20 hours ago
ICBF felicitates Divakar Poojary for exemplary service to Indian community in Qatar
In celebration of dedication and service to the Indian community in Qatar, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) organised a distinguished felicitation ceremony on June 2, honouring Divakar Poojary, former General Secretary of ICBF, who came to Qatar for a short visit.
Poojary, who has previously served as general secretary of both the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the Indian Business and Professionals Network (IBPN)—all apex bodies under the Embassy of India—was recognised for his leadership and unwavering commitment to the Indiandiaspora.
The evening commenced with a gracious welcome address by Jafer Thayyil, secretary of ICBF, followed by the presidential address delivered by Shanavas Bava. Thoughtful reflections on Poojary's journey were shared by KS Prasad (Advisory Council Chairman), KV Boban (Program Committee Chairman), Sam Basheer (Former Advisory Chairman), and past ICBF Presidents Abdul Kadar and Neelangshu Dey.
After this moving set of speeches, ICBF General Secretary Deepak Shetty formally introduced the Guest of Honou Divakar Poojary.
In the spotlight of the evening, Poojary was felicitated amidst a gathering of distinguished community leaders and supportive well-wishers. He then took the floor to address the audience, sharing personal anecdotes and enriching experiences from his decades of service.
These moments were further enriched by contributions from Aparna Sharath, president of Billawas Qatar, whose reflections on Poojary's impact resonated deeply with all present. The ceremony was warmly concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nirmala Guru, head of finance, ICBF.
Behind the scenes, the event was deftly coordinated by ICBF Managing Committee members Mani Bharathi, Shankar Goud, Irfan Ansari, Mini Siby—and Advisory Council member Satheesh V.
True to its mission since 1984 of offering support and compassion to underprivileged Indians across Qatar, ICBF continues to uphold its core values of service, solidarity, and benevolence through such heartfelt recognitions.
