Beary Forum Felicitates Oscar Fernandes
Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Feb 15: The veteran Congress leader, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes was felicitated by the Beary’s Cultural Forum UAE at Deira Hotel, during his private visit to Dubai on 14th February, 2010.
The programme started with reading of Qutan by M.E. Muloor, Vice President of BCF and further explaining the meaning of the phrases written in Quran.
Dr. B.K. Yousuf, Director of Mepha Switzerland and ex-President of Karnataka Sangha Dubai, opened up his speech highlighting the good deeds of BCF specially in education field throughout these 7 years of existence in UAE. He said that the Oscar is an extraordinary man and one of the simple down to earth political leader of Karnataka we have at present. He praised the oscar, who helped for a direct flight facility from Mangalore to Jeddah.
On the occasion, Oscar inaugurated the new website of BCF www.bcfuae.com and Dr. Kaup explained the highlights of the site nicely designed for not only the members of BCF but also to other Kannadigas around.
Dr. B.K. Yousuf, President of Beary’s Cultural Forum UAE and Dr. Kaup Mohammed, General Secretary of Beary’s Cultural Forum UAE welcomed Oscar & Blossom Fernandes on to the dais. They were accompanied by their son, Oshan Fernandes. Also present on the dais were Zafrulla Khan, Chief Advisor of BCF & MD of Zain International, Syed Khalil, President of Indian Islamic Centre & CEO of Galadari Group, Thumbay Moideen Managing Director of Gulf Medical University, A.K Sulaiman, Vice President of Janata Dal, Udupi.
Zafrulla Khan addressed the public in Kannada and even told the importance of speaking in Kannada while we are away from our motherland. He emphasized the importance of respecting our mother land, its rich language and develope oneness. Also he stressed the importance of education to uplift the community from minority status which needs to be developed.
Syed Khalil spoke and supported the issue taken by Zafrulla Khan. He also spoke on the direct flight service to Mangalore and said this is one of the costliest and poor service provided by the monopoly airline. He requested the authorities to arrange allow other airline to operate in this sector to improve the facility. He added that he Beary Community should not think themselves as minority and need to work on self support with taking initiative in education.
Thumbay Moideen in his speech welcomed all the guests and praised Oscar’s simplicity. He thanked all the office bearers of BCF for their good work and initiative towards community.
L.V. Puthran of Mogaveers UAE was invited to talk few words and in his speech he welcomed the leaders on the dais and said he also supports and accept the suggestion of Syed Khalil. He added that Mangalore roads are very poor and requested Oscar Fernandes to raise this point with the authorities there when he returns. He also mentioned about the lack of Central Bus Stand in Mangalore.
Kate Ramachandra, National Award Winner of Kannada Filmdom and Mahabali Moorthy was welcomed by Dr. Kaup.
Followed was the felicitation to Oscar Fernandes and Dr. Kaup read out the in detail the personal and political career of Oscar. Zafrulla Khan felicitated Oscar with Shawl while Dr. B.K. Yousuf handed over memento and Dr. Sachita Mohan Attavar presented flower bouqet to Blossom Fernandes. Also in the same dais M.E. Muloor conducted the felicitation to Dr. Kaup Mohammed.
He read out Dr. Kaup’s achievements and awards before being felicitated jointly by Oscar, Zafarulla & Dr. Yousuf with memento. Dr. Kaup spoke few words in response to the honour given to him with standing ovation by all the invitees attended.
Oscar Fernandes who spoke fluently in Kannada and thanked the Committee of Beary’s Cultural Fernandes for inviting him and honouring in front of large audience. He said he is proud of all those Kannadigas who came here from different part of Karnataka and rose to great heights in different fields. He said India indeed is proud of them. He also said that he will brief the suggestions given by BCF Members to S.M. Krishna.