Community leaders come together to celebrate 28 years of Thumbay Group’s legacy in UAE
Sharjah: Members of the Karnataka community in the UAE gathered at Thumbay Villa in Sharjah on 6 December 2025 to mark the 28th anniversary of the Thumbay Group. The event brought together business leaders, community representatives and dignitaries to reflect on the Group’s growth and its contributions to education, healthcare and research in the region.
The programme opened with a visual presentation outlining the Group’s development under the leadership of Dr. Thumbay Moideen. In his welcome address, Dr. Moideen spoke about the organisation’s expansion over the past two decades and expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership and the Karnataka diaspora for their support.
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader addressed the gathering, commending the entrepreneurial achievements of the Indian community in the Gulf. India’s Consul General to the UAE, Satish Kumar Sivan, highlighted the Thumbay Group’s role in strengthening ties between India and the UAE, noting its contributions to medical education and healthcare delivery.
Community leaders including Dr. Kaup Muhammad, Praveen Shetty, Mohammad Ali Uchil, Shashidhar Nagarajappa and Hidayath Addoor shared their observations on the Group’s journey and on the importance of collective progress within the diaspora.
A key part of the event was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to two industry and community leaders: Mohammed Meeran, Chairman of EMCO International and Electric Way, Dubai, and Dr. B. K. Yusuf, President of the Bearys Cultural Forum. Both were recognised for their long-standing contributions to business and community service in the UAE.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, group photographs and a networking dinner. According to organisers, the gathering reflected the continuing engagement of the Karnataka community in the Gulf and acknowledged the Thumbay Group’s 28-year presence in the UAE.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
