by Dr. C K Anchan
Muscat, Jan 28: To mark the beginning of the New Year and to share happiness and joy amongst the community friends, Oman Billawas got together in Hassan Juma Backer Farm, one of the finest farm known for its various indoor and outdoor activites. The farm is located almost 125km away from the city.
The joy of making to the pinic was well received, more than 300 members made it to the occasion, most of the members came along with their family and children, even the bus which was provided for all those who did not have their own means of transport was full. Families from Sohar known for their extra cultural activities also joined in huge numbers.
Mr.Pitamber Alke – President of Oman Billawas welcomed all the members on behalf of all the other founding members who were also present, Mr. S. K Poojary, Mr. Ashok Suvarna, Mr.Aroon Sanil, Mr. Umesh Bantwal and Dr. Anchan C. K.
In his welcome speech to the members he said that “I am quite sure we all will have a great day full of enjoyment, go out all the way and live the day to the extent that you have so much beautiful memories to carry``.
He thanked the support he has been receiving from all the community members and the plan he and his founding members have in mind, to ensure that Oman Billawas go a long way in serving its community members here in Oman, he emphasized the fact that he and his founding members would like to foucs more on the following areas :
A] Oman Billawas will help the needy and the deserved in terms of financial and moral help. He urged all the members to bring to their notice of such cases, events of the needy. Mr. S.K. Poojary to elaborate further, who said that we all should come forward and donate at least some amount, so that this amount could be collected as a fund and can be given to those in need, he said that it is our moral responsibility to help our community brothers.
B)To encourage children Oman Billawas have come with scholarship grant for six students initially i.e : the top two ranking students from standard 7th, 8th and 9th through out Oman. Shri Aroon Sanil explained that how they will be forming a sub committee for this.
C]Shri Ashok Suvarna briefed about the cultural activities and said going forward Oman Billawas will celeberate Shri Narayan Guru Jayanti Day, to mark respect and follow on the guidelines of his valuable teachings to mankind. He also emphasized that very soon we will have our website which will have information about various activities, Mr Aroon Sanil seconded him by stating that it will have more information about the future plans.
D] Seeing the huge response and participation from the cricket team members, the President and all the founding members got together and said it would be a matter of pride for Oman Billawas to have its own team which can represent the league tournaments here in Oman, they stated players to come forward to make this happen.
The day was declared open , Registration counter was made available at the entrance of the Farm to register the membership, Members were requested to check their specific details and update any change of details pertaining to their contact numbers, postal address, eamail ID etc.
Umesh Bantwal heading the registration department stated that he and his team are trying their best to have the updated data of the members, He added that members have been co-operative, he said that the support he received from Mrs. Madhuri, Mr. H D Suvarna, Mr. Kushal Bangera & Mr. Madhu Suvarna was commendable and the support they have extended has only enabled the Oman Billawas to have the right data of all the members.
Mr.Gangadhar Poojari leading the Sports team along with Mr. Suhan H., Mrs. Suchetana K Anchan, Mr. Harish Poojary, Mrs Kavita Sanil, K N Anchan, Mrs Prafulla Shankar, Mr. Niranjan, Mr. A J Sanil, Mr. Vinish & Mr.Sagar Poojary came up with various games across all the age group. It was a commendable job which was done with great team spirit.
He added that it was the sheer initiative and the co-operation from Mr.Sujith Anchan, Mr. Sukumar Anchan, Mr Surendra Anchan, Mr Tilak Suvarna, Mr Prasad Amin & Mr. Srinivas Poojary & their team members who made cricket as the event of the day.
Participation was at its best, with children and elders all coming forward to participate; people also enjoyed indoor games like table tennis & snookers. People were enjoying in meeting each other, chatting and also being keen watchers and cheering their respective team and the loved ones.
Entertainment was one another key factor which kept people swinging Mr. Madhu Suvarna & Mr. Prem played beautiful numbers and kept the toes tapping and swinging, among members came forward and sang beautiful Hindi and Kannada numbers were Mrs Umesh Bantwal, Mr Umesh Jeppu, Mrs Deepa & Mr.Krishna Prasad and they were followed by others.
The logistic team headed by Mr. Ramakrishna and Shankar Poojary have done a marvelous job in all the department. The day’s catering, from morning to evening, was offered by Sai Sea Restaurant in typical Mangalorean style enjoyed by everyone.
The day was coming to an end, time had come to say good bye, it was the time to have some key messages to all members, Mr. Umesh Jeppu spoke Requesting all the Billavas in Oman to participate in the organizing and regular get-togethers. This would provide opportunities to children, bachelors and families to interact through cultural and indoor sports activities. Such participation of one and all would be the USP to the Billawa community in Oman.
From Sohar Mr. Sudhir Amin stated that he and all the members from Sohar and around will support us all the way, he explained how much effort goes in organizing an event, he thanked the president and all the founding members on behalf of all and assuring support from each one of them.
Dr Anchan C.K. concluded with vote of thanks on behalf of all the founding members and president, to the various members of the team right from Registration, Sports and Logistics. He requested members to be in touch, come forward and participate, take up areas of interest and share knowledge. He also stated that with their continued support the committee will go ahead and will take additional challenges, he asked the members to give their valuable feed back and suggestions which will help the founding members to move forward in the right perspective.
President Mr. Pitamber Alke once again congratulated and said “The grand success to all the organizers was due to the dedication, support and contribution. The committees have initiated this event in style. He also encouraged all by saying “to keep up the tempo and spirit as we need it more as we go on celebrating our first annual anniversary celebrations’ very soon”