UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together brings together over a thousand community members in Dubai
Dr Safwan, Mateen Chilmi, Shafi Shaban, Iqbal Manna conferred with ‘Sahebaan Excellence Awards’
Dubai: Dubai witnessed a grand and vibrant celebration as UAE ‘Sahebaan’ organised its annual Family Get-Together on January 10, Saturday at the Al Khisais Amity School campus. The day-long event, held from 10 am to 9 pm, brought together families, children and community members in large numbers.
The programme featured a wide range of competitions, entertainment activities and cultural events throughout the day. UAE ‘Sahebaan’, a collective representing the Sahebaan community within the Urdu-speaking Muslim population from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has been consistently organising the Family Get-Together in Dubai every year with great enthusiasm and scale. This year’s event was marked by the participation of over a thousand people, including children and families, making it particularly special.
Sahebaan Excellence Awards presented
As part of the programme, the annual Sahebaan Excellence Awards were presented to individuals who have excelled in various fields. The awards were conferred by chief guests and dignitaries including noted NRI businessman and social worker KS Nissar Ahamed, owner of Nash Engineering, Dubai; UAE Sahebaan coordinator H.M. Afroz Assadi; and special guest K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, President of KMES Educational Institutions, Karkala.
The Sahebaan Academic Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Safwan Ahmed, a neurologist based in Doha, Qatar. The Sahebaan Business Excellence Award was conferred on Mateen Ahmed Chilmi, Managing Director of Petrosolutions, Dubai. The Sahebaan Sports Excellence Award was given to Mohammed Shafi Shaban for his contribution to sports promotion, while the Sahebaan Community Service Award was presented to social worker Mohammed Iqbal Manna from Udupi.
On the occasion,KS Nissar Ahamed, H.M. Afroz Assadi and K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, Karkala, were also felicitated. Several other eminent personalities were honoured, including Nazimuddin (Nazim) Mohammed, President of Petro Gas Piping, Dubai; Yaseen Malpe, Founder Director of Vartha Bharati; Udupi District Rajyotsava awardee Dr. Sheikh Wahid Dawood; former Jamiat-ul-Falah president Abdul Latheef Saheb; Mumtaz Hussain and Ashfaq Ahmed from Qatar; and Abdul Azeez Udyavar.
Academic Excellence Awards for students
Students from the Sahebaan community residing in the UAE who achieved outstanding academic and sports performance were recognised with Academic Excellence Awards. The awards were presented by H.M. Afroz Assadi along with women organisers Farveen Assadi and Reena Altaf.
Razeena Beg (91%), a native of Vitla studying at Mayoor Private School, Abu Dhabi; Anam Aslam (95.30%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Mohammed Ibrahim (90.50%), a native of Udupi studying at GEMS Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Ameerah Qazi Abdul Khader Qazi (96.60%), a native of Gangolli studying at The Central School, Dubai; Simrah Khan Nadeem (91.20%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Al Ameer English School, Ajman; and Nuha Riyaz Khalife from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, a native of Mangaluru, were honoured with the Academic Excellence Award for securing high marks in the 10th standard.
In sports, Mohammed Aiz, a football player from GEMS Legacy School, Dubai, a native of Mangaluru, was congratulated and presented with the Sports Excellence Award by the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
Financial assistance announcement
On the occasion, KS Nissar Ahamed announced financial assistance for Sahebaan community students who are unable to pursue higher education after PUC due to economic constraints. He also announced financial support for the marriage of underprivileged girls from the community. This was informed by Althaf M.S. of the Sahebaan community.
Day-long sports and cultural activities
Various sports competitions and recreational activities were organised throughout the day for senior citizens, youngsters, women and children. Participants enthusiastically took part, sharing moments of joy and togetherness.
The event included cooking competitions, quizzes, fun games for all age groups and several entertaining contests that drew large participation. Hundreds took part in these activities, making them a major attraction.
The evening cultural programme began with Quran recitation by Haroon Naveed, followed by an Islamic Nasheed sung by 22 children. A special ‘Teddy & Me’ performance by 16 young children delighted the audience, while a children’s Qawwali performance received warm appreciation. The programme also featured the national anthem, a children’s skit, and prize distribution to winners of various competitions.
Videos highlighting the journey of the Sahebaan organisation and the contributions of KS Nissar Ahamed, noted businessman Hidayatullah Abbas, Chairman of the Hidayath Group, and H.M. Afroz Assadi was screened. Gifts and raffle draw prizes were also distributed during the event.
Organisers and anchoring
The event was organised with the support of Alhtaf M.S., Akram, Ajmal Mohammed, Althaf Khalifa, Mohammed Sameeullah, Suhail Kudroli, Mohammed Asif, Nayeem Khan, and women organisers Farveen Assadi, Reena Althaf and Sahar Asif.
Althaf M.S. delivered the welcome address, while Ajmal Mohammed proposed the vote of thanks. The entire day’s programme was smoothly compered by Hisrar Tallani from Mangaluru and Aliya Imtiyaz Khan.
The UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together concluded on a note of unity, celebration and community bonding.
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.
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.”
