumar,
Music was played by D.J Neishanth Salian
In his  vote of thanks Mr.Dhananjaya Salian expressed his gratitude to each and every member who supported to make the event successful.

It was totally a funfilled day for all the MAK members who enjoyed all the activities memories of which such always be cherished.