from Ronald D F D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain (GA)
Bahrain, Nov 14: Coordination Committee of Indian Associations (CCIA), Bahrain held the induction of their newly-elected committee on Monday November 10 at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam’s Diamond Jubilee Hall at Segayya.
CCIA was formed in 1987 by the then Indian Ambassador to Bahrain M P M Menon. Earlier the membership was only for the registered clubs, which were registered with the Ministry of Labour & Social
Affairs. The main motto behind the establishment of CCIA was to meet once a month at the Indian Embassy premises to discuss about their activities. The Indian Ambassador is the patron of CCIA and the committee consists of 10 executive members. In addition to these 10 executive members, the past chairman and the First Secretary at the Indian Embassy are ex-officios.
Presently, 104 Indian clubs and associations are registered with the CCIA. The current Indian Ambassador Balakrishna Shetty strongly supported the formation of new associations so that community members can enjoy and participate in the cultural activities.
On the onset of the Induction Ceremony, the Indian Ambassador administered oath to the newly-elected executive committee members. The chairman John Iype delivered a welcome speech and requested all office-bearers of various associations to extend a helping hand to all CCIA functions. Outgoing chairman, Dr P V Cheriyan congratulated the in-coming committee and wished them every success.
Finally, the Indian Ambassador addressed the audience and advised that presently there are 300,000 Indians are working in Bahrain. He also informed that the Prime Minister of Bahrain has conveyed his thanks for the contribution by the Indians towards the development of Bahrain. He further requested that Indians should try to include Bahraini families in Indian programmes and functions so that they are familiar with the rich culture and heritage of India.
Cultural secretary Doomanna Rai briefed about the programme scheduled for the evening which included dances and songs by the CCIA member’s children.
The programme ended at 10.30 pm.