Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Nov 20: "She takes care of herself... she is ahead of her time...she never gives in...without her, a man is incomplete..." so sang Billy Joel. In fact, without her, the world would not be worth living in. That’s what a woman is. And this piece of writing is about a woman who has indeed been a ahead of her times. She is perfect example of an empowered woman, a woman who leads, a woman who takes up the sternest of challenges and overcomes them, a woman who has carved a niche for herself in her professional, social as we all as family life, a woman who is in the forefront of community service, who reaches to people in need, who encourages and nurtures others’ talents and abilities.

Yes! She is a Milan Arun, a proud Mangalurean who is Karnataka and India’s pride in Qatar social circles. There’s hardly anyone among the expat Indian community who have not heard of Milan Arun at one point or the other. Whether it is community service, social initiatives, awareness campaigns, sports activities, cultural programmes or hosting events with élan, Milan Arun is the name to reckon with.

Now Milan is on the verge of creating another record. She is bidding to the first Woman president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), the Apex body functioning directly under Indian Embassy of Qatar. She is contesting for the president’s post in the elections that are slated to be held on November 24.

Milan Arun, hailing originally from Mulky near Mangalur in Dakshina Kannada district, is a Qatar resident from 1996 and is presently working as sales and marketing manager of Gulf Air.

Milan is truly a multifaceted woman - an accomplished singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, play director and is also a keen sportsperson. A master of many trades, she is locally proclaimed as a well recognized director of short dramas and skits, a versatile actor, choreographer, dancer, orator, poet, witty quiz master, entertaining antakshari hostess, compere and most of all, a much sought-after singer in the local circles.

Being an enthusiastic sportswoman, her huge collection of trophies also include various prizes won in throw ball, shuttle badminton, table tennis, cricket and various other outdoor and indoor sport events. She was the pioneer brain behind planning and conducting the first ever IPL-level Cricket Tournament in Qatar. She had won the ‘College Sports Champion of the Year’ award for two consecutive years while she was studying and eventually passed out as the ‘Best All-rounder- Best Student’ from her college. She was also the Senior Under officer in the NCC and attended the Republic day parade in Delhi.

Ever since she came to Qatar, she has contributed immensely to the Indian Diaspora. Her ability to organize and host mega events with ease are second to none. Though she hails from Karnataka, she is sought after by almost all Indian organizations for event management, compering, judging various dance, singing competitions etc. She is not just an accomplished singer but also a dancer-choreographer.

After coming to Qatar she has served as the member, office-bearer as well as advisor of number of Indian associations. Following is a brief summary of her yeoman’s service to various forums:

1. Indian Benevolent Community Forum - Head of Sponsorship 2012 -2014
2. ICC- Ex-Cultural Secretary of ICC. Served 3 (6 years) terms in Management Committee
3. North Indian Association – Head of Advisory Committee
4. Tulu Koota Qatar - Advisor
5. Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association- Advisor
6. Karnataka Sangha Qatar – Past Ladies Wing Advisor
7. SOS – Advisor

Milan’s talents and services have been recognized by various persons and associations and she has been appreciated and awarded for her contribution. She has been the recipient of Bunts Qatar award for ‘Outstanding Community Service’ award in 2013 while Karnataka Sangha Qatar honoured her in 2009 for her overall contribution in the strengthening and development of Karnataka Sangha. Along with this she has also been felicitated and recognized by ICC Qatar, Tulu Koota Qatar, Institution of Engineers Qatar, Karnataka Muslim Welfare Association, Gujarati Samaj, Qatar Tamilar Sangam, Telugu Kala Samiti, International Academy for Intercultural Development, Advanced Technical Services (ATS), Pallonji Qatar, Ideal Indian School, Shantiniketan Indian School etc.

She is bidding to be the first female president of Indian Cultural Centre. If she wins the November 24 elections, it will be historic moment for Mangalureans, Kannadigas as well as Indian expat women in Qatar. Speaking to Daijiworld Milan sought the support of Indians in Qatar in her bid to the presidentship of ICC. “I have been serving the Indian community in whatever possible ways for long in Qatar. My stay here in Qatar has enabled me to know different Indian communities, their culture and traditions and share a lasting bond with all. I have been fortunate enough that people around me have not just recognized me but have also appreciated my efforts. So leading ICC would be an honour and an opportunity to contribute more to the entire Indian community in Qatar. It will give me added impetus to carry on with greater dedication and commitment as I have already done. If given an opportunity I will contribute to the best of my ability for the welfare and service of the Indians in Qatar, while working closely with the Indian Embassy and other forums,” she added.

A truly empowered and self-made woman at the helm of Indian Cultural Centre would not just be a glittering feather in the already shining cap of Milan, but it will also be a great example for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padao’ campaign.