Dubai: The Coronavirus pandemic severely affected everyone and everything around the world from people to economies, from nations to the world – its relations, its productivity its healthcare systems, its social security systems, and not the least its incomes. Thousands lost their jobs and their families faced strife – both economic and social. For some, it was a question of survival itself.
Those abroad, earning a livelihood for their families were probably the worst affected – they were in a foreign country which was also locked down, they lost their jobs and the businesses and their earnings and they were stuck with no place to go – not even home; because the means were not available. Some were Job Seekers on a visit visa to UAE were also stuck indefinitely. This is exactly the position that many Kannadigas in the UAE found themselves in when the pandemic struck the country like many others in the world. They were with their backs to the wall and no one to turn to for help.
But the Dubai based Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru (HUK) team stepped in, to the relief of so many. They flung into action when they started getting distress calls from bachelors and families seeking urgent help. Mohammad Mustafa, a businessman, and philanthropist and other members of HUK opened their hearts and purses, contributed to the relief fund set up for their relief called Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru Sahaya Hastha (helping hand).
As the Corona pandemic spread across the Dubai Emirate, the Deira Dubai, UAE – one of the oldest districts of the Emirati city, was categorized as a hotspot of infection. The Dubai government immediately decided to lock down the whole area followed by a seal down for about two months to contain the spread of the virus (Strict Prohibitory orders were issued to restrict the residents from moving out of the area and non-residents from travelling to the area).
During this period Dubai Health Authority, along with the Dubai police, set up a quarantining methodology to contain the spread of viruses and simultaneously provide the residents of the area with the necessities to manage their lives. The Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru (HUK) was exclusively chosen to partner with the Dubai Health Authority in this exercise.
The HUK voluntary services to the residents included the supply of food, essentials, Medicine, and transport of people for COVID testing, Isolation, transfer to the hospital, etc. A team of Kannadiga Doctors under the leadership of Kannadathi Dr.Savitha Mohan treated several patients at this critical time free of cost, provided free clinics, and online consultation. All corona related health tips and guidance were provided from time to time. In addition, they also reached out to all Kannadigas who sought support.
The HUK carried out this relief work under the dynamic and able leadership of Rafeeqali Kodagu.
Helping Kannadigas get back to their roots
It was desperation time during the lockdown for several categories of people. These included Pregnant Women, Patients with Critical illness, Senior Citizens, Job seekers, Students, Tourists, Employees who lost their jobs, and their families. Staying back was expensive and torturous as they had no incomes and no savings to fall back on.
The Dubai HUK team again extended their helping hand in collaboration with the organizers of Vande Bharat Mission by providing full information to the passengers and assisting them in their flight bookings, travel to the airport, etc. They also arranged an exclusive chartered flight and took care of the entire process from the registration to the take-off of the respective flight. They followed up their efforts with assistance on arrival in Karnataka too. Air tickets worth Rs: 16 Lakhs too with the help and support of multiple Donors.
Kannadigas from all walks of life volunteered to help in this effort.
They used their own vehicles and roped in their friends to distribute food and medicines to the needy at their places.
Special mentions must be made of Nawaz Kundapura, Harish Kodagu, Cleevan Udupi, Abdul Hadi Bhatkal, Suhail Mangaluru, Noufal Dakshina Kannada, Nizar Kasaragodu Kannadiga, Fayaz Kundapura, Abrar Shivamogga, Hadiya Mandya, Mamatha Sharjah, Senthil Bengaluru, Mohiyuddin Hubli, Sayyed Shivamogga, Vinod D’Souza Mangaluru, Rafeeqali Kodagu who worked relentlessly day and night across the seven emirates of the UAE to ensure that the relief work was efficient and effective.
Indeed they wiped the tears of many a Kannadiga with their efforts
The work of Dubai UK was acknowledged and well appreciated by UAE Rulers, the Dubai Government, Dubai Police, Dubai Health authorities, the general public, and their volunteers were hailed as Corona heroes. The relief work continues as the pandemic abates slowly.
But they do not believe in ad hoc or short term social work. Their social work continues across the spectrum of life’s challenges. Job seekers from Karnataka are provided essential information and guidance through Job fairs, Workshops, Recruitment roadshows, and Job groups. Kannadiga Businessmen and the Kannadiga Job seekers are provided a platform to interact and recruit the candidates. Also, Kannadiga Business Forum, an exclusive group for Kannadiga Businessmen and Entrepreneurs is providing a platform for Kannadiga Businessmen to help each other grow their businesses.
About Hemmaya UAE Kannadigaru
Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru has always been the voice for Kannada and Kannadigas in UAE Their heart also follows and responds to challenges and development issues related to Kannada and Karnataka.
They have conducted a number of events – Dasara Sports Meet, Kannada Rajyotsava, Multi-religious Ifthar program, Sankranthi, Christmas, Republic day Talent show to name a few – that are designed to bring together all Kannadigas to celebrate Kannada culture and heritage. They also honour National and International Sportspersons. Poets, Philanthropists, Cine & Music Artists, Indian Defense Staff and so many others who have contributed to the State of Karnataka and who have brought name and fame to Karnataka.
HUK is ever willing and ready to extend their help during natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, and also organizes blood donation camps. They also organize guided excursions and tours across the UAE.
Team Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru comprises Sudeep Davanagere (President ), Mamatha Raghavendra Mysuru (Vice President), Senthil Bengaluru (Chief Secretary ), Rafeeqali Kodagu, Mamatha Sharjah, Pallavi Basavaraj Davanagere, Dr. Savitha Mohan Mysuru, Anitha Ram Bengaluru, Vishnu Murthy Mysuru, Hadiya Mandya, Shankar Belagavi, Mohiudeen Hubli, and Vageesh Mysuru, supported by 50 other members.
