The Indian Doctors Forum (I.D.F.) successfully celebrated their GHABQA 2014 on Tuesday 15th July 2014, at the Barraka Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel amidst a galaxy of Royal affiliates, Kuwaiti dignitaries and Indian guests.
The evening commenced at around 10:15pm when the Anchor Dr. C. Ambalavanan (Cultural Secretary - IDF) requested all to stand in honor of the Kuwaiti and Indian National Anthems. This was followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Master Master Hafiz Abdulrehman (son of IDF member Dr. Rahmatullah Galsulkar).
The Presidential & welcome address was delivered by the IDF President, Dr. Vinod Grover, wherein he welcomed the Chief Guest H.E. Shri Sunil Jain & Mrs. Gargi Jain, and other officials of the Indian Embassy, the Guest of Honor Dr. Mohammed Al Mutairi, President - Kuwait Medical Association & other KMA officials, Kuwaiti doctors from the Ministry of Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait Institute of Medical Specialization, Eminent Kuwaiti and Indian Businessmen & Government Officials and last but not the least, our IDF members & their families. During his address, he expressed his immense gratitude to all the attending Kuwaiti guests. Dr. Vinod Grover stated that ‘Ghabqa’, is a local tradition celebrated by certain GCC countries in the month of Ramadan after taraweeh prayers, which helps to foster strong ties amongst families and friends. IDF was proud to have adopted this wonderful tradition of the locals, as a mark of respect and brotherhood between Kuwaitis and Indians and also to express our love, gratitude & solidarity to the wonderful people of Kuwait.”
The Ramadan Message was then delivered by Dr. Amir Ahmed (Past IDF President). He strongly emphasized the importance of fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan and receiving its various rewards.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency, Shri. Sunil Jain, Honorable Ambassador of India appreciated the various community welfare activities rendered by IDF. He expressed his happiness at the presence of large number of Kuwaitis at the event, which reflected the acceptance, love and respect they had for IDF.
This was then followed by a message from the Guest of Honor, Dr. Mohammed Al Mutairi, President – Kuwait Medical Association (K.M.A.), wherein he lauded the efforts taken by IDF in carrying out all its activities. He praised the vast appreciation, IDF has earned & garnered in the Kuwaiti community.
The majestic presence of Sheikha Sherhrzad added a luminous grace to the evening with her fine words of wisdom with reference to the Holy month of Ramadan and acknowledging the historic Indo-Kuwait friendship.
The interactive session began on an informative beginning by Dr. Salaha Taqi (Head of Anesthesia & ICU at Jahra Hospital) who highlighted the benefits of Ramadan and fasting., Other eminent individuals who shared their views and thoughts were Dr Mustafa Moosawi (Director, Organ Transplant Center) and Dr Jamal Al Kandari (Consultant Ophthalmologist at Ibn Sina Hospital) who spoke on the occasion with kind words of grace and appreciation.
Dr. Vivek Wani, (Vice President I.D.F.) then delivered the Vote of Thanks, where he thanked all the Kuwaiti dignitaries & guests, for having come in such large numbers and taking time off their hectic schedules in order to be a part of this auspicious Ghabqa 2014. He also thanked all the Kuwaiti and Indian businessmen present for all the support and assistance rendered towards various IDF activities. He acknowledged the sponsors of the event, particularly Al Mulla Exchange Company, who have committed their support for the third consecutive year. He expressed his gratitude to all technical staff, media personalities and staff of the Crowne Plaza Hotel for making the event a grand success.
Immediately after the vote of thanks, Dr. Jaganath R C, announced the prizes for the Fancy Dress competition conducted for IDF children and judged by Mrs Abha Raina, Dr. Sadhana Narang & Dr. Pooja Chodankar.
The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner for one and all. After the dinner on their way out, each and every guest were gifted with lovely Girgiyans.