Report by Abdul Fathah Thayyil
Pics by Wilson Saldanha Shirthady / Kuwait
Kuwait, Jan 2: In spite of chilly weather and mist, thousands of people gathered together to celebrate Eid Al-Adha in Al-Nasar Stadium in Kuwait.
The gala was hosted by the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), the largest expat organization of Indian nationals in Kuwait. Eid Milan 2006 presented by renowned singers Kannur Salim and his equally talented children Saleel, Saleej, Sajli, Sajla. Popular Mapilla I P Siddeque too added colour to the event with traditional songs. Famous mimicry artiste Kollam Siraj entertained the audience with his wit and humour.
The event was graced by distinguished personalities in Kuwait. Eid Milan 2006 was inaugurated by Ambassador of India to Kuwait M Ganapathy in the presence of Sheikh Mubarak Salman Mohammed Al-Sabah and leaders of other various socio-cultural organizations in Kuwait. The Ambassador extended his warm Eid Greetings to the gathering.
Inaugurating the event the Ambassador congratulated KKMA for organizing such a beautiful platform for Non Resident Indians to come together and share their love and unity on the day of Eid which brings peace and tranquility all over the world. He added that the activities of KKMA are based on love and humanity. He also praised the successful functioning of the Kidney Dialysis Centre in Kerala which was opened in July 2006 as a part of the charitable deeds of KKMA.
KKMA president N A Muneer presided over the function. In his presidential address he explained the functioning of Kidney Dialysis Centre (KDC) which was inaugurated in Calicut on July 2006 and also about the other Dialysis centers which KKMA is planning to open in various districts of Kerala and one each in Manglore and Coimbatore.
Chief patron K Siddikh briefed about the remarkable activities which KKMA has completed within a short period of five years; including the Family Benefit Scheme, Members Welfare Scheme, Investment Club and Kidney Dialysis Center etc. as part of their charitable Works.
Sheikh Mubarak Salman Mohammed Al-Sabah appreciated the charitable services of KKMA. He congratulated the members of KKMA for conducting such a colourful event on the first day of Eid itself and added that their hard work and unity was striking.
Offering his felicitations, Mohammed Ghareeb Hatem, corporate relations manager of EQUATE Petrochemical Company, expressed his happiness over the activities conducted by the organization to strengthen love and brotherhood among the community.
Rishikant Singh - manager Air India, Mahmood Abdulla manager Apsara bazaar, Abdul Salam - Qatar Airways, Helan Pinto - manager Behbehani Car Rental, Satish Chandra Shetty - managing director of Oriental Restaurant and P A Ramesh, manager Gulfmart, Dr Basheer - German Clinic, Shabeer manager Echlon were felicitated.
On the occasion, a colourful souvenir was released by Abdul Kadar, Manager of UAE Exchange Co. and received by Mohammed Rafeeque, Manager of City Centre.
Shabir Mandoly, general convener of Eid Milan 2006 ,welcomed the audience. Pattaayi Moideen, Shamsir Nasar and Babu, coordinated the event.
KKMA MTC Vodafone Eid Milan was sponsored by UAE Exchange Co., City Center, and co sponsored by Qatar Airways, Apsara Bazar, Toyota and Gulfmart and the compere was Abdul Fathah Thayyil, general secretary of Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association.
Ambassador of India to Kuwait Ganapathy was honoured during the function with a memento presented by N A Muneer, president of KKMA and Sheikh Mubarak Salman Al-Sabah honoured by K. Siddique, chief patron of KKMA and Gareb Mohammed Al-Hatem was honoured by Ambassador Ganapathy.
The programme comprised of Mapilla songs, a musical form of Indian originof Muslims, Hindi, Tamil songs and hit numbers from Malayalam songs. Added attractions were Arabi oppana presented by the members of SMART, the arts wing of KKMA led by Shamsuddin Kottappuram.
It is no doubt that the Eid Milan 2006 organized by KKMA was a meeting place as well as a cultural feast for Indian community in Kuwait.