UAE: Karnataka Sports & Cultural Club helps repatriate Indian expats' body

Dubai, Aug 7: ‘Nama Tuluve’ Purushotham Salian, a staunch stalwart who always supported humanity and a strong pillar for Tuluvas in Dubai, passed away August, 4 at Al Tawam Hospital Al Ain. He was suffering from cancer and was admitted to Al Tawam Hospital Al Ain some time ago. He was on the last stage of illness which was not detected earlier.

His funeral last rites were conducted on Thursday August 7 at Jebel Ali cemetery in Hindu rites with a few of his family members present. Due to Covid pandemic, neither his body was able to be flown back to hometown nor could his two children come down to attend the funeral. However, it was said that his wish was to be cremated here in Dubai which unknowingly sometime back he whispered to one of his friends.

Purushotham had few years ago, survived a heart attack and fought back his life, though it had a minor paralytic effect on him. Even though, till recently he used to do his day-to-day work normally. He was a hard working personality and owned a readymade garment shop in Ajman and Dubai mostly taking care of clients with requirement of uniforms and coveralls. His dedication towards work was always appreciated by his clients who used to get their things delivered on time always.

He was never a publicity person and was helping the poor and needy in whatever ways he could silently. He strongly supported the community and was associated with Nama Tuluveru and Billawa community with commitment. He used to voluntarily come forward for the ground work of various functions of the community and used to be there until it was done perfectly.

Jeddah: The first chartered flight for repatriation passengers from Jeddah to Bengaluru organized by Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah – Saudi Arabia was successfully landed at Bengaluru airport by 01.00 am on 19th July 2020.

Spice Jet (SG9884) departed from King Abdul Aziz International Airport Jeddah by 05.00 pm local time with 177 stranded passengers which includes 12 Pregnant Woman, 3 infants, 44 Short term visa holders, 3 medical emergency patients and 115 migrate workers and labours from various districts of Karnataka state.

Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah, a registered charitable organization under Government of Karnataka & Indian Consulate Jeddah - Saudi Arabia, helping the Kannadigas overseas & in Karnataka State as well, has initiated major role for helping stranded Kannadigas to travel back to home. During Pandemic hundreds of stranded Kannadigas were approached to the forum and requested to arrange special chartered flight to Bengaluru from Jeddah.

Initiating from collecting the data of passengers, the forum’s special panel including its President Mr. Mohammed Mansoor, Secretary Mr. Peter Mascarenes, Vice Presidents Mr. Nasir Khurshid, Dr.Ashfaque Maniyar, Chief Coordinator Mr. Shaikh Saoud, Cultural Secretaries Mr. Arifulla Shariff and Mr. Rajesh Suvarna, Treasurer Mr. Habib Rahman and Press Secretary Mr. Baig, the forum’s members have worked very hard to conclude this task very successful. 

The forum provided food packets as refreshment, complementary PPE kitsto each passenger as precaution against the spread of any infections while travelling and also guided all passengers by supporting them in Awdha portal (Saudi Passport Department) and Seva Sindhu portal registration of Government of Karnataka.

The official travel partner ITL Travel Management Company has rendered remarkable service to the passengers not only in ticketing but also supported with top priority in confirming the aircraft from SPICE JET and availed good service from ground staff at Jeddah Airport. 

All passengers have reached safely to their homes after completing the 7 days institutional quarantine at Bengaluru. 100% passengers had NEGETIVE report on Covid-19 test made on arrival as well as after institutional quarantine. 

In the press release published from the President, Mr. Mohammed Mansoor has expressed his prodigious gratitude to the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia H. E. Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Deputy Consul General of India - Jeddah Mr. Y Saber and Chief Minister of Karnataka State Shri B. S. Yediyurappafor providing necessary approvals and NOC for the chartered flight operation. He also conveyed his boundless appreciationto Shri B. Y. Raghavendra, Member of Parliament Shimoga District (Karnataka) for his swift support extended to the forum and as well to Dr. Aarathi Krishna, Ex-Deputy Chairperson – NRI Forum of Karnataka – Government of Karnataka for her significant guidance and support on completing this mission.

The forum has thanked all the officers in King Abdul Aziz International Airport Jeddah and Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru for the facilities provided to the passengers. The Forum has thanked all passengers travelled for their calmness and also thanked to all other members of the forum, Staff of ITL Travels and SPICE JET for their tremendous support extended throughout the mission accomplishment.