Media Release
Jeddah, Mar 4: Dr Arathi Krishna, deputy chairperson (Cabinet Ranking) NRI Forum – Government of Karnataka arrived to Jeddah on February 25 to attend the programme organized by KNRI forum Jeddah at Village Restaurant.
KNRI forum president Mohammed Saifuddin Sami and core committee members Arifulla Shariff, Jalal Baig and Irfan from CGI office–Jeddah received her at King Abdul Aziz Airport Jeddah.
Karnataka NRIs Forum Jeddah chapter organized an event to felicitate Dr Arathi Krishna, representing a state government organization formed for the welfare of NRIs of Karnataka living around the globe.
Dr Arathi Krishna attended the event as chief guest, Tahir Ali Management Committee Member International Indian School Jeddah as guest of honour while Mohammed Saifuddin Sami president of the KNRI forum presided over the event.
Large number of Kannadigas attended the gathering, among them were members of KNRI forum with families, KNRI life members with KNRIs sponsors, presidents & members of different organizations of Karnataka in Jeddah (Jamiyattul Falah, Hidaya Foundation, Gulbarga Charitable Trust, All India Overseas Cultural Congress, Indian Social Forum, Jokatte Muslim Association, SKP Brothers, Bhatkal Community & Indian Fraternity Forum) were present.
While speaking at the event, Dr Arathi Krishna gave a brief introduction about NRI Forum Karnataka. “This is the dream and vision of our visionary Chief Minister Siddaramaiahji to forge a symbiotic relationship between Karnataka and its diaspora,” she said.
Dr Arathi Krishna said that “NRI forum strengthen similar initiatives of the central govt as well as few other states of our country. I am being honoured to be here in Jeddah to address the gathering of different NGOs from our beloved state of Karnataka.”
She further appreciated the activities carried out by the KNRI forum to help the needy by assisting in medical, education, self-employment and promoting swachha bharath programme by sponsoring toilets projects in school in rural areas of Karnataka.
She highlighted the policies and programs of the Karnataka government and her department which would like to formulate in the coming days. Audience applauded when she informed that there is a proposal to construct NRIs Bhawan in Bengaluru and a welfare trust to be set up at each district level where all the process of attestation of certificates and documentation for NRIs can be processed in one building. She further added that the proposal of considering NRK students as local for the admissions to the professional courses is in consideration and Karnataka government is serious to resolve this issue for which KNRI forum Jeddah has initiated and following it dedicatedly since four years. She advised all the non-resident Kannadigas to register their names and get the NRK cards through which Karnataka government can help overseas Kannadigas throughout the globe.
“There will be a skilled development program in each district Office. Currently having tie up with Dubai Government, they will visit to conduct training to our Kannadigas in different parts of Karnataka, which will help them to do their duties and responsibilities very professionally when they come abroad.”
“For those who are returning to their home town, if they want to adopt any village to develop, there is a scheme called “Namma Ooru ,Namma Naadu”, under this scheme, government is willing to help and provide necessary financial support.”
“My first and only aim as a deputy chairman is to facilitate the interests of the NRIs for development work especially for those who are based in Gulf countries by introducing NRI policies,” she added.
KNRI Forum president Mohammed Saifuddin Sami in his speech appreciated the support and encouragement of Dr Aarathi Krishna to the forum and thanked her for energizing activities of the NRI forum, as it strives to help the NRKs and to assist poor and needy people back home in Karnataka as well.
“Dr Arathi Krishna is the first lady to become a deputy chairperson in the history of Karnataka and to visit maximum countries to reach Non Resident Kannadigas associations to strengthen the relations between them and her department is commendable,” he said.
He thanked Dr Arathi Krishna for her immense support in NEET & CET issue routing him through Ministry of education and Karnataka Examination Authority in Bengaluru. He thanked her for accepting his invitation to visit Jeddah in spite of her tight schedule.
General secretary of the forum, Yashwanth Amin introduced the chief guest. In his introduction speech, he highlighted that Dr Arathi is an artiste, a good singer and a dedicated social worker while mentioning her abilities in management, communication and leadership.
While speaking to the gathering, senior NRCC member of Jamiyatul Falah requested Dr Arathi Krishna to coordinate for long awaited request to run direct flight from Jeddah to Mangaluru by Air India. He also requested to introduce schemes helping the Kannadigas to establish themselves in India, returning back home after losing jobs from the gulf.
Chief guest Dr Aarathi Krishna was honoured by memento, beautiful bouquet, and shawl as token of appreciation for her kind gestures towards the forum. Different prominent organizations from Karnataka also honoured the chief guest.
Program started with the welcome speech of Syed Nasir Khursheed, vice president of the forum, master of ceremony role was interestingly carried out by Dr Firoz Mulla executive committee member, which was appreciated by the audience. Mohammed Kaleem Cultural secretary, Mali Roy & Hidayat Mangaluru entertained the audience with melodious Kannada patriotic and Hindi songs.
Vote of thanks was delivered by executive committee member Asif Momin. He expressed a deep sense of appreciation to chief guest Dr Arathi Krishna for her visit. On behalf of the forum, he expressed sincere gratitude to president, executive members, life members, valued sponsors and the members of different organizations for attending this event and making it a grand success.
Programme concluded with a delicious lunch by Village restaurant, Jeddah.