Sharjah: 'Indo-Arab Women Excellence' Award for Shabana Faizal at 'Come on Kerala' Conference
Sharjah, Feb. 17: Shafana Fazal, vice-chairperson of KEF Holdings and founder of Shabana and Faizal Foundation, has received 'Indo-Arab Women Excellence award' at India's largest commercial and cultural exhibition 'Come on Kerala,' organized by Gulf Madhyamam here.
Assistant Director General of Dubai Land Department Majida Ali Rashid, UAE's first female director Nayla Al Khaja, Dubai Tourism Director Sheikh Almatwa also received the award along with Shabana Faizal.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) Executive Chairman Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Eastern Group MD. Firoz Meeran, Jaleel Trading MD Shamir K Mohammed, Madhyamam Editor O Abdur Rahman, Gulf Madhyamam Chief Editor VK Hamza Abbas were also present at the ceremony.
Prominent singer KS Chithra also performed at the event. This is the second edition of 'Come on Kerala' and the organizers estimate that there were about three lakh people who attended the conference and exhibition in three day.
About Shabana:
Hailing from the coastal city of Karnataka, Shabana Faizal is the daughter of prominent entrepreneur and well known social figure B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen, Thumbay, she completed her Psychology degree from local St. Agnes College of Mangaluru, before marrying Faizal E. Kottikolan in 1995.
She began her career as the entrepreneur when she set up and managed Sophiya’s World, a luxury and special items Studio in 1995.
Shabana has been instrumental in the formation of The Faizal & Shabana Foundation, in line with her belief in social responsibility and the upliftment of the under-privileged in society.
Shabana looks after corporate operations at KEF Holdings, including HR, including administration, corporate communications, IT and legal operations.
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Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
