The Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) hosted a grand felicitation event for MLC Ivan D'Souza on Saturday, 6th July 2024, at the Ocean Pearl Hotel in the city. The event celebrated D'Souza's election to the Karnataka Legislative Council for a second term.

The program commenced with a welcome speech by BCCI General Secretary Mohammed Imthiyaz.

Haji SM Abdul Rasheed, the chairman of BCCI presided over the event and urged support from Muslim communities from across the region to BCCI as it works towards economic upliftment of Muslims.

He presented a detailed report on the organization's achievements and outlined ambitious plans for expanding BCCI's presence in various countries.

Imthiyaz emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the Muslim business community, drawing parallels with the Gujarati community, known for their strong business acumen and cooperative spirit. He highlighted that the Beary and Navayath communities, renowned for their trading skills, must work together to achieve greater success. He warned that selfishness and lack of cooperation could harm the community's economic prospects.

He further elaborated on the BCCI's significant role in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses within the community. Imthiyaz noted that the organization has successfully helped numerous entrepreneurs establish their ventures across the country and globally, contributing to the economic growth of the community.

Following the felicitation ceremony, MLC Ivan D'Souza addressed the gathering. He began by reflecting on the transient nature of political power, stressing that those elected to positions of authority must remain mindful of the sentiments and emotions of the people they represent. D'Souza urged politicians to adhere to principles of social and community work to earn and maintain respect in political circles.

D'Souza emphasized that the power of the people is the only permanent force, noting that elected officials can easily be replaced if they fail to serve their constituents effectively. He spoke candidly about the challenges of political life, likening it to a mountain that appears smooth from a distance but is challenging to navigate up close.

Reflecting on his political journey, D'Souza highlighted his accomplishments during his first term, including maintaining a perfect attendance record, for which he received commendation from the government at the time. He pledged to continue serving humanity and his constituents with dedication.

D'Souza also discussed various projects he has been involved in and shared his vision for future initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the BCCI for the honor and reassured the audience that the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka is committed to the development of all sectors and communities in the state.

In his presidential address, Haji SM Abdul Rasheed praised MLC Ivan D'Souza for his service and thanked him for attending the event on short notice. He highlighted the simplicity with which D'Souza and his family lead their lives, always willing to help and serve the community. Rasheed also discussed the BCCI's future plans and expansion strategies.

The event began with a recitation of the Quran by Hafiz Hasan Asheeq Abdullah, followed by a welcome speech by Haji Mumtaz Ali Krishnapura. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by BCCI General Secretary Mohammed Imthiyaz, marking the end of a memorable and inspiring event. Abdul Jaleel Krishnapura, nominated member to Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), was also felicitated in the event.

Vice-president Zakariya Jokatte, Office bearer Sheikh Karnire, Secretary Ashraf Karnire, Joint secretary Nisar Mohammed Fakeer and treasurer Mansoor Ahmed, Abdulla Monu Moideen Qatar, Asif Home Plus were present.

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.



Washington (PTI): US President Donald Trump and other top White House officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual dinner of White House correspondents after a man armed with multiple weapons fired shots outside the ballroom of the hotel.

The incident took place at around 8:34 PM local time when dinner was served. At that time, Trump was seen having a conversation with Weijia Jiang, the President of the White House Correspondents' Association, and mentalist Oz Pearlman, who was scheduled to present a show at the marquee event at the Washington Hilton here.

Secret Service officials and other security personnel covered the President, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J D Vance, and the Second Lady Usha Vance, who were seated at the head table, and escorted them out of the ballroom.

Several guests at the dinner, including leaders across the political spectrum, journalists and other invitees, ducked under the table, apparently as a reflex reaction.

Putting up a brave face, President Trump later announced on Truth Social that the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.

“Boom, boom, boom, boom is all that I heard, and many guests ducked under the table,” a C-SPAN reporter at the dinner said.

Hours later, Trump addressed a press conference at the White House and announced that the security personnel had captured one person who hails from California.

“I heard a noise and sort of thought it was a tray going down. I've heard that many times. It was a pretty loud noise, and it was from quite far away. He (the attacker) hadn't reached the area at all. They really got him,” Trump told reporters, recalling the incident.

Trump said one security officer was shot at but saved as he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Several protestors had lined up on the road outside the hotel, raising slogans against the Trump administration and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

A CNN reporter who was outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton said he saw a gunman opening fire just a few feet away. He was among the dozens of attendees who took cover as law enforcement swarmed the venue.

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California.

Asked how Saturday’s incident impacts him as the US president, Trump told reporters he is in a dangerous job but that he is no “basket case.”

“I like not to think about it. I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. I think I handle it as well as it can be handled,” Trump said.

Trump has survived two assassination attempts over the past two years – first at a presidential election campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, and later in Palm Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2024.

“I will say you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals, and progressives...everybody in that room, big crowd, record-setting crowd,” he said.

“We had some great work done by law enforcement, but in light of this evening's events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully,” Trump said.