Bahrain: Kannada Sangha Celebrates Anniversary, Bids Adieu to Ambassador
By Ronald D.F. D’Souza, Daiji Correspondent – Bahrain
Bahrain, Dec 14: The Kannada Sangha Bahrain celebrated their Annual Day on 12th December 2008 at the Phoenicia Hotel from 11.30 am onwards.
The programme of the day commenced with a prayer song by Vijaya Satyanaryan which was followed by an orchestra by Melody Bahrain. Doomanna Rai welcomed the gathering and briefed the programme lined up for the day.
As the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, Balakrishna Shetty is leaving Bahrain, a farewell was organized on the same day. Shetty was welcomed by the Acting President, Ramesh Manjeshwar and was escorted to the main dais. Manjeshwar spoke a few words on this occasion and was all praises for Shetty.
He specifically mentioned Shetty’s personal intervention during the Al Dana Ferry disaster, Fire in one of the Labor Camps, several problems of Indian house-maids, etc. Shetty was presented with a shawl, memento and a huge floral garland on behalf of Kannada Sangha members.
In reply to Manjeshwar’s speech, Shetty praised the various social activities conducted by the Kannada Sangha Bahrain. He thanked the Indian Embassy officials and all Indians residing in Bahrain for their overwhelming support and co-operation extended to him during his tenure of 3 years. He announced that his next posting would be to Sweden where only about 15,000 Indians are residing compared to the huge number of 300,000 Indians in Bahrain. He will also be looking after the requirements of Indians in Latvia.
During his speech, he announced that his successor will be Dr. George Joseph and is expected to arrive in Bahrain before 26th January 2009. He also mentioned that Dr. Joseph is a multi-lingual person and speaks about 15 international languages. The latest language learnt by him is Chinese. Shetty requested everyone to extend whole-hearted support to the incoming ambassador, Dr. Joseph.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of indoor and outdoor games prior to serving a sumptuous dinner by Phoenicia hotel.
Anil Basagi, General Secretary gave a vote of thanks.