Media Release
Doha, Aug 16: Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) - Qatar launched 'Gulf Eshara' Kannada monthly magazine at ICC hall in Doha on Friday August 12 in the presence of U T Khader, minister of food and civil supplies, government of Karnataka, Moulana N K M Shafi Sa-adi, president, Karnataka Sunni Students Federation (SSF) and other dignitaries.
The ceremony was inaugurated with blessings from Assayed Ahmed Shihabuddin Al Mashoor Thangal Thelekki.
In his inaugural speech, Moulana Shafi Sa-adi said, "'Gulf Eshara' enlightens readers with educational, social and religious contents. I urge the people of Karnataka to make use of the magazine which will be circulated monthly."
Being the first in the Gulf to have its own licensed publication, 'Gulf Eshara' is now being printed and published from the UAE. The magazine is already being distributed in KSA, UAE and Oman. Qatar is the 4th country to launch this magazine, which is aimed at reaching all people of Karnataka who work overseas.
Moulana Sa-adi also praised the language used in the magazine, and said "Eminent personalities like Girish Karnad and U R Ananthmurthy have praised the magazine for the language style it uses to communicate with its readers." He also briefed KCF and SSF's role in teaching Islam to thousands of people in North Karnataka.
"Islam and terrorism have no relation. Not a single verse in the Quran or a single Hadith has condemned or made fun of other religions or religious signs. Terrorism has no link with Islam, Muslims, Quran, Hadith or with Prophet," he said, pointing at some biased news that are being propagated, trying to defame Islam around the world. He also recalled the role of several Muslim freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India's Independence.
Addressing the audience, U T Khader praised leaders and members of Karnataka Cultural Foundation (KCF) for being able to launch the magazine in Qatar as it would help develop Kannada language outside India. He urged parents to raise awareness among their children about Kannada language and insisted people of Karnataka in Gulf, to teach Kannada to their children who are born and brought up in Gulf, there by preserving the state language.
A memorandum was also submitted to the minister on behalf of KCF concerning general issues that are being faced by non-resident Kannadians in Qatar, requesting the attention of government of Karnataka for the best possible solutions.
Greeting the members of KCF, president of KMCA Niyaz Ahmed assured to extend all support from Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association to the KCF in its future activities. Ravi Shetty, president, Tulu Koota Qatar applauded and congratulated KCF on their success in arranging this event, and said that such events are the need of the hour to spread love and peace among different religions and castes to strengthen the society.
The ceremony was presided over by Hafiz Umarul Farooq Saqafi, president, KCF Qatar. Abdul Raheem Sa-adi, general secretary, KCF Qatar, welcomed the gathering.
Abdul Razak Musliyar, president, ICF Qatar National; Siddiq Purayil, MD, Siraj News Daily Qatar; Dr Shameer Moopan, CEO, Aster Medical Group; Arvind Patil, president, ICBF; Subrahmanya Hebbagilu, vice-president, Karnataka Sangha; Suhaib, president, SKMWA; Abdulla Monu Moideen, vice-president, KMCA; Nazeer Pasha, president, Social Forum; Ibrahim Beary, advisor, SKMWA; Jabbar Boliyar, member, taluk panchayat, Mangaluru; Yousuf Saqafi Ayyangeri, president, KCF Qatar Organization Wing; Jamal Azhari, finance convener, Risala Study Circle Gulf Council; Shareef Saqafi, president, KCF Madina Khalifa Zone; Abdul Sattar Gangolli, chairman, KCF reception committee; Ashraf Mudipu, convener, KCF reception committee; Andumai Naunda, treasurer, KCF Qatar; Nagesh Rao; Kasim and several dignitaries, guests, hundreds of KCF members were present at the event. Farook Krishnapura thanked the participants on behalf of the organization.