Mass Blood Donation Camp in Qatar
Press Release
Qatar: On the occasion of celebration of Qatar National Day, Qatar Indian Social Forum (QISF), Karnataka State organized a mass blood donation camp in Doha Qatar, in association with Blood Donors Mangaluru, Warriors Sports Center and Hamad Medical Corporation on 11th December 2020, Friday.
QISF Karnataka State President, Nazeer Pasha welcomed the guests, dignitaries and blood donors.
The Blood Donation Camp was inaugurated by Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) President Mr. P N Baburajan who was the Chief guest for the function. In his inaugural speech, he emphasized that, QISF is well known for its humanitarian activities since its inception and praised the initiative and joint efforts of everyone to organize such a mass event and assured his full support as and when required in the days ahead.
QISF Central Committee President, Mr. Sayeed Komachi highlighted the activities of QISF a Socio Cultural organization working among Indian expats and said QISF will always be ready to serve the community not only by words but always by deeds.
Dr. Amit Varma, a well known personality from Rawdath Al Khair Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) motivated and inspired the donors and set an example by donating blood himself first.
In his motivational speech, he said, if a person donates the blood, he will save 3 lives as the donated blood will be categorized into red cells, platelets and plasma.
Doctor Amit Varma encouraged everyone to donate the blood more often as it does not cost even a penny.
Mr. Kushal Kumar, Managing Director of Warriors Sports Center and Warriors Sports Trading also motivated and praised the joint efforts of QISF, Blood Donors Mangaluru and Warriors Sports Centre to organize a mass event.
Mr. Sauqib Raza Khan, Ex President and present Advisor of Karnataka Muslim Cultural Organization (KMCA) said that, QISF is always in forefront to render selfless humanitarian services and responding to the legal issues of expat Indians. He urge all to develop a bond and serve the community as much as possible.
The Managing Partner of Warriors Sports Center and Warriors Sports Trading, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim said that everyone should come forward and donate the blood for humanitarian cause.
The camp was started at 7.00 A M and ended at 5.00 PM in which 145 people donated the blood out of 177 people registered.
QISF Central Committee General Secretary Basheer Ahmed, QISF State and Branch Committee members Lathif Madikeri, Zakariya Pandeshwar, Nayeem Belapu, Khalid Belapu, Noufal Puttur, Anwar Angargundy, Rizwan Kalladka, Rafiq Uppinangady, Naveed, Anwar Bolyar, Khalandar Sha, Junaid, Shabbeer, Shawaz, Tafseer and other members were present throughout the programme.
Mr. Munawar, Mr. Mohamnad Iffaz, Mr. Qaisar and other members from Blood Donors Mangaluru and Warriors Sports Center were also present and supported.
The program was concluded through vote of thanks by Mr. Ziaul Hoque, QISF Karnataka State Vice President and KMCA Vice President.
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Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquires RCB for USD 1.78 billion
Bengaluru (PTI): A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) on Tuesday acquired 100 percent equity stake in IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru for a whopping USD 1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,706 crore) from its current owner the United Spirits Limited.
Other parties involved in the group are -- Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE, a firm of which Viral Patel is the CEO, Bolt Ventures, owned by American investor David Blitzer, and media conglomerate Times of India.
“United Spirits Limited, pursuant to the meeting of its Board of Directors, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 100 percent equity stake held in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) to a consortium,” the USL said in a statement.
“The consortium comprises Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (Times), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE (Blackstone) for a total consideration of INR 166.6 bn in an all cash transaction,” the statement added.
The transaction includes RCB's men’s and women’s (WPL) teams.
“RCSPL owns and operates Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises that participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL).
“Upon completion of this transaction, the consortium will, through its ownership of RCSPL, acquire the rights to own and operate the IPL and WPL franchise,” said the USL.
The announcement also concluded the strategic review of RCSPL that was initiated by USL on November 5, 2025.
The United Spirits Limited is a subsidiary of UK-Diageo, and they were keen to move away from RCB as the team was not central to their business plans.
Commenting on the transaction, Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, USL, said: “This transaction marks an important milestone for USL as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential. RCB has grown into the most prominent and commercially successful franchise in the IPL and WPL.
“We are excited for the future of RCB under the stewardship of the new owner. As Sports enters a new phase of growth in India & globally, we believe this is in the best interest of the franchise and our stakeholders.”
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said, “Over the past 2 decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket creating enormous value for India.
“RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport.”
As per the sale agreement, Aryaman Vikram Birla, ABG’s director, will be the chairman of RCB while Satyan Gajwani of Times of India will be his deputy.
Aryaman Birla, said: “It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. This partnership brings together a deep understanding of sports, media and consumer businesses.
“Together, we will continue to Play Bold -- on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is.”
Gajwani, Chairman, Times Internet Limited, said: “RCB is the reigning champion and the most popular brand in the IPL. We will build RCB into a global sporting institution, while remaining rooted in Bengaluru and Karnataka and its incredible fanbase.”
Blitzer hoped to build on RCB’s recent success.
“RCB has a world-class fanbase, and the IPL is one of the great growth stories in global sport. Having invested in clubs and leagues around the world, I believe the opportunity at RCB stands out.
We look forward to working alongside our partners and the BCCI to build on the franchise’s championship success,” he said.
Patel praised the RCB as one of the strongest sporting brands in the world.
“We are excited to invest in RCB, building on Blackstone’s long-standing commitment to India. RCB stands out as one of the most popular sports franchises in the world with a powerful brand, a loyal fan base, and multiple avenues for growth,” he added.
However, formalities such as ratification from the BCCI, IPL Governing Council, its WPL counterpart and the Competition Commission of India are still pending.
Earlier, IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals was acquired by US-based Kal Somani-led consortium for USD 1.63 billion (approx Rs 15,290 crore),
The Somani-led consortium includes Rob Walton from the Walmart family and Hamp family (Ford motor company).
Somani is an Arizona-based tech entrepreneur who has founded IntraEdge (technology services and solutions), Truyo.Ai (data privacy rights and AI governance) and Academian (edtech services).
The other contenders to buy the team, which won the inaugural trophy in 2008, were the Times Internet-led consortium, the Aditya Birla Group and the Mittal family led by ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal.
