Latest news with #HarishPandey
Qatar Tribune
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Karnataka associations in Qatar unite to host sports meet for Indian workforce
Tribune News Network Doha Eight Karnataka-based associations in Qatar came together to host a vibrant Sports Meet for the Indian blue-collar workforce under the theme 'Stronger Together Through Sports – Unity, Health & Spirit!' at Pearling Sports Academy, Doha. The event drew nearly 300 enthusiastic participants, celebrating teamwork, community bonding, and healthy competition. The organising bodies included Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ), Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA), Tulukoota Qatar, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Bunts Qatar, and Billawas Qatar. All these associations are affiliated with the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Qatar. Participants were grouped into four dynamic teams named after iconic Indian rivers—Ganga in blue, Kaveri in yellow, Godavari in red, and Sindhu in purple. The teams were mentored by sports leaders from the different associations, bringing energy and identity to the event. The oath-taking ceremony, led by MCC Joint Sports Secretary Melroy Vaz, set the tone for a spirited day of contests. The day witnessed intense matches across box cricket, carrom, football, volleyball, and tug of war. Godavari emerged victorious in both box cricket and carrom, while Kaveri took home the football trophy. Volleyball was once again dominated by Godavari, while the tug of war finale saw Ganga overpower Sindhu. The football finals drew particular attention, with Indian Ambassador to Qatar HE Vipul and First Secretary Harish Pandey in attendance. Both later joined the closing ceremony and the prize distribution, adding to the excitement of the occasion. Welcoming the gathering, KSQ President Ravi Shetty highlighted the importance of supporting Qatar's sports initiatives while promoting community well-being. In his address, First Secretary Harish Pandey commended the Karnataka associations for their unity, saying that the Sports Meet reflected their commitment to the welfare of the Indian workforce in Qatar. He described it as inspiring to see the community come together to create such meaningful events. Ambassador Vipul lauded the efforts of the organisers despite the challenging weather, noting that sports not only build fitness but also strengthen friendships and community spirit. He said he was proud to be part of an event that brought joy and recognition to the hardworking members of the Indian community. The winners and runners-up were honored with trophies and certificates, creating proud moments for all. The closing ceremony was hosted by Indian Sports Centre MC member Chandrashekar Angadi, while KSQ General Secretary Kumar Swamy proposed the vote of thanks. Special thanks were extended to Pranav Shetty of Pearling Sports Academy for providing the venue and additional facilities. American Hospital supported the event with first-aid services, and participants were treated to snacks and dinner. The sports meet enjoyed strong backing from community leaders, including ISC Vice President Sitendu Pal, KSQ Advisory Chairman Mahesh Gowda, MCA President Gladson Almeida, Bunts Qatar President Naveen Shetty, Billawas Qatar President Aparna Sharath, Tulukoota Vice President and past SKMWA President Vijay Rai, and Abdul Majeed. Senior members of all eight associations were also present to encourage and motivate the participants. Volunteers including Ramachandra Shetty, Anil Boloor, LG Patil, Dhananjay Rai, Dinesh Gowda, Shashidhar, Saleem Ali Ullal, Sarfraz Abdul Rahman, Bheemappa Khot, Nilesh Ranadevi, Sandhya Rai, Ahmed Shamsheer, Chanchalaxi Anil, Nithin Kumpala, Sadanand Rai, Rajagopal Shetty, Pradeep Mendonca, Sachin Monteiro, Muneer Sheikh, Sumanth, Prashant, and Sanath extended their support to ensure smooth organisation of the event. The sports meet not only provided a platform for the Indian workforce to showcase their talents but also highlighted the power of collaboration among community associations. One of the organisers summed it up best, saying, 'When communities unite, great things happen. The sports meet wasn't just about winning but about creating moments of happiness and belonging for those who work tirelessly every day.'
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
‘Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya' unites UP expat community in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The vibrant Indian expatriate community hailing from Uttar Pradesh (North India) came together in a magnificent celebration of their cultural heritage during the inaugural edition of 'Ganga Sanskritik Sandhya', heldlast Friday. Organised by the newly-formed Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Qatar, the event marked a major milestone for the North Indian diaspora in the country, offering a vibrant platform to showcase their cultural roots and community spirit. The evening saw the enthusiastic participation of around 200 families and individuals residing in Qatar, who united under the shared banner of tradition, identity, and pride in their cultural legacy. The gathering radiated warmth and camaraderie, as people of all ages came together to relive and celebrate the traditions of their home state. The event was graced by Harish Pandey, First Secretary (Education & Culture) at the Embassy of India in Qatar, who attended as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Pandey commended the Uttar Pradesh community's efforts in preserving and promoting their rich and diverse cultural heritage abroad. He emphasised the vital role such inclusive cultural initiatives play in nurturing a deeper sense of belonging among diaspora communities and in promoting India's cultural values on the global stage. Adding further prestige to the occasion was the presence of several distinguished guests from the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar. These included Manikantan AP, president of ICC; PN Baburajan, chairman of the ICC advisory council and Managing Director of Skills Development Centre, Qatar; Abraham K Joseph, general secretary of ICC; and Nandini Abbagouni, head of cultural activities at ICC. They praised the efforts of the organisers and reiterated ICC's commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that celebrate India's cultural diversity. Also present to extend their goodwill were Satyendra Pathak, president of Bihar Social Forum, and Irfan Ansari, founder and former President of the Bihar Social Forum. Both shared words of encouragement and congratulated the organisers on the success of their maiden cultural event. The evening featured a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary performances. From melodious musical renditions using traditional instruments to energetic folk and fusion dance performances, the stage came alive with the diverse artistic expressions of Uttar Pradesh. Children and adults alike captivated the audience with their talent and passion, reinforcing a deep sense of cultural pride and identity. In a statement shared by the founder members of the Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal, Nita Mishra and Ashutosh Mishra, the importance of creating a platform for cultural expression, social bonding, and community development among the diaspora was underlined. They expressed their gratitude to all participants and supporters, noting that this event was only the beginning of a broader cultural movement within the community. The success of the event was a result of the dedicated efforts of the organising team, which included Ajay Rai, Sweta Rai, Abhishek Srivastava, Arun Verma, Nikhil Srivastava, Vinod Mishra, and Shivendra Singh. The team extended their heartfelt thanks to the Indian Cultural Centre and the Embassy of India for their unwavering support and encouragement, which played a vital role in making the inaugural event a resounding success.
