Indian Social Forum celebrates Kannada Rajyotsava in Al-Khobar
Saudi Arabia, November 5: The Indian Social Forum Karnataka State division recently celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava at Gulf Darbar Restaurant at Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia to commemorate formation day of Karnataka state.
The event was inaugurated by displaying the Kannada flag and playing state anthem of Karnataka followed by series of events like Kannada skit, felicitation ceremony, recitation of Kannada poems, quiz competition and stage programmes .
Indian Social Forum Karnataka State Eastern Province president Mohammad Shareef presided over the event.
Delivering the keynote speech, ISF State committee member Arif Jokatte highlighted the importance of Kannadigas’ role in building peaceful nation. Indian Fraternity Forum General Secretary Sajid Valavoor, Mohsin from Karkala Association of Saudi Arabia, Nizar from Rezayath Sparrow Company, Syed Safdar from Indian Embassy School of Dammam, Jamiatul Falah Dammam president Nizamuddin and DKSC Eastern Province president Hathim Kanchi were present as Chief Guests.
Documentary video was displayed during the event depicting the Karnataka’s beauty and unity in diversity . ISF Dammam Block team played an eloquent and funny skit which showed the variety of the Kannada language within different regions of Karnataka and the generous and kind attitude of Kannadigas. Spot quiz, pick & speech, Kannada songs and other cultural programmes were also held during the event.
Dakshina Karnataka Sunni Center (DKSC) was felicitated for successfully establishing various educational institutions under the umbrella of ‘Al-Ihsan Educational Trust’ at Muloor in Udupi. DKSC representatives Hathim Kanchi, Abdul Azeez Muduthota, Ismail Katipalla and Basheer Vardara received the memento.
Jamiathul Falah was also felicitated for its contribution in the field of education in Coastal Karnataka since 30 years. Jamiatul Falah representatives Nizamuddin Sheikh, Imran Karkala, Shareef Karkala and Azeem Alam received the memento.
ISF president Mohammad Shareef, State Committee members Arif Jokatte and Shareef Addoor felicitated the respective organizational representatives. ISF members Shareef Krishnapura welcomed the gathering. Irshad Haleyangadi hosted the event and Rizwan Sastana delivered the vote of Thanks.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
50% of US student visas cancelled under Trump affect Indians: Study
Washington: A study by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reveals that Indians account for 50% of the 327 student visa revocations carried out by the United States since the Trump administration. The US government, using Artificial Intelligence to screen social media posts, has been targeting international students, including those without any history of protest, for visa cancellations and removals under the “catch and revoke” program.
The Congress party, led by Jairam Ramesh, has raised concerns about the arbitrary nature of these cancellations, which have instilled fear and uncertainty among affected students. The Ministry of External Affairs has assured that the Indian embassy and consulate are in contact with the impacted students to offer assistance.
The study highlights that 50% of the affected students were on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and had already graduated. The report describes these actions as unprecedented and calls for greater transparency and accountability. Additionally, the AILA advocates for reforms that would allow students to appeal the terminations of their SEVIS records without affecting their employment status.
Countries such as China, South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh have also been affected, with China accounting for the second-highest number of revocations after India. Many of these students faced police interactions for minor offenses, though most were not charged or convicted.
