NT Bureau
Doha
The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) hosted a Labour Day celebration at Asian Town on Friday, which was dedicated to honouring the labour community’s unsung heroes.
The event, titled Rang Tarang 2024, recognized 40 low-income individuals for their exceptional service of over 30 years in Qatar.
The event commenced with an orchestra and captivating dances. Varkey Boban, ICBF General Secretary, delivered the welcome speech, followed by President Shanavas Bava who highlighted the event’s significance amidst ICBF’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Chief guest of the event, Indian Ambassador H E Vipul, appreciated the labour community for their sincere hard work, and emphasized ICBF’s initiatives in conducting various camps for the underprivileged, including medical and awareness camps, and applauded Qatar’s sponsorship reforms and wage protection laws.
Indian Embassy First Secretary and Coordinating Officer of ICBF Dr. Vaibhav Tandale was also present.
Among the guests were Salim Darwish Al Muhannadi from the Ministry of Labour, Dr. Faiqa Abdullah Ashkanani, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Municipality, both of whom acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Indian community to Qatar’s development. Max Tunon from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Dr. Mohan Thomas emphasized the labour community’s pivotal role in the society.
Other dignitaries including Maj. Muhammad Khalifa Al Kuwari from the Human Rights Department, Ministry of Interior (MOI); Dr. Muhammad Al Hajjaj, Head of Occupational Safety, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH); Lt. Abdullah Salih Al Shammari, General Directorate of Drugs Enforcement, MOI; Hamad Muhanna Al Muhanandi, Warrant Officer-Community Policing, MOI; Mansour Arjan Al Bunain, Director of Doha Municipality, and officials from National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were honoured by ICBF at the function.
The Ministry of Municipality honoured ICBF with a memento for their community service.
A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of 40 long-term service awardees. Leaders of various Indian community apex bodies were also present.
Vice President Deepak Shetty proposed vote of thanks. The labour community enjoyed the cultural performances at the event, presented by various organizations and community groups.
