JF Winter Festival 2025 Celebrated with Grandeur in Riyadh

The Karnataka Branch of the Kuwait Kerala Muslim Association (KKMA), one of the largest social and community service organisations of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait, convened its General Body Meeting on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Evergreen Auditorium, Abbasiya.

The meeting began with a soulful recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mohammed Afraz Anwar, followed by a welcome address from Mohammed Amin Sheik, General Secretary of the Karnataka Branch. The programme was formally inaugurated by Eng. Mohammad Nawas Cadiri, Organising Secretary of the KKMA Central Committee and Mentor of the Karnataka Branch, who commended the members for their dedication and consistent contributions to KKMA’s humanitarian mission.

Addressing the gathering, KKMA Central Committee President K. Basheer highlighted the significance of the Karnataka Branch and appreciated its exemplary performance and meaningful role within the association.

In his presidential address, Branch President Yusuf Rasheed outlined the branch’s achievements in various charitable and social initiatives, including the Family Benefit Scheme (FBS), Educational Scholarship Programme (ESP), Kidney Dialysis Centres (KDC), Medical Assistance Programme (MAP), Home for the Homeless, Housing Improvement Programme (HIP), Magnet team services for expatriate patients in Kuwait, and the repatriation of deceased individuals to their home countries. He expressed sincere gratitude to his team for their selfless service during his four-year tenure.

Senior Leader and CFO Sayed Rafeek presented the annual activity report and financial report covering the past two years, both of which were unanimously approved by the General Body.

Delivering the keynote address, Central Committee Working President O.P. Sharafu spoke on the importance of social work, emphasising its values and responsibilities.

Several members were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. Sheik Yusuf Abbas, Mohammad Hussain Daddi, Mohammad Ansar Hussain, Imad Irshad Nazeer, Imthiyaz Noor Choughuley, Abdul Hakeem Ismail, and Abdul Latheef Kodibail were honoured for their dedicated service. Awards for excellence in the membership campaign were presented to Najmuddin Takey, Mabiya Adam, Ansar Dayambu, and Shoukath Husainabba Shirva.

Branch Mentor Mohammad Nawas Cadiri was honoured for his continued guidance and motivation, while President Yusuf Rasheed was felicitated for his visionary leadership and remarkable service over the past four years.

Following the formal dissolution of the existing committee, a new committee for 2025–27 was formed under the supervision of Returning Officer Naufal AT, Vice President (IT), KKMA Central Committee. Mohammad Yusuf Muniyam was unanimously elected as the new President of the KKMA Karnataka Branch for a two-year term. Office-bearers from all six zones of the branch were also introduced.

In his acceptance speech, President-elect Mohammad Yusuf Muniyam thanked Almighty Allah and expressed his gratitude to KKMA leaders and members for their trust. He sought continued cooperation to further strengthen KKMA’s mission and vision.

KKMA Vice Chairman Ibrahim Kunnil congratulated the new leadership and assured full support from the Central Committee. The felicitation session featured addresses by Central Committee Finance Secretaries Abdul Hamid Mulky and Mohammad Ali, General Secretary BM Iqbal, CFO Syed Rafiq, Vice President (IT) Naufal AT, Vice President (FBS) PM Jaffar, City Zonal President Abdul Latheef Shedia, and senior leaders Nazeer Bolar and Syed Manipur, all extending their best wishes.

The programme was smoothly compered by Abdul Jabbar Gurupur and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mabiya Adam. The AGM ended on a high note with fellowship among members, leaders, and well-wishers, followed by a buffet dinner—marking yet another milestone in the Karnataka Branch’s journey of community service.

Office Bearers for 2026–2027

•    Mohammad Yusuf Muniyam – President

•    Abdul Rahiman Kana – Working President

•    Mohammed Amin Sheik – General Secretary

•    Sharief Ahmed Mulky – Treasurer

•    Mohammad Faisal Beary – Administration Secretary

Vice Presidents:

•    Mohammed Irshad Mulky – Membership Affairs

•    Imthiyaz Abdul Kareem Soorinje – Family Benefit Affairs

•    Mohammed Riyaz Kawa – Social Projects

•    Mohammed Shamshuddin Moosa – Education Support

•    Mohammed Noufal – Education & Skill Development

•    Shakeel Ahmed – Cultural & Sports Affairs

•    Shoukath Husainabba Shirva – Moral & Spiritual Development

Secretaries:

•    Ramlan Bhatrathota – Relief Development

•    Firoz Abdul Samad – Community Service

•    Mabiya Adam Kadaba – IT, Public Relations & Event Management

Riyadh: Jam’iyyatul Falah (JF), Riyadh, successfully organised its annual flagship event, “JF Winter Festival 2025,” at Al Masiya Resort here on Friday. The event drew an overwhelming gathering of over 1,000 participants, including families from different parts of India, reflecting the unity, diversity, and collective strength of the expatriate community.

The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Ismail Musliyar Kalminja, setting a spiritual and uplifting tone for the evening.

Master of Ceremony Nazeer Ahmed then invited Salman Noor, President of Jam’iyyatul Falah Riyadh, to the stage along with Abubaker Irfan Shaikh (General Secretary), Mohammed Ashfaque (NRU Chief), Hameed Wenz (Former President, JF Riyadh), and other senior members.

The chief guests for the event were Zakaria Bajpe, CEO of Al Muzain, KSA, and Mohammed Yunus, CEO of Sandtec Company.

Welcome Address and JF Documentary

In his welcome address, Salman Noor extended a warm greeting to the gathering and presented an overview of Jam’iyyatul Falah’s activities in India and Riyadh. A documentary showcasing JF’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future projects was screened, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Jam’iyyatul Falah Riyadh has been consistently organising community-oriented activities such as annual get-togethers, cricket and volleyball tournaments, student award programmes, personality development workshops, and parenting and career guidance sessions. These initiatives not only educate and entertain but also foster unity and brotherhood among expatriates, particularly those from South Canara and surrounding regions.

For over 37 years, Jam’iyyatul Falah Riyadh has played a vital role in strengthening bonds among expatriates while supporting underprivileged communities in Mangaluru and Udupi districts. The Winter Festival once again stood as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to unity, service, and compassion.

Inspirational Addresses and Felicitations

On the occasion, Jam’iyyatul Falah Riyadh felicitated Zakaria Bajpe on receiving the Kannada Rajyotsava Award 2025, one of the highest civilian honours conferred by the Government of Karnataka.

Addressing the gathering, Bajpe shared his inspiring life journey, highlighting the values of humility, perseverance, and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of giving back to society and supporting education and welfare initiatives.

Another chief guest, Mohammed Yunus, spoke about his long association with Jam’iyyatul Falah and his involvement in landmark documentary projects such as Akrandana, Munnade, and Parivarthane. He underscored the role of philanthropy and community service in building a compassionate society.

Tribute to Late Abdul Azeez

Jam’iyyatul Falah Riyadh paid a heartfelt tribute to late Abdul Azeez of Kushal Nagar, a dedicated associate of JF and other community organisations. Remembered for his sincerity and commitment to social service, his contributions were acknowledged with gratitude.

As a mark of respect and remembrance, a memento was presented to his son, Abdul Rehman, honouring the legacy of the departed soul.

Keynote Address and Entertainment

The keynote session was delivered by Yaseen Baig, who spoke on the theme of parenting, offering valuable insights that were widely appreciated by the audience.

The event also featured:

•    Islamic and general knowledge quizzes and spot games conducted by Nazeer Ahmed and Haneef Bardila
•    Outdoor games including volleyball and tug-of-war for men, along with various games for children, conducted by the sports coordination team

Major prizes included:

•    An Umrah package sponsored by Mangalore Group Hajj & Umrah
•    A three-night Dubai stay with round-trip air tickets, sponsored by Wenz Homez Real Estate, won by Usman Gulvadi

Food, Medical Camp, and Counters

A grand dinner featuring a wide variety of dishes, along with soft drinks, fresh juices, and fruits—sponsored by Bahjat Al-Manama Co.—was served to all attendees. A special Churmuri counter emerged as a major attraction, enjoyed by participants of all age groups.

A free medical camp, organised by Durrat Lamar Medical Company (DLMC) under the leadership of Dr Moin, provided blood pressure and sugar level checks to many attendees.

Promotional and display counters were set up by PRAN, MERCELEY’S Ice Cream, Almarai flavoured milk, Air Link Cargo, Wenz Homez Real Estate, Township Real Estate, and others.

Sponsors and Volunteers

The main sponsors included Wenz Homez, Shaya Development Trading & Contracting Co., Al Muzain, Durar Masagh Group, Energia, Sandtec Company, Universal Spare Parts, Crepe & Dip, Delta Infra Global Logistics, PRAN, Durrat Lamar Medical Company, Optimum, MERCELEY’S Ice Cream, Almarai KSA, Airlink Cargo Agency, Rio International, Township Real Estate, Bahjat Al-Manama, Mayar, Mangalore Group Hajj & Umrah, along with several philanthropic individuals.

The event was meticulously coordinated by Sharif Ahmed (Event Manager) with support from dedicated volunteer teams handling registration, stage programmes, food arrangements, outdoor games, and women-centric activities.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Nazeer Ahmed, who expressed gratitude to sponsors, donors, volunteers, participants, and the executive committee for making the event a grand success.

About Jam’iyyatul Falah

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Mangaluru, Jam’iyyatul Falah is a Karnataka State Government award-winning NGO recognised as the Best NGO. For more than three decades, the organisation has been serving the underprivileged through education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.

JF provides free education with mid-day meals to over 450 rural students, scholarships to 3,000+ students annually, manages boys’ and ladies’ hostels, and supports healthcare through dialysis units, clinics, ambulances, and regular medical aid.

Upcoming Major Projects

•    Green View Law College & Education Hub, Moodbidri
•    Ladies Hostel Project, Mangaluru
•    Boys Hostel Project, Manipal (Udupi)

These projects aim to strengthen educational infrastructure and provide safe accommodation for students.