Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 18: The ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ has successfully extended support to Kannadiga tourists stranded in the UAE due to the ongoing war between America-Israel and Iran, ensuring their safe return to the homeland. In addition, it provided accommodation and food for those who had come on visit visas in search of employment.
Formed during the Covid pandemic and floods to assist Kannadigas in distress in the UAE, the ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ resumed its activities once again to support those affected by the current war and to facilitate their safe return home.
Under the leadership of noted NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco and coordination by Hidayath Addoor, the ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ team brought together more than 30 Kannadiga organisations in the UAE. The team reached out to stranded tourists, the ailing, and those without food and shelter, extending assistance and earning appreciation from the NRI community.
Speaking to the media, coordinator Hidayath Addoor said that more than 630 people who were stranded and unable to return home were provided flight arrangements and safely sent back to India.
During the crisis, Dr Ronald Colaco had assured full financial support to arrange a chartered flight with 180 seats to send back those in urgent need, including the elderly, pregnant women, and the ailing. He had also promised financial assistance for medical surgeries and food for those in need. Medicines for 22 ailing individuals referred by the Indian Consulate were provided using funds given by Colaco. Addoor stated that Colaco acted as a backbone by extending all necessary financial support.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, Praveen Shetty and Isaq Haji provided free accommodation and food at their hotels, while in Ajman, Dheeraj Jain arranged similar facilities at his farmhouse for more than 235 people. Additionally, 71 individuals received medical check-ups from expert doctors at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, and medicines were provided to 32 people.
At the onset of the war, a total of 1,180 meals were distributed to those in distress, along with 70 food kits. Private transport arrangements were also made to help affected individuals reach airports in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi.
Several organisations joined hands with the ‘Kannadigas Help Line’, including KNRI Forum UAE, Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) UAE, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Kannadigara Koota Dubai, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Non-Resident Kannadigas, Hemmeya Dubai Kannada Sangha, Vokkaliga Sangha Dubai, Kannada Paatha Shaala Dubai, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Konkanis, BCF, KCF, Manki Community, SKSSF Vikhaya UAE, Noorul Huda UAE Committee, Dubai Bearys, Badriya Friends, Hidaya Foundation, Shamsul Ulama Thodar, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah Karnataka Sangha, Aim India Foundation, Darul Noor, Gulf Karnataka Kutumba & Gulf Gelathiyaru, Mangalore Konkanis Dubai, Al Khamar Trust Moolur, Okkaliga Sangha UAE, and RAK Karnataka Sangha UAE, among many other Kannada organisations.