Outreach Qatar (OQ) marked India’s 78th Independence Day with a spirited event titled ‘Hum Sath-Sath Hain-We Are Together’, bringing together the Indian expatriate community of Qatar in a display of unity, inclusiveness, and cultural pride. The event, inaugurated by the Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Vipul, celebrated not only the historical significance of the day but also the triumph of human spirit and the resilience of specially-abled children within the community.
The proceedings began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge and togetherness.
The Indian ambassador was joined by key leaders of the Indian community including Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) President Shahnavas Bava, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) President AP Manikantan, Nihad Ali fromIndian Sports Centre (ISC), and OQ Advisory Board Chairman PN Baburajan. These eminent figures represented the collective commitment of the Indian diaspora to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for all members of the community, especially those with special needs.
Founded as a community initiative, Outreach Qatar is dedicated to providing support and care to specially-abled children and their families. Over the past year, the organisation has made significant strides in creating an inclusive environment where these children can thrive through specialised programmes and activities.
The event’s slogan, ‘Hum Sath-Sath Hain-We Are Together’, resonated deeply with the attendees, reflecting the core mission of Outreach Qatar to unite the community in support of these children.
OQ President Avinash Gaikwad delivered a warm welcome address, outlining the organisation’s functional aspects and the impact it has had since its inception. He emphasised that Outreach Qatar’s goal is not just to provide a platform for these children but to ensure their holistic development through educational, cultural, and social initiatives.
OQ General Secretary Sameer Moosa further briefed the audience on the intent behind the event, noting how the Independence Day celebration served as an ideal occasion to honour the progress of the children and the collective efforts of the community.
The event commenced with a soulful rendition of the Indian National Anthem, performed on the keyboard by Monish Charan, a young student of Outreach Qatar. His performance set the tone for an afternoon filled with heartwarming and inspirational presentations, all delivered by the children of Outreach Qatar.
A highlight of the event was the array of cultural performances by the children, showcasing their diverse talents and their immense potential. The performances included a moving role play by Naythan Vipin Roy and Nathania Lela Vipin, which highlighted the strength of unity and togetherness.
This was followed by a Tamil Fusion Medley by Rayan Mohamed Sulaiman, which captivated the audience with its seamless blending of tradition and contemporary rhythms. A group dance to the song ‘Jai Ho’ by the OQ children brought an energetic and patriotic spirit to the event, further uniting the audience in celebration of India’s independence.
One of the most touching moments of the day was the presentation of saplings to HE Vipul and the Apex Body presidents as part of the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ initiative. These saplings, symbolising life and growth, will be planted in public spaces to commemorate the occasion. The initiative reflects the deep connection between humanity and nature, emphasising the need for environmental stewardship as a tribute to the Earth, akin to the nurturing love of a mother.
The dignitaries were also presented with handcrafted flowers made by the specially-abled children of OQ, a gesture that moved the attendees and highlighted the creativity and spirit of the children.
In his address to the audience, the Indian envoy praised the efforts of Outreach Qatar in organising the event and commended the theme, ‘Hum Sath-Sath Hain-We Are Together’, which he said perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the occasion.
The Ambassador spoke of the responsibility of the Indian community to pass on the country’s values, culture, and history to the next generation, particularly to those children growing up in Qatar.
He emphasised the importance of nurturing the bond between India and Qatar and encouraged the community to ensure that specially-abled children are not left behind in this endeavour.
The Indian ambassador also recognised the efforts of the Indian schools in Doha, though he acknowledged the limitations they face in accommodating children with special needs. He urged the schools to adhere to CBSE guidelines concerning the admission of specially-abled children, reiterating that their inclusion should be based on their individual needs.
The Ambassador’s words underscored the vital role of organisations like Outreach Qatar in bridging the gap and providing a support system for these children and their families. He assured the audience that the Indian Embassy would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting social justice, democracy, and inclusion -- all values that were echoed in the Honorable President of India’s Independence Day address.
PN Baburajan delivered a poignant speech that brought attention to the need for a dedicated Community Centre for specially-abled expatriate children in Qatar. He pointed out that while there are numerous educational institutions for abled children in Qatar, there is a significant gap in facilities for those with special needs.
He called for the community’s collective effort to establish a non-profit, selfless initiative that would cater specifically to the needs of these children, while also providing mental health support for their parents.
Drawing parallels with the formation of institutions like ICC and ICBF, Baburajan stressed that such initiatives are born from the dedication and goodwill of community leaders and members.
He expressed hope that the community would rally together to make the dream of a Community Centre for specially-abled children a reality, highlighting the urgent need for such a facility as the number of expatriate families with special needs children continues to grow.
Another significant moment in the event was the heartfelt farewell to Second Secretary (Consular, Visa, OCI, and Passport) Sarup Singh, who was leaving Doha for his next diplomatic assignment.
He was honoured with a memento from Outreach Qatar in recognition of his unwavering support for the Indian community in Qatar over the past decade.
Mahesh Gowda, in his introduction of Sarup Singh, praised his humility, dedication, and invaluable guidance during his tenure. The tribute served as a reminder of the deep bonds that exist within the Indian expatriate community and the role that individuals like Mr. Singh play in strengthening those connections.
The event continued with a series of extraordinary performances, each more inspiring than the last. Liana Marium Sharafudheen delivered a stirring rendition of the patriotic song ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by a ‘Know Your Leaders’ segment by Steve Anish Regi.
The fancy dress showcase featured performances by children such as Brendon Sauli Eugine, Joan Muhammed, Hessa Jassim, and others, delighting the audience with their creativity and enthusiasm.
Saleel and his father Mohammad Nadeer performed a touching duet of the song “Ith Ente Rajyam,” while Aadithyaa Sekar and Naythan Vipin Roy brought the powerful “Rhythm of Parai” to life.
The day also included a beatboxing and drumming performance by Naythan Vipin Roy and his father Vipin Thampan Roy that energised the crowd. The OQ kids demonstrated their physical fitness with a session titled “Stronger Together,” embodying the resilience and unity that defined the event.
The event concluded with an AV mashup of heartfelt Independence Day wishes from OQ students, followed by a Patriotic Walk by the children and the entire OQ team. The atmosphere was one of joy and pride, as the children received certificates and mementoes in recognition of their participation and dedication.
One of the most emotional moments of the day came from Fairusha Jassim, a parent of one of the OQ children. She spoke of the remarkable transformation she had witnessed in her child since joining Outreach Qatar, expressing her gratitude to the organization for its unwavering support and the positive impact it had on her family.
The ‘Hum Sath-Sath Hain-We Are Together’ event was a resounding success, showcasing the spirit of togetherness, inclusion, and cultural pride that defines the Indian expatriate community in Qatar.
The dedication of Outreach Qatar’s leadership and volunteers, led by Lakshmi Chokalingam, was evident in every aspect of the event, from the performances to the displays of craftwork. As the community moves forward, the call for a dedicated community centre for specially-abled children remains a priority, and the success of this event serves as a testament to the power of unity in achieving such noble goals.
