ICBF MC candidates have a benevolent mind, want to do more

Published: 30 January 2025

Godwin Isaac K | NT
Doha

Candidates contesting for Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) Managing Committee are driven by a strong desire to work for the welfare of the community.
All of them are in Qatar for several years and have been actively involved in community service at various levels. Out of eight candidates, four will be elected to the Managing Committee. Elections to three apex bodies – ICC, ICBF and ISC – will be held on January 31, 2025.
They spoke to News Trail about their contributions and vision for an apex body which has a vital role to play for the welfare of Indian community in Qatar.

I am in Qatar for 31 years and worked with Ooredoo for 27 years, in HR and related positions, and am currently president of Shantiniketan Indian School. After work, I was always involved in social service and was General Convener of the annual Asian medical camp for several years. I also worked for the welfare of poor cancer patients in Kerala, and was part of several humanitarian, charity and education initiatives, especially for low-income groups. I am contesting because an ICBF membership would give me a wider platform and impetus for my activities and help reach more people. I will be available to everyone irrespective of any considerations.
– Rasheed Ahamed

“I have been living in Qatar for the past 15 years, and I am contesting for an ICBF MC post for the first time. I am a nurse by profession and have been actively involved in medical-related activities in Qatar for over a decade. I also have a strong background in social work, having served as the former president of Unique United Indian Nurses Qatar and played an active role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the community. I am passionate about supporting the medical sector and am committed to helping those in need.”
– Mini Siby

“I am currently serving as the Vice President of the ICBF and have been actively involved in the Indian community for over 20 years. I was honoured by the Karnataka government with the Karnataka Rajyotsav Award, which is the second-highest civilian award presented by the state. As a social activist, I am deeply committed to environmental conservation. During my tenure as President of the Karnataka Sangha in Qatar, I initiated several projects on environmental conservation. I am passionate about serving the community. Over the past two years, the ICBF has organized numerous events to support those in need, and this time, we plan to extend our efforts to every nook and corner of Qatar, aiming to assist people in need.
– Deepak Shetty

I have been actively involved in public service for over two decades. My journey began in 1998, assisting with the repatriation of mortal remains and supporting long-term hospital patients. For the past five years, I have represented the Indian community in Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), dedicating two hours daily to addressing critical issues. During my tenure as Joint Secretary of ICBF, we launched several significant initiatives, including a life insurance program, a legal clinic, etc. Fluent in multiple languages, I am able to connect effectively with diverse communities. For the upcoming term, we have plans to provide legal aid to detainees, health cards for low-income workers, and welfare projects for the Indian diaspora.
– Santosh Kumar Pillai

I have been in Qatar for 25 years, and during this time, I’ve been actively involved in social work, helping the underprivileged. I recently supported workers in labour camps who were facing food shortages and unpaid wages. I used social media and my network to arrange food and necessities. I also helped individuals trapped in visa fraud and arranged their repatriation. In 2000, I led a campaign to build houses for victims of a landslide in Calicut, marking the beginning of my social work. The ICBF offers a platform that amplifies our efforts to support those in need.
– Jafar Thayyil

I am a leadership coach and corporate trainer, so my work has primarily been with corporates. However, from the early days of my career, I aspired to join the civil services. I passed both the prelims and the mains. Unfortunately, due to family responsibilities, I couldn’t pursue that path further. Now, I see this as an opportunity to relive my dream of serving the society. I am contesting for the first time. ICBF has been doing excellent work in Qatar, but there is always room for improvement and new initiatives.
– Nirmala Guru

I have been in Qatar since 2014, and the ICBF has launched many great initiatives for the community. However, I believe there are still many opportunities not fully explored, and as a result, some people in need are left without support. We need to create a new system that addresses the needs of all people. Many domestic workers and other people are struggling, and while we’ve been helping them, we want to expand this support. Additionally, supporting low-income families with essential aid, financial relief, and entrepreneurship programs can create more opportunities for financial independence. I am contesting to bring change
– Praveen Kumar Buyyani