15th AGM of Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah held, new executive committee formed
Jeddah, Dec 23: The Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah recently organized its 15th annual general body meeting on December 15. The event, held at The Village Restaurant Banquet Hall in Jeddah, aimed to discuss community welfare and achievements. The gathering included community members, distinguished guests, and featured Raza Ali Khan, country manager of Air India and Air India Express - Western Province, Saudi Arabia, as the guest of honor.
During the meeting, Raza Ali Khan expressed gratitude to the forum for its efforts in promoting the welfare of Kannadigas. He commended their initiatives in fostering unity, preserving culture, and providing support to the NRI community. Khan acknowledged the KNRI Forum Jeddah’s delegation for their proposal to start direct passenger flight services from Jeddah to Mangaluru. He assured that Air India management is considering the request with top priority.
Outgoing president Mohammed Mansoor welcomed the guest of honor and attendees. He thanked everyone for their support during his tenure and presented a memento to Raza Ali Khan as a token of appreciation. The outgoing general secretary, Peter Mascarenhas Udupi, presented the forum's annual report, outlining achievements in cultural events, cricket tournaments, educational programs, and social welfare projects.
The financial report for 2022-2023 was presented by treasurer Habib Rahman Uchila, emphasizing transparency and responsible financial management. The new executive committee for 2023-2024 was formed under the supervision of election officer Dr Ashfaq Maniyar Bijapur.
The newly elected executive committee includes Sabu Chandran as president, Shaikh Saoud Yermal as general secretary, Arifulla Shariff and Habib Rahman Uchila as vice presidents, Mohammed Imran as treasurer, and Mohammed Ismail as joint treasurer. Additional coordinators and committee members were also appointed for the 2023-2024 term.
The annual general body meeting, hosted by Saoud Yermal, concluded with a vote of thanks from Mohammed Imran. Attendees enjoyed a diverse culinary experience and cultural performances.
The office bearers team of 2023-2024 term has the following additional coordinators and executive committee members. Joint secretary R Dorai Swamy from KGF, coordinators – cultural Mohammed Kaleem from Raichur and Rajesh Suvarna from Mangaluru, coordinator – sports Mohammed Fayaz from Udupi, chief coordinator – Mahboob Ali Khan from Bengaluru and assistant chief coordinator Peter Mascarenhas from Udupi, internal auditor – Rafeeq Ahmed Bengaluru, advisors – Mohammed Mansoor Mangaluru and Dr Ashfaq Maniyar Bijapura.
Mukarram Khan Bengaluru, Faize Abdul Razak Shaikh Mangaluru, Mohammed Haneef Sakleshpur, Denis Noronha Udupi, Jerry Gomes Murudeshwar, Suhail Malik Rayachuru, Mohammed Saifuddin Sami Mysore, Mohammed Irshad Sandi Belagavi, Thomas Daniel Hubli, Shakil Ahmed Raichur, Mahantesh Bagalakote, Salim Hubbali from Belagavi, Zeeshan Mansoor Bale-Hannooru, Raza Ali Khan Bengaluru, Waseem Ahmed Tumakuru, Mohammed Sajid Kanakapura, Mohamad Arshad Husain Mangaluru and Qamar Sada Bhatkal.
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
