Sharjah: Amchigele Ramachandra Hegde to be conferred with Mayura Wishwamanya Kannadiga Award

Kuwait: Eid is usually a time of family get-togethers and feasts after weeks of dawn-to-dusk fasting. But this year people celebrated at home, with virus fears dampening the holiday spirit and strict restrictions in place.

Kuwait went under full curfew before the start of Ramadan leaving people to practice fasting and Ramadan rituals at home, Even Eid al-Fitr came under full lock-down period.

As situation demanded, IMA Kuwait celebrated the Eid Get-together online via video conferencing tool, All IMA members participated joyfully in Eid Milan online gathering which was scheduled immediately after Eid prayer. Members participated and congratulated each other on the eve of Eid.

The IMA president Shamvel Parviz addressed the gathering and thanked them for joining online for this unique Eid celebration which will be remembered in history. He also advised members to be aware of conditions of neighbors, friends and family and assist them if they need help in this difficult time.

Eid al-Fitr follows weeks of fasting and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Thousands of Muslims all over Kuwait followed strict guideline and performed Eid prayer at home along with their family.

As a part of social service activities IMA also distributed ration kits before start of Ramadan and during Ramadan for needy people all over Kuwait.

On Friday, February 7, 2020 Tulu Koota Kuwait under the leadership of Dynamic President Ramesh S Bhandary and coordination of Sports Secretary Roshan Quadras  held its annual picnic at Mishref Garden, Kuwait.  Although slight drizzling on the   previous night had caused great concern amongst committee members , yet the  windy and dusty weather did not lessen the enthusiasm and excitement of Tulu Koota Kuwait members.  Over 1000 members enjoyed the fun filled day.

MC of the occasion Mr. Manoj Shetty & Ms. Priya Devadiga welcomed the audience and Chief guests for the event Dr Jeshna Rajan- Badr Al Samaa Clinic, Dr. S.M.Hyther Ali- Chairman of TVS Hyder Group, Mr. John Simon- Group Manager for Corporate Sales and Event Marketing ,  Al Mulla Exchange, Mr Pradeep, owner of Geetherb medicine and Mr. Lokesh & Team from NH Assets.  The program kicked off with Kuwait & Indian National anthem. The guests in their address to audience, praised Tulu Koota Kuwait unwavering efforts to unite people through language, and also the solid philanthropy and charity work being carried by the association was applauded. The presidents  of different South Canara  association in Kuwait were also amongst invited dignitaries for the event, and were welcomed with flower bouquet. This was followed by the release of “ Tulu Nada Jathre flyer”.

Tulu Koota Kuwait President, Ramesh S Bhandary in his speech welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the significance of the annual picnic gathering. He further elaborated on the innovative concept of “Tulunada Jathre ” being initiated this year, and requested fervent support and participation from all members in  this wonderful program scheduled to be held on Friday,  March 27, 2020 at Indian Central School Indoor Ground Abbasiya. 

As part of days celebration TKK’s Flag hosting  was done  by President , Ramesh Bhandary. “Go Green Global concept” by Tulu Koota members   was the highlight of the inaugural ceremony.  This act was directed by talented committee member Mr. Suresh Salian.

The act beautifully conveyed the message of sustainability, and climate change and raised awareness on how to fight it, how to live green.  The traditional inaugural of the sports event was done by breaking of coconut by Sports Secretary Mr. Roshan Quadras.  TKK First Lady Mrs Anitha Ramesh Bhandary led the sports march holding the traditional torch followed by the  Go Green Global team holding different country flags with plant pots, followed by President, committee members and Sponsors of TKK. The president officially inaugurated the Sports Event by officially lighting the Sports Lamp.

After the inauguration ceremony, the members and kids actively participated in day long sports games and activities meticulously planned out by the Sports committee  for different age groups.  Passing the parcel, Veggies collection, ball bucket, veg shopping , macroni race, hockey, kutti donne, sack race, lagori,  breaking the pot , tyre race, slow cycling, water ballon race, musical chair , kabbadi, volley ball, throw  ball , tug of war, housie housie, kept the members and their families  engaged and entertained. The winners for the competitions were awarded with trophies towards the end of the exciting day.

Delicious and authentic Mangalorean lunch for the event was served by Oriental Restaurant Kuwait.  Sounds and lights support for the event was provided by Anand, while the beautiful moments were captured in camera by Mr.Blen Dsouza and Mr.Rajesh Devadiga

Tulu Koota Kuwait takes this opportunity to thank its committee members, members and volunteers for their dedicated efforts and team spirit and active participation that eventually lead to the huge success of Family Picnic 2020. The Event Sponsors were Al Ahleia Insurance Company SAKP, Al Mulla Exchange, Khain Properties Udupi, Badr Al-Samaa Clinic, TVS Hyder Group and Geetherb.

Jeddah: Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF) under the patronage of consulate General of India Jeddah related to welfare activities connected to Indian hajj pilgrims in particular and welfare functions of Indian community at large, organized Quran recitation competition for Indian students of age 10 to 14 residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Grand Finale was conducted Live online via Zoom virtual conference on Friday 15th May 2020 at 14:45 Hrs.

The Consul General Of India, Jeddah and Vice Patron IPWF, H.E.Mr. Md. Noor Rahman Shiekh graced the Grand Finale as honorable Chief Guest. The HOC, Consul Hajj and Director IPWF - Mr. Y Sabir attended as Guest of Honor, while the ever-exuberant President of the forum Mr. Ayyub Hakeem lead the event. A large number of Indian dignitaries and media personnel also joined this live event.

Judges panel included three experienced youths. First judge was the Prominent Hafiz and one of the best Qaris of his calibre, Hafiz Ismail Yahya Bilal, well educated in Qirat from Umm Al Qura University Makkah and currently persuing Masters. He also holds many honors and accolades from various international competitions and appreciations from Imaams of Haramain. The other judge, Hafiz Abdullah A.Mateen Usmani, first position winner, a record for being youngest Indian to win Jeddah Quran competition 2018 under patronage of Jeddah Governor.  Hafiz Farhan Abdur Rab, was the third judge, an Engineer by profession, as well as current Treasurer at IPWF.

Winners; Humeirah Masood Kazi and Furqan Mohammed Vasi Ahmed won Gold position. Maryam Jaffar and Adil Abdul Rasheed ranked Silver while Khatija Ehtesham Ali and Nadeem Noorisha ranked Bronze. Consolation prizes were given to Aamina Mustafa and Mohammed Ahsan Ali. The event was organized to encourage and boost the ambitions of young generation and inspring them to bring out their best in Quran Recitation

While speaking at the event Chief Guest H.E.Mr. Md.Noor Rahman Sheikh appreciated the social works of IPWF for Indian Community, praised the brilliant performance of students, He said it gives us great pleasure seeing that all participants, Judges and Jury members are Indians, he said the recitation of the children was fantabulous, and congratulated to the winners and participants. Chief Guest further said President Ayyub Hakeem and his IPWF Team deserves to be appreciated for their relentless efforts for this Noble cause, even in this period when the world is observing lockdown.

HOC, Consul Hajj Mr. Y Sabir appreciated IPWF team for organizing this virtual competition, he said it’s really amazing that 111 students registered to participate for the contest, he appreciated the hard work of children and efforts of parents for preparing their children.

Mr. Hakeem welcomed all and informed that this competition received overwhelming response from Indian community locally and internationally in short time since its launch was just couple of days earlier. Which compliments events Objective to encourage children “mainly Indians residing in Saudi Arabia” especially during the month of Quran “Ramadan” and lockdown period #COVID-19. 

40 contestants made it to the Semifinals, and 15 Students reached the Grand Finale, 2 young children were given consolation for their enthusiastic recitation. 

The President also appreciated his IPWF Team for unwavering support in preparation of this event.  He thanked the Chief Guest, HE Mr. Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh and Guest of Honor Mr. Y Sabir for gracing this glorious competition. He Thanked the audience and announced that all contestants will be awarded appreciation “digital certificate’

Syed Nasir Khursheed anchored the program, and entertained with beautiful Urdu couplets. Farhan Abdur Rab and Abdul Rahman Poyakkara conducted the contest flawlessly on time. Farhan, concluded the event with Vote of Thanks and soleful dua.