Report: P A Hameed Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, Oct 26: A colourful and splendid 'Orummeppad-2010' was held recently in Riyadh where Mangaloreans in Saudi Arabia - irrespective of barriers - got an opportunity to converge at one place. The Gala event was organized by Katipalla Muslim Youth Association (KMYA), Riyadh.
The Association, which consists of more than 250 young and vibrant Muslim members from in and around Katipalla in Mangalore taluk, came into existence in Saudi Arabia in 1989 with the objective of rendering voluntary service to the community including educational, medical and financial aid for poor girls’ marriage of the community programmes.
'Orummeppad-2010' witnessed the gathering of all communities from Mangalore with peace and unison. Various events and programmes like volleyball, tug of war, sack race, housie-housie and other spot games including G-Mart’s logo drawing competition for children were conducted on the occasion. The winners of G-Mart logo drawing competition were Fanan Khader, Kanith Iqbal and Afra Aga who won the first, second and third prizes respectively. Shahnaz won the G-Mart 'guess the price' competition.
As many as 15 teams participated in the volleyball competition and Mangalore tigers bagged the honours. A large number of children participated in all the events with great enthusiasm and delight. Along with guess the price contest, there were also quiz competitions - both general and Islamic - and other events for ladies.
Saif Katipalla, P M Bhasker Uchila and Mahadeva Shetty entertained the audience with their slapstick humour and mimicry. Special attraction of the day was the bread eating competition.
G-Mart was the main sponsor and Lulu Markets, Safa Makkah Polyclinic, Khadesia Polyclinic, Euromarche, Muhaidib Foods and Wenz Exhibition were the co-sponsors of the event. All the key representatives of the sponsors and co-sponsors were present at the programme. Muhaidib Foods presented free gifts to the children.
Ramesh Shetty, president of Karavali Welfare Association Riyadh (KWAR) handed over SR 5000 on behalf of KWAR to Abdul Jabbar Konchar, who was held liable by a summary court in Hafar Al Batin to pay a compensation of SR. 38,000 to the victim’s family. While he was driving his employer’s vehicle he met with an accident that caused the death of a school girl. Daijiworld highlighted his case a week ago and since then KWAR has been collecting contributions for this cause through various campaigns amongst its members and other donors.
Anwar Sadat, operations manager and Mahmood, customer service manager of G-Mart, Mohammed Ashraf, general manager and Namil, marketing manager of Lulu Markets were the chief guests. Ramesh Shetty, president of Karavali Welfare Association, Riyadh, Akthar Sheikh, president Jamiyyatul Falah Riyadh, Basheer, financial controller, Sodexho Co and advocate, Daijiworld correspondent PA Hameed Padubidri, Santosh Shetty, manager of Khadesiya Polyclinic and Kunhi, manager of Safa Makkah Polyclinic were also present.
Parvez Ali, from KMYA and a senior resident of Saudi Arabia and other members were on the go throughout the event and thanked all for their cooperation and coordination. Beary traditional dinner was served during the event.
KMYA has been organizing and conducting various family get-togethers in Riyadh and Dammam flavouring the Beary folklore and culture. Over the years, they have conducted a number of events and gatherings like Beary Mela, Maikala Mela, Sandola, Sammilana, Orummeppad etc, which had, like Orummeppad-2010, received good response.