Newskarnataka.com, the favored news portal of Kannadigas the world over, has been highlighting the concerns of Non-Resident Kannadigas the world over through a series of live conversations on its YouTube Channel. With three episodes aired, the issues and concerns have already gained traction with the state government. The more than 120 pro-Kannada organizations across 34 countries have now made a joint appeal to the State Government. What does it ask for? Read on to find out…
The Fourth Edition of the interaction with the International Kannadigas’ Federation was held on 30/01/2021 with M Ravi Shetty, Managing Director, ATS Group Qatar, Nazir Ahmed, President Karavali Welfare Association, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Lenard Fernandes, coordinator, International Kannadigas Federation, Israel as guests. CA Valarian, Dalmaida, mentor spearhead media Group, hosted the popular talk show. Kiran Nirkan co-hosted the show.
Newskarnataka – always pro-people
“News Karnataka has always been pro-people and dedicating one hour every Saturday to the concerns of Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs) is the proof of the pudding”, said Spearhead Mentor CA Valerian Dalmaida lifting the curtain on the fourth episode. He understands all too well the need for such a program, given the fact that he himself has been an NRK for long years and that’s why he conceived it and hosts it for Newskarnataka.com
NRKs problems are unique!
Ravi Shetty speaking at the start of the program said, “Problems are there for every human being and for us being non-residents Kannadiga’s, we have our own, but different problems. We always look to see how to face the problems. There are several Govt departments that extend service to us, particularly during the pandemic they have been great help to us and we thank them for their support and help. In respect of Karnataka, Chief Minister himself is the Chairman for Non-Resident Kannadigas Forum. Earlier we had two Dy. Chairman’ namely Shri. Ganesh Karnik and Dr. Arathi Krishna. However, during the last three years the post of Dy Chairman has been vacant and filling up this vacancy is the need of the hour”
NRKs in Israel
The UAE and Israel have recently normalized relations, and that is a step in the right direction, felt Lenard Fernandes, IKF’s Israel Coordinator. Highlighting issues of NRKs in Israel, Fernandes said, “there are four categories of visa holders in Israel – diplomatic, tourist, Students and CareGivers. The caregiver/home nurse portfolio is the toughest work. The nature of work for the people under this category is mainly to take care of the aged which is very dedicated work. More than 15,000 people are engaged in these jobs and the majority are from Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada.”
While there are not many NRK Businessmen, Lenard highlighted the cohesion and commitment of various NRK organizations to the welfare of NRKs in need in Israel. He mentioned especially the KDCC of Uttara Karnataka, SFX, Kundapura Friends, KCI, Tulukoota, Jai Konkani. Local groups such as Navajeevana Israel, Hosa Belaku, Asha Kirana, Aadhar, Helping Hand Israel, Helping Hand Tel Aviv supplemented their efforts magnificently, he said….
Fernandes says several issues relating to travel arose during the Pandemic – the extension of visas etc, which could only be resolved through letters of recommendation from members of the Indian parliament and this is where the NRK organizations came into play, doing the needful on their behalf….
Direct contact with the powers that be, are important Lenard says to resolve issues that NRKs face quickly, efficiently, and effectively and therefore the appointment of a Dy, Chairman to the Kannadiga NRI forum is the key to a quick resolution of issues of Kannadigas in Israel and the world over!
And on to Saudi Arabia, where the problems are just as many and as varied…
Nazeer explained the welfare activities and impact of the Karvali Welfare Association in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an NGO registered with the India Embassy, which includes a campaign for a direct flight from Mangalore to Riyadh. The Campaign he said, is at an advanced stage. Apart from this campaign, he mentioned that the association has also carried out several successful blood donation camps.
“At present, approximately 16 lakh NRI’s are working in Saudi Arabia and a proper functioning forum is necessary to enable them to voice their problems to the government, said Nazeer speaking to Newskarnataka. He listed the following urgent actions by the State government;
- Immediate appointment of Dy Chairman of the Karnataka NRI Forum.
- Formation of a sub-committee with a representative from each country – there are 120 organizations in 34 countries that could offer their services in this regard.
- Resolution of their long-pending demand for a direct flight from Riyadh to Mangaluru.
- Provision of provides employment and schooling assistance to help those who have been forced to return home during the pandemic.
- Provide for concessions in school fees payable to schools run by the ministry of education in Saudi Arabia as the parents have difficulties in paying fees because of the pandemic on their incomes.
Meanwhile in Qatar
Meanwhile in Qatar, according to Ravi Shetty, there are more than 50,000 NRKs and several organizations that work under the embassy for the welfare of the people – the Indian Cultural Centre, the Indian Cultural Benevolent Forum, and the Indian Sports Centre. Ravi Shetty says that the ICBF did yeoman service to NRKs cause during the pandemic through the eight associations functioning under the aegis of ICBF and Indian Embassy in Qatar – Karnataka Sangha, Tulukoota, Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association, South Kanara Muslim welfare Association, Mangalore Cultural Association, Qatar Billavas, and Bunts Qatar.
Many are common members of these associations. The main objective of these organizations, Shetty says, is to promote our culture, Tradition, Language, social service and above all to unite all Kannadiga’s under one roof.
Shetty too stressed the need for the appointment of a Dy. Chairman of the NRI forum. He noted with dismay that despite sufficient awareness through Social media, people are getting duped in Visa scams on a regular basis. He pointed out that innocent people are being trapped in drug scandals and it is very difficult for them to get out of these situations. The Kannadiga NRI Forum has a big role to play in this regard – in supporting the efforts of local organizations with its official clout through the diplomatic and governmental channels and that is why the appointment of a Deputy Chairman to the forum is an urgent necessity, he stressed.
The Common refrain through the show was – Appoint a Deputy Chairman to the forum immediately – it is an appeal, nay a demand, from 120 organizations representing NRKs across 34 Countries to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa, who also holds the post of the Chairman of the Forum.
Another common theme was the ability of Newskarnataka.com to transcend the descent of the media into competitive TRPs to partner with people in need – showcasing their achievements, voicing their opinions, highlighting their concerns, and improving their working conditions and quality of life.
Watch the full video here;
