Media Release

Riyadh, Mar 11: Dr Arathi Krishna, deputy chairperson, Karnataka Non-Resident Indian Forum (KNRI), visited the capital city of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently to meet and interact with Kannadigas in Riyadh as a representative of the government of Karnataka, India.This is the first such event ever held in Riyadh and was greatly applauded by the Karnataka NRIs in Riyadh.

Addressing the jam-packed hall with more than 700 people, Dr Arathi Krishna assured that most of the demands of the Karnataka NRIs are very genuine and promised to take up the same with the chairman of KNRI Forum, chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramiah. She stressed that the government of Karnataka would fulfil the aspirations and needs of the people of Karnataka in Riyadh. She announced that roll out of NRK cards for Karnataka NRIs is on the anvil and will be executed very soon.

Dr Arathi Krishna further said that the government of Karnataka this year has allocated budget for NRI welfare activities. She informed that Karnataka NRI Forum has already set up NRI Welfare Centres in commissioner office in each district in Karnataka. She also assured that her government would make necessary arrangements for Karnataka NRIs returning from Saudi Arabia on final exit.

Santhosh Shetty Ardi, president of Karnataka NRI Forum, Riyadh, while delivering welcome speech recalled the vast experience and determination of Dr Arathi Krishna and appraised the audience of her contribution to the Kannadigas staying globally. He expressed optimism in her efforts to address genuine issues pending for NRIs, Santosh Shetty also assisted Dr Arathi Krishna in answering some questions raised by audience on her behalf. He also thanked Ahmed Javed, Ambassador of India in Saudi Arabia and Anil Nautial, community welfare councilor, Indian Embassy for giving opportunity to showcase the theme 'One State Many Worlds' - Karnataka’s culture, tradition, people and their progress in Janadriyah Festival. India is the guest of honour country in this magnificent Saudi cultural festival this year.

Dr Anwar Khursheed, advisor, KNRI Forum Riyadh delivered a short speech outlining his experience in KSA spread over four decades. He stressed the need to be united and exhibit the solidarity of Karnataka NRIs in Riyadh. He conveyed to the visiting dignitary Dr Arathi that Indians are very well known and respected for being law abiding and hardworking expatriate community in Saudi Arabia.

A memorable memento of appreciation was presented to Dr Arathi Krishna by the dignitaries present on the dais on behalf of Kannadigas in Riyadh.

Many Karnataka organizations participated and contributed financially to make this event highly successful including, Karnataka NRI Forum, Karavali Welfare Association, JF Riyadh, Karnataka Cultural Forum Riyadh (KCF), Panorama, NRI Forum Riyadh, NRI Muslim DK, Khidma Foundation, Mangalore Cricket Association, Konkan Ghar Riyadh, Hidaya Foundation, Dakshina Kannada Muslim Okkuta Riyadh, Karnataka Welfare Association, Katipalla Muslim Youth Association, Bhatkal Muslim Welfare Association, BISMI, BARSA, ISF, and Indian Fraternity Forum.

Well-known entities in Riyadh, such as Friendi Mobiles, Taj Restaurant, Kadesiah Medical Center co-sponsored the event.

Karnataka NRI Forum Riyadh, office-bearers Santhosh Shetty Ardi, president, Roshan Shabbir, treasurer, Usman Kunjathur, secretary, Nazir Ahmad, joint secretary, Irfan Sheikh Mani, coordinator, Dr Syed Anwar Khursheed and Dr Sayeed Mohiuddin, advisors graced their presence on the dais along with the chief guest, Dr Arathi Krishna.

Dr Arathi Krishna had personal interaction with office-bearers of the different organizations individually and heard patiently the issues faced by them. She promised to resolve the problems faced by Karnataka NRIs in Saudi Arabia and to maximize the facilities for returning NRIs for their rehabilitation, children’s education, loan and other legal support.

Vote of thanks was delivered by KNRI Forum treasurer Roshan Shabbir, wherein he extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr Arathi Krishna for her dedication in visiting Saudi Arabia and assured all support required by NRIs in building vibrant Karnataka.

Further, visiting dignitary paid avisit to Janadriyah Cultural Festival as 'representative of the people and government of Karnataka' and appreciated the efforts and hard work done by Indian Community. She was welcomed at Janadriyah Festival by Anil Nautial, community welfare officer of the Indian Embassy, Riyadh.

Dr Arathi Krishna visited Dammam and Jeddah too as part of her KSA tour and interacted with Kannadigas. Thanking Karnataka NRIs in KSA, she expressed her gratitude to everybody for making her visit memorable and successful.