Dubai: Greed for money has diluted patriotism among a few people who pretend to have forgotten their native language in 4-5 years of their stay abroad, where as people staying abroad for over five decades talk more fluently, opined Businessman Frank Fernandes.
Inaugurating Karnataka Cultural Foundation’s (KCF) Independence Day celebrations, he aired many of his views. What British constructed before independence has withstood test of time where as buildings, bridges and flyovers are collapsing even before the launch, he grieved, over the sorry state of affairs in India. No religion preaches annexation or terrorism where as few criminal elements are causing extensive damage to the image of India in other countries, he rued. When we stand by truth there is no need to seek forgiveness from anyone, as most religions stand for peace and truth. There is need to work as a cohesive unit towards progress, he said.
KCF international general secretary, Haji Sheik Bawa said, “One has to understand the sacrifice made by our forefathers and the events that led to independence and understand one’s responsibility by not pointing fingers at others”. He explained about Independence Day celebrations held across different Gulf countries by KCF.
The celebration began with the National Anthem of India and UAE, sung by little children Sinan and Suhail. Later, KCF Dubai president Mohammad Sakafi Kinya read the content where audience took pledge. Introductory address was delivered by Sharjah union president Sugandh Raj Bekal and KCF National committee counseling zone secretary Iqbal Kajoor greeted the audience.
Wishing the function success, KCF UAE zonal education President Abdul Zaleel Nizami said, “India’s strength is recognized all over the world. In US space agency NASA alone 50,000 Indians are employed in one position or the other which shows the country’s human resource strength. We have to raise our voice against inefficient national administrators to bring about change in the system and the time is ripe for that”.
As essay competition titled ‘Independent India and Indians’ was organized on the occasion. Mementos were given to winners by KCF Al Khuz sector president to Mohamamd Ali Valavoor, Nizamuddin Madani Uruvalpadau and Yousuf Arlapadau who bagged the top positions. The list of winners was announced by Dubai KCF president.
Employed in Dubai, resident of Kotekar in Mangaluru, Abdul Raoof was felicitated on the occasion as he is involved in the construction of 37 ships using waste material/scrap. Prize winner Raoof responding to the felicitation said, he was interested in ship building since childhood but did not get opportunities in his Motherland. One has to remain humble while learning any trade and parents should motivate skilled children, he concluded.
Businessman Frank Fernandes, Ibrahim Sakhafi Kedumbady, Bashir Bolwar, Hussain Khaji Kinya, Khalil Pash Madikeri, Arafat Napoklu, Karim Haji Ullal, Azeem Kapu, Razak Haji Manila, Shaqoor Manila, Ashraf Haji Adyar, Abdul khaddar Azman, Sharjah Karnataka union president Sugandh Raj Bekal, Abdul Haji Natekal were present among others on the occasion.
The program was presided by KCF, UAE national committee president Abdul Hamid who spoke about the sacrifice of Muslim leaders in the freedom struggle of India and the role of KCF and its goals. Kalandhar Kabaka, KCF Dubai union secretary welcomed the gathering. The event was compered by Riyaz Kondamgery. Zonal publishing secretary Rafeeq Sampya delivered the vote of thanks.
