Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah holds 15th AGM marking a milestone in service to Kannadiga expats

Media Release
December 25, 2023

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Jeddah: The Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah, a prominent organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community from Karnataka residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, achieved a significant milestone by hosting its 15th Annual General Body Meeting on December 15, 2023. This momentous event served as a testament to the forum's dedication and commitment to the betterment of Kannadigas residing abroad.

The 15th Annual General Body Meeting was a grand affair held at prestigious The Village Restaurant Banquet Hall in Jeddah, attracting a diverse gathering of esteemed individuals, community members, and distinguished guests. Notably, the event was graced by the esteemed presence of Highly Respected Mr. Raza Ali Khan, Country Manager of Air India & Air India Express - Western Province, Saudi Arabia, who served as the Guest of Honor. Mr. Khan's attendance not only added prestige to the occasion but also demonstrated his unwavering support for the Karnataka NRI community. In his address, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the forum for their remarkable achievements in promoting the welfare of Kannadigas. 

He commended their efforts and emphasized the importance of their work in fostering unity, preserving culture, and providing support to the NRI community. He also congratulated the KNRI Forum Jeddah’s delegation for meeting and approaching the Air India for commencing direct passenger flight services from Jeddah to Mangaluru and assured that Air India management is considering this request with Top priority and soon this demand will be fulfilled. In closing, he expressed his appreciation to the committee for granting him the privilege of being part of this remarkable event.

The outgoing president, Mohammed Mansoor, extended a warm welcome to Guest of Honor Mr. Raza Ali Khan and guest from Bengaluru Mr. Babu by presenting flower bouquet and welcomed all attendees in his welcome address.  He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support received throughout his tenure and assured continued cooperation with the new committee. Mr. Mansoor’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the growth and success of the Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah. As a token of appreciation, on behalf of the executive committee members, he presented a special memento to the guest of honor, Mr. Raza Ali Khan, as a symbol of the cherished memories from their time together.

As per the main agenda, the outgoing General Secretary Peter Mascarenhas Udupi, a renowned educationalist of prestigious International school in Jeddah has presented the forum's comprehensive Annual Report, providing an overview of the achievements and milestones attained during the previous year. The report highlighted the forum's various initiatives, including cultural events, KNT Season 3 cricket tournament, educational programs and social welfare projects that have positively impacted the lives of Kannadigas in Jeddah, which was eye catching segment of the event.

Additionally, Treasurer Br. Habib Rahman Uchila presented the crystal-clear Financial Report for the term 2022-2023. These reports demonstrated the forum's commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management team including Mohammed Ismail from Bengaluru as Joint Treasurer, Nazir Ahmed Karkala from Udupi as Internal Auditor and Sayed Shakeel from Bengaluru for the excellent team work on coordinating to submission of financial reports to Forum’s Chartered Accountant at Bengaluru for the Auditing and obtaining Clearance Certificate from the Karnataka State Registrar Office for the previous financial year, had much applauded by the gathered members and the guests. The new Executive committee for 2023-2024 was formed under the supervision of appointed Election officer Dr. Ashfqa Maniyar Bjapura with the support of Shaikh Saoud Yermal. Dr. Ashfaq congratulated the outgoing committee office bearers and members for their excellent performance in their term. He urged all the new selected Executive Committee members to dedicate themselves for the benefit of needy Kannadigas. 

The newly formed Executive Committee for the term 2023-2024 comprises a dynamic group of individuals who bring a wealth of talent, dedication, and diverse perspectives to the table. The new executive committee elected Sabu Chandran from Bengaluru, a visionary leader with a strong commitment to the NRI community as President to lead the committee. To assist the President in his role the Executive Committee unanimously elected Shaikh Saoud Yermal from Udupi, whose organizational skills and attention to detailed manoeuvres will be invaluable to the committee's operations as General Secretary. The committee also includes Vice Presidents Arifulla Shariff from Shimoga, known for his ability to bring people together, and Habib Rahman Uchila from Udupi, who brings a wealth of experience in community service. Mohammed Imran from Bengaluru has been selected as the Treasurer, and to assist him Mohammed Ismail from Bengaluru has retained as Joint Treasurer. Both have ensured the executive committee to get financial accountability and transparency in transactions will be at top priority to them.

The office bearers team of 2023-2024 term has the following additional skilfull coordinators and executive committee members. Joint Secretary R Dorai Swamy  from KGF, Coordinators – Cultural  Mohammed Kaleem from Rayachuru & Rajesh Suvarna from Mangaluru, Coordinator – Sports Mohammed Fayaz from Udupi, Chief Coordinator – Mahboob Ali Khan from Bengaluru and Assistant Chief Coordinator Peter Mascarenhas from Udupi, Internal Auditor – Rafeeq Ahmed Bengaluru, Advisors – Mohammed Mansoor Mangaluru & Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar Bijapura.

Executive Committee Members : Nazir Ahmed Karkala Udupi, Jalal Baig Sakleshpuraa, Mukarram Khan Bengaluru, Faize Abdul Razak Shaikh Mangaluru, Mohammed Haneef Sakleshpuraa, Denis Noronha Udupi, Jerry Gomes Murdeshwara, Suhail Malik Rayachuru, Mohammed Saifuddin Sami Mysore, Mohammed Irshad Sandi Belagavi, Thomas Daniel Hubli, Shakil Ahmed Rayachuru, Mahantesh Bagalakote, Salim Hubbali from Belagavi, Zeeshan Mansoor Bale-Hannooru, Raza Ali Khan Bengaluru, Waseem Ahmed Tumakuru, Mohammed Sajid Kanakapura, Mohamad Arshad Husain Mangaluru and Qamruzaman Sada Bhatkala. 

The Annual General Body Meeting was expertly hosted by Shaikh Saoud Yermal Udupi, whose eloquence and stage presence guided the attendees through the proceedings with finesse and professionalism. Mohammed Ismail Bengaluru and Mohammed Rafeeq Bengaluru professionally controlled the registration counter. The attendees were treated to a delightful culinary experience with welcome drink, featuring a diverse array of traditional and contemporary dishes at the dinner buffet from The Village Restaurant Azizia Jeddah under the management of Jalal Baig Sakleshpura. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mohammed Imran Bengaluru, expressing gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event. Adding to the festive ambiance, talented Coordinator-Cultural Mohammed Kaleem Rayachuru and Ex-President Saifuddin Sami Mysore captivated the audience with their soulful rendition of Kannada patriotic songs, evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia among the attendees.

The Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah is an esteemed organization dedicated to serving the interests and welfare of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community from Karnataka residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Established with a vision to foster unity, promote cultural exchange, and address the needs of NRIs, the forum actively engages in various community initiatives and events. By maintaining a strong connection with their homeland, Karnataka, the forum strives to ensure that the NRI community feels connected, supported, and valued. Looking ahead, the Karnataka Non-Resident Indian Forum Jeddah eagerly anticipates an exciting year of growth, collaboration, and community engagement under the leadership of the newly appointed Executive Committee. With their diverse backgrounds, talents, and unwavering dedication to the NRI community, the committee members are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their collective vision is to strengthen the bond among Kannadigas, promote cultural exchange.

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News Network
November 27,2025

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Bengaluru: The Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying the party could face serious electoral repercussions if Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is not appointed as Chief Minister.

The warning follows the public backing of Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambition by top Vokkaliga pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, who urged the Congress high command to honor his claim.

“The community supported Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections only because Shivakumar had a real chance to become CM. If he is cheated, we’ll teach the party a big lesson,” said newly elected Sangha president L. Srinivas. He added that Vokkaligas would organize protests under the guidance of community leaders.

General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar pointed out that Congress won more seats in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region due to Shivakumar’s influence, adding, “If Congress wants to retain power, Shivakumar should be made the CM.”

Outgoing president Kenchappa Gowda emphasized Shivakumar’s contribution to Congress’ victory. “Our community voted for Congress thinking he would become CM. Siddaramaiah has also served the party well, but Shivakumar should now be given a chance,” he said.

Former general-secretary Konappa Reddy appealed to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to recognize Shivakumar’s loyalty and service, saying, “Congress is known to keep its promises. We hope it won’t break the promise made to him.”

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coastaldigest.com news network
November 29,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 29: Around 12,500 healthcare students from Medical, Dental, AYUSH, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Allied Health Sciences colleges of Dakshina Kannada, affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), took part in a massive walkathon to promote awareness on Organ Donation and Nasha Mukth Bharat.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Mangala Stadium. Dr Bhagavan B C, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, delivered the welcome address. The walkathon was flagged off by Shri U T Khader, Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and presided over by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge. Dakshina Kannada MP Shri Brijesh Chowta also addressed the students.

Music director Guru Kiran, MLA Dr Bharat Shetty (Mangalore North), Police Commissioner Shri Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Shri Manjunath Bhandary and Shri Harish Kumar were among those present.

Institution heads including Dr Haji U K Monu (Kanachur Colleges), Dr Shantharam Shetty (Tejaswini College), Dr Bhaskar Shetty (City Group of Colleges), Mr Abdul Rahiman (Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences), and the District Health Officer, Mangalore, also participated.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof U T Ifthikar Fareed, Syndicate Member, RGUHS.

The event was organised by Dr U T Ifthikar Ali and Dr Shiva Sharan (Syndicate Members), Prof Vaishali (Senate Member), Prof Mohammad Suhail (Chairman, BOS Physiotherapy), Dr Sharan Shetty (Former Senate Member), along with principals and faculty of various colleges.

Students marched from Mangala Stadium to Karavali Grounds via MCC and Lalbagh signal. The event set a record as one of the largest gatherings of healthcare students for a social cause in the RGUHS Dakshina Kannada Zone.

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