KSA: Mangalore Association of Saudi Arabia Celebrates First Anniversary
Report and pics co-ordination - Ravi Karkera - Saudi Arabia
Al Khobar, Nov 22: MASA (Mangalore Association of Saudi Arabia) has completed a year and to commemorate this event the 1st Anniversary function was held on November 1, 2007 in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia at Pearl Compound.
The event was a grand success with over 600 invitees taking part therein. The chief guests were Satish Kini, Kamath, Feroz Ahmed and Tasneem Firoz Ahmed.
In his speech, Satish Kini expressed his views by looking at the enthusiastic people and volunteers at service that there is an sense of belonging among each and everyone working towards one goal. He also emphasized the fact that even though he was away from his home town for a long time, he felt the feeling of being at home.
After conveying greetings on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, Kamath stressed on the need of implementing Kannada language in International Indian School, Jubail, Saudi Arabia and direct flight services for the sector Dammam-Mangalore.
Firoz Ahmed, another guest of honor, in a lighter vein expressed his desire to be a Mangalorean while observing the spirit of unity among the Mangalorean community irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
President Karunakar Salian detailed the objectives of MASA and it achievements during the short span of a year.
Awards were given away to achievers from the community for excellence in studies during the academic year 2006-07. Sports prizes and talent show awards were also presented to winners of MASA-conducted competitions during 2007. Raffle draw with prizes like TV, mobile phone, gold biscuit and coin, Ipod and DVD players was held and many attractive prizes were given away.
Children put up an impressive cultural show in which they displayed their talents in dance, singing and skits which were well applauded by the audience.
The managing committee and other committees put in long hours of efforts to make the event worthwhile. Ravi Karkera, general secretary and head of entertainment committee, was adjudged ‘MASA Man of the Year’ for his dedicated services and efforts in uniting the community and making the event a grand success with professional planning.
Local community members came forward to sponsor many gifts and prizes besides actively assisting in organizing the function.
Appreciation was heard from all round. One of them was: "Lots of prizes are won; I felt no one is a loser at the function. I would have been one among the losers if I had to spend my weekend as usual at the beaches, shopping malls or visiting friends instead of making it to the function”. Requests were received for organizing similar functions in future.
MASA is committed to social upliftment besides entertainment and sports. Through this endeavour, the poor and the needy among the community are given assistance wherever possible and in whatever capacity that MASA can.