Report: Shodhan Prasad

Dubai, Apr 29: Marking a historical day for the Kannadiga community in the UAE, chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah on Friday April 28 inaugurated Karnataka NRI Forum - UAE, the newly-formed official body for Kannadiga NRIs in UAE in a grand function hosted at Indian Consulate Auditorium, Dubai.

Dr Arathi Krishna, vice-president of NRI Forum, government of Karnataka along with dignatories from Karnataka and Padmashree Dr B R Shetty, honorary president of the Forum and president Praveen Kumar Shetty were present during the official inaugural ceremony that was witnessed by various Karnataka-origin businessmen in the UAE, leaders of various UAE-based Karnataka associations, 35 registered founder members of the newly-formed Karnataka NRI Forum - UAE and other guests.

The formal programme began at around 5 pm, with Ganesh Rai taking over the stage and inviting the guests on to the stage. Dr B R Shetty escorted chief minsiter Siddaramaiah on to the stage, Praveen Shetty escorted Indian Consul General Vipul while Prabhakar Ambalthare escorted minister U T Khader and Dr Kaup Mohammed escorted Dr Arthi Krishna on to the stage.

The official inauguration started with the UAE National Anthem followed by the Indian National Anthem and Karnataka 'Naada Geethe' presented with a traditional touch with background video of Karnataka. Prabhakar Ambalthare, general secretary of Karnataka NRI Forum - UAE welcomed the guests and audience and briefed about the progamme. This was followed by traditional lighting of the lamp symbolizing the inauguration.

The logo of Karnataka NRI Forum - UAE was launched in a professional way by chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing the gathering, chief minister Siddaramaiah assured the NRIs that his government would extend all support to them. He also spoke about the Karnataka government's plan to issue special identity cards to them which would help them in availing certain benefits back home. He also brief the gathering on his government's pro-people work over the past four years.

"I feel very happy that Kannadigas in the UAE in the leadership of Praveen Shetty have taken up this initiative in forming the first Karnataka NRI Forum in the UAE. Kannadigas residing outside India should always remember that they are Indians first and then Kannadigas. Wherever you live, however you live, be a Kannadiga (lines of poet Kuvempu – Yelladuruiru, yenthadaruiru, yendendigu nee Kannada vagiru)."

The CM briefed that under his leadership, Karnataka has become a complaint-free state. "Our priority is to address the grievances of the people. Karnataka now has become number 1 investment-friendly state for Indians and also number 2 for foreign direct investments," he added.

The chief minister also said that he has successfully fulfilled all his 168 manifesto promises of the previous election, much before his tenure.

He promised full cooperation and support with legal and financial assistance to the newly-formed Karnataka NRI Forum UAE and said that this forum should be an example for others to follow.

Honorary president Dr B R Shetty expressed his happiness on the arrival of the chief minister for the inauguration of the first ever Karnataka NRI Forum in the UAE. He invited non-resident Kannadigas to invest in Karnataka and said that he has already invested in a few ventures such as Jog Falls tourism development and a major hospital in Udupi, and also dialysis centres in all hospitals throughout Karnataka. He also added that the Abu Dhabi government is very keen on opening investments with the government of Karnataka.

Minister of food and civil supplies U T Khader promised full cooperation to the KNRI – UAE and said that his government would look into the grievances of all NRIs with due importance and in a quick manner.

Founder president Praveen Kumar Shetty welcomed the guests in fluent Kannada and spoke about the importance of the Forum. He briefed about the formation and said that eight months ago he had been hearing a lot of grievances by Kannadigas specially in the UAE who were not able to address their issues to the government of India. Hence he thought of forming an NRI cell based on the success of similar organisation of the neighbouring state Kerala (NORKA). With assistance of former MLA H Srinivas he was successful in meeting the CM on several occasions which resulted in in the formation of Karnataka NRI Forum. He also said that the 36 board members of this cell are truly based with district-wise representation of the whole of Karnataka irrespective of any caste, creed or religion. While anticipating full support from all Kannadigas all over the UAE, he assured smooth and good functioning of the Forum in addressing any grievances and concerns of Kannadigas.

The office-bearers of NRI Forum took the oath, administered by General Consul Vipul.

Siddaramaiah was felicitated with bouquet, fruit basket, felicitation letter and a memento by KNRI team. Various UAE-based Karnataka organisations also presented the chief minister with bouquets one by one.

Main sponsors of the event were then honoured on the stage with shawls and mementos for their contribution.

Earlier, the programme started at around 3 pm with a welcome note and briefing of the NRI Forum by Vishwanath Shetty who also read out the names of sponsors. A welcome dance was performed by the students of Impact Talent Performing Arts Training Centre, choreographed by Vidhushi Aruna Umamaheshwari. Thereafter Klassical Rhythms presented a beautiful dance performance which was choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth, followed by a dance performance by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi and another dance presented by Sankeerna choreographed by Vidhushi Sapna Kiran. All the dances were well appreciated by the entire audience in the auditorium.

The chief minister Siddaramaiah along with the dignitaries were earlier welcomed at the venue with a grand salutation by live drum beats by a professional group who led the procession of the dignitaries. Women extended a traditional welcome to the CM and the guests as they entered the auditorium, while all the Kannadigas inside gave a standing ovation welcoming the main guests of the evening. It was a day to be remembered in the history of UAE wherein a warm welcome in traditional Karnataka style was extended for the official inauguration of Karnataka NRI Forum – UAE, a proud moment for all Kannadigas in UAE, indeed.

While the guests were seated, the cultural programme continued with dance performances presented by Impact Talent, choreographed by Mehul Kumar followed by another dance presentation by Radical Dance Studio choreographed by Vijay Jogi. Another dance was peformed by Symphony Music Institute choreographed by Vidhushi Sujatha Sham and followed by a dance by Klassical Rhythms choreographed by Vidhushi Rohini Ananth.

The programme ended with the vote of thanks rendered by Sarvotham Shetty.