Tribune news network
Doha
The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) celebrated ‘ICBF Day 2024’ with enthusiasm at DPS Indian School, Wakra. This highly anticipated event reflected the vibrancy and unity of the Indian expatriate community in Qatar.
Cultural performances on the occasion captivated the audience, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and introspection. A thought-provoking skit on drug awareness, performed by ICBF members, emphasised the importance of nurturing a healthy and responsible society, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees.
The evening brought together distinguished guests and community leaders. Ambassador of India to Qatar and ICBF Patron HE Vipul was the chief guest. Alongside him were other notable figures, including Sandeep Kumar, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of India; Eish Singhal, first secretary and ICBF coordinating officer; and Khalid Abdul Rahman Fakhroo from Qatar’s Ministry of Labour.
The presence of community leaders such as Advisory Board Chairman Sam Basheer, ISC President EP Abdulrahman, IBPC President Thaha Muhammed, and ICC Vice President Subramanya Hebbegelu further underscored the event’s importance.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by General Secretary Varkey Boban, who set a positive tone for the evening. Shanavas Bava, in his presidential address, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support, highlighting that this was the 37th event of the 40 programs planned to mark ICBF’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
HE Vipul, in his inspiring speech, lauded ICBF for its unwavering commitment to the Indian diaspora, emphasizing the critical role it plays in supporting the vulnerable and fostering a sense of belonging.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ICBF Kanjani Award for 2023-2024. Instituted in memory of Late M Kanjani, this prestigious honour recognises individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Indian community in Qatar. This year, the award was conferred upon PN Baburajan, a former president of ICC and ICBF, and JK Menon, chairman of ABN Corporation and philanthropist. Their dedication to community welfare and humanitarian efforts stood out as exemplary.
The evening also saw the presentation of other distinguished awards. The ICBF KP Abdul Hameed Memorial Social Service Award was given to Joppachen Thekkekutt for his outstanding dedication to social work. The ICBF Humanitarian Award recognised V.S. Mannangi for his significant contributions to society, while the ICBF Adv CK Menon Memorial Most Socially Responsible Businessman Award was presented to Jamsheer Hamza, managing director of Reyada Medical Centre, for his integration of social responsibility with entrepreneurial success. A special appreciation award was also conferred upon Khalid Abdul Rahman Fakhroo for his invaluable support and commitment to labour welfare.
In addition to these accolades, 14 individuals were honoured with the ICBF appreciation award for their tireless efforts in uplifting the Indian community. These awards underscored ICBF’s mission to recognize and celebrate contributions that strengthen the bonds within the community. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by ICBF Vice President and Event Coordinator Deepak Shetty.
The seamless execution of the programme was a testament to the dedication of ICBF Secretary Muhammed Kunhi, managing committee member and event convenor Zareena Ahad, and a host of other dedicated committee members and volunteers.
