The Indian Doctors Forum (IDF) Kuwait, the premier sociocultural association of Indian doctors in the state of Kuwait, commemorated the release of the 15th edition of their annually published health guide and held their “DOCFEST 2019–IDF Star Vision” cultural variety show at the Hotel Regency on 8th February 2019.

The Chief Guest H.E Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Hon.Minister for Al-Diwan Al-Amiri Affairs was represented by H.E. Mr. Mazen Al- Essa, Undersecretary, Al Diwan Al-Amiri Affairs, H.E. Shri K. Jeevasagar; Ambassador of India to Kuwait was the Guest of Honor.The event was also attended by a galaxy of dignitaries including Ambassador of Romania H.E. Daniel Tanase, Ambassador of South Korea H.E. Hong Youngki, Ambassador of Guyana H.E. Prof. Dr. Shamir Ally and Ambassador of Botswana H.E. Manyepedza P Lesetedi, and Kuwait Medical Association President Dr. Ahmad Thuwaini Al Enezi, Undersecretary Islamic Affairs Mr. Mohammed Al Jalehma, Sheikha Shahrazad AlHamood Al Jaber Al Sabah, Sheikha Al Dussauri, Mr. Noori Al Noori, Mr. Jamal al Noori .Also present were Hospital Directors, KMA office bearers and many senior doctors from Kuwait. It was also graced by the esteemed presence of senior Indian Business persons and Presidents & Secretaries of various associations in Kuwait.

Dr. Madhu Gupta Vice President IDF anchored the official program. The evening commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr. Syed Mahmood Rahman, followed by the national anthems of Kuwait and India. Dr. Mohan Ram, General Secretary of the IDF, welcomed the assembled dignitaries and guests.

.Dr. Surendra Nayak, President of the IDF,welcomed the audience and highlighted the community health promotion activities which are regularly conducted by the IDF to raise awareness among the public about a variety of medical issues. He also briefed them on the activities of the association. He also briefed that Indian Embassy; Kuwait would beorganizing the Medical Tourismexhibition showcasing leading hospitals of India on 17 and 18 March, 2019 together with IDF and IBPC. He also took the opportunity to thank all the well-wishers and sponsors for the continuous support to the organization.

The inaugural address was given by Mr. Mazen Al Essa in which he conveyed his congratulations to the IDF and the Indian community at large. Mr. K. Jeevasagar praised the Indian doctor’s dedication and work ethic. Dr. Ahmad Thuwaini Al Enezi highlighted the valuable contributions made by Indian doctors.

The health guide was officially introduced by Chief editor Dr. R. Panicker. The current edition, entitled "Allergy & Immunological Disorders ", is comprised of a collection of articles authored by experts in the fields of Allergy, Immunology and other related specialties. The topics are written in simple non-technical language with the general public in mind. The articles provide a valuable insight into their management and the latest advances in the field. The health guide was officially released by Mr. Mazen Al-Essa and the first copy was presented to Mr. K. Jeevasagar. Mementos were presented to the dignitaries by the office bearers - Dr. Surendra Nayak, President , Dr. C. Diwakara & Dr. Madhu Gupta Vice Presidents, Dr. Mohan Ram ,General Secretary , Dr. Rajendra C. Mishra, Treasurer & Dr. Arun Joshi Jt. General Secretary on behalf of IDF.

Dr. Diwakar Chaluvaiah, vice-president of the IDF, gave the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the many dignitaries, well-wishers and sponsors present for their valuable encouragement and support.

Sheikha Shahrazad AlHamood Al Jaber Al Sabah, Sheikha Al Dusari,Dr. Saroj Grover,Dr Madhu Gupta Executive Committee Member of the IDF and spouses of office bearers of IDF lit the lamp, signifying the start of the cultural show.

The evening festivities began with a visual treat by world renowned Artist Mr. Vilas Nayak, who was specially flown in from India. He did a splendid live painting of H.H. the Amir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.It was greeted by thunderous standing ovation. He also drew a painting depicting the brotherhood between the two nations by drawing the iconic Taj Mahal and Kuwait towers, a tribute to Hala February celebrations.

The cultural program was kicked off by Dr. Antony D’Cruz and Dr. Naquib Inamdar, Cultural Secretary and Joint Cultural Secretary of the IDF, respectively & Dr. Anila Albert. They explained how Door Darshan Television had been an integral part of the early years and this was the theme of the cultural program IDF Star Vision. It was beautifully displayed by views of different channels in Dance & Skit format. Senior members including the past & present office bearer participated and showed their dancing, acting & singing skill to the delight of the august gathering.

The performers, composed of IDF members and their families, performed a variety of unique dances& Skits depicting in form of various TV Channels.The finale of the cultural program where all the artist and Office bearers of IDF participated with flags of Kuwait and India depicting the solidarity between these two great nations.

The event concluded with a sumptuous Buffet Dinner prepared by the MasterChef’s of Hotel Regency. After the dinner all the guests were gifted with health guide.And a Raffle draws with grand prizes for IDF Members

The audience was enthralled by the creative, imaginative, exciting and one of a kind performance. The event was a grand success. Thanks to the hard work of the IDF members and their families.