Karnataka Assembly speaker UT Khader honored by Bahrain India Society
Speaker calls for high-level meeting between BIS, Karnataka Government
Bahrain: The Bahrain India Society honored UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in a ceremony at The Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Bahrain on December 21, 2023. The event celebrated Khader's journey from Student Union leader to Speaker, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Chief Guest HE Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador, and members of the Bahrain India Society, government officials, private sector representatives, and distinguished businessmen attended the ceremony. Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, highlighted Khader's impact on society, tracing his progression from a Student Union leader to his current role.
"I had the privilege of spotlighting the remarkable achievements of Shri UT Khader, from his early days as a Student Union leader to managing crucial portfolios, including Minister of Health, Education, Urban Development, and reaching his current role as the esteemed Speaker, Khader's journey has garnered acclaim for its substantial contributions to societal betterment," said Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, as he addressed the attending guests.
Abdulrahman Juma, President of the Bahrain Indian Society, welcomed Khader and expressed gratitude to attendees. He emphasized Bahrain's business-friendly environment and urged the Speaker to support investment promotions. H.E. Vinod Jacob provided insights into India's achievements and its strong bilateral ties with Bahrain.
UT Khader thanked the Royal Family and commended the Bahrain India Society for organizing the event. He pledged support to Bahrain's visions and promised to strengthen cultural, bilateral, and economic ties. Shri Khader invited a high-level meeting between Bahrain-India Society and the Karnataka government, offering to facilitate Bahraini delegates witnessing Karnataka's assembly proceedings.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Vinod Das, followed by a networking lunch encouraging discussions on opportunities for ties in cultural, educational, sports, and economic sectors. Attendees explored potential joint projects between Bahraini and Indian counterparts. A.R. Juma, Chairman of Bahrain India Society, presented a memento to UT Khader along with H.E. Vinod Jacob.
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Condolences pour in, Pope Francis remembered as Gaza’s friend, voice of conscience
Vatican City: Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church's first Latin American leader, died on Monday at the age of 88. His final public remarks, delivered on Easter Sunday, included a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for those caught in conflict, especially those “starving” for peace.
His death came as a surprise to many. The previous day, he had appeared to be in good health, waving to crowds from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.
In Gaza, his death has been described as a significant loss. He maintained regular communication with the Roman Catholic community in the region during the ongoing conflict. According to Reverend Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, the Pope called every evening at 8 p.m. Gaza time, even during his own hospitalisation, to offer prayers and moral support.
Romanelli confirmed these details to Vatican News.
Public tributes have come in from various figures around the world. Activist and author Fatima Bhutto said, “Pope Francis was the only public figure of conscience and compassion we had. The world is morally poorer without him. Even as he breathed his last breath, he spoke out for Gaza and called the parish daily to offer what comfort he could to Palestinians. I loved him and will pray for him.”
Pastor Munther Isaac from Bethlehem said, “Palestinians, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine… His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital.”
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari noted that the Pope had called for a Gaza ceasefire in his final address. British peer Meral Hussein said, “His calls for a Gaza ceasefire were something he consistently called for, while ignored by Biden and other Christian leaders around the world.”
Indian journalist Rana Ayyub referred to him as “a shepherd who carried Gaza in his prayers and Sudan in his heart,” adding, “Even in his final days, he spoke for the broken, the bombed, and the forgotten. A holy soul now at rest but still walking with the wounded. The world is a lesser place today.”
Tributes also appeared across social media. One user wrote, “As an atheist, the passing of Pope Francis still hits me. He embraced everyone, broke barriers, and stood for love, freedom and inclusion—things the whole world needs more of.”
Another post read, “Gaza has lost a friend this morning. Even before his death, he still urged for a ceasefire in Gaza. Rest easy, Pope.”
Other online users described him as “a towering mortal giant in a time of evil and cowardice,” and said, “He called the situation in Gaza what it was: a slaughter, a terror, a betrayal of humanity. He spoke for the children bombed, the families destroyed, and the people of Palestine.”
In his final Easter message, the Pope said, “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”
