Media Release

Abu Dhabi, Dec 9: India Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi along with ADMS, KSC, ILA and IIC, bid adieu to Indian Ambassador to UAE M K Lokesh (a Kanndiga from Mysore) on recently at its premises amidst all Abu Dhabi based association and community leaders, including Bearys Welfare forum represented by its president Mohamed Ali Uchil and Abdulla Madumoole, general secretary, in a most memorable farewell ceremony organized at the main hall.

Ambassador M K Lokesh served in UAE for the last five years and brought about sweeping changes in fast-tract implementation of passports, settlement of laborers problems and many other administrative developments and changes that helped the Indian Community all over UAE and learned many administrative procedures. 

 A tireless but a simple down to earth man will be remembered by the Indian community over here for the many accomplishments he has successfully completed over the years and earned himself a great respect from each and every Indian resides in UAE.

Lokesh accorded a grand welcome by all the dignitaries and presidents of all Abu Dhabi associations and ISC president Thomas John, secretary Satyababu, Mohamed Ali Uchil, Abdulla Madumoole and many other guests present on the occasion.

Secretary (ISC) Satyababu invited the ambassador to the dais along with patrons of ISC Siddarth Balachandran, Dr Ganga Ramani and association leaders namely Thomas John (president ISC). Vasu (president KSC), BavaHajee (president Indian Islamic Centre),  Johny (president ILA)

Thomas John president ISC welcomed the ambassador and felicitated with a floral bouquet.  In his welcome speech Thomas said "Lokesh is a gentleman and very good human being who always supported India Social and Cultural Centre and its activities and always attended the major functions held at the center.  He also supported all other associations and its members and has done great work and service to the Indian Community working hard."

Ambassador Lokesh in his response wittingly said he felt as if he is a Bollywood star tonight looking at the grand reception and atmosphere and welcome by all.  However while thanking the president and all the associations for organizing this farewell

function, he said:  Whatever he has done it is service to community in his capacity, he has done his duty as an ambassador and there is nothing great about it but acknowledged that he has also worked for the unity of two nations i.e. U A E and India in terms of Trade, Commerce and one of the important service he has done is arranging pension scheme to the laborers. 

He also thanked his team and staff at the Indian Embassy and acknowledged their support all the time.  He further said he was touched by the way this reception is held, though he is moving physically to his next mission in Switzerland, his heart will be always in U A E and said this is one of the best farewells he has ever received in his life time and appreciated and thanked everyone for organizing this memorable farewell.

Speaking about Lokesh were two patrons of ISC  Siddarth and Gangaramani praising him for his great achievements and he deserves a great appreciation from every Indian residing in UAE.

All the association leaders also spoke on the occasion and presented a memento each to the ambassador namely Vasu (president KSC), and Mohammed Ali Uchil (Bearys Welfare Association). Bava Hajee (Hon. President Indian Islamic Centre), Johny (president ILA) .

On the occasion many dignitaries were present namely Shekar Shetty (MD Arab Udupi Group of Hotels), Leo Rodrigues

(MD Al Mazroui and Clevy Automobiles), Jayaram Rai (Group Finance Manager, Bin Fardhan Group), Former presidents of ISC and all the ISC officials.