Dubai: The Kannadigas Helpline team organised a virtual meeting to review the current situation in the UAE and gather information about stranded Kannadigas to share with the Karnataka government.

The meeting was led by non-resident businessman and advocate for non-resident Kannadigas (NRKs), Dr. Ronald Colaco. Addressing participants, Dr. Colaco said the UAE remains safe and expressed confidence that normalcy would return soon. He urged Kannadigas to follow guidelines issued by UAE authorities and cooperate with local officials.

Dr. Colaco also announced his readiness to bear the expenses required to maintain an emergency support system for tourists facing distress. He appealed to the Karnataka government to announce an emergency relief grant to assist affected individuals.

Legislative Council member S.L. Bojegowda, who is currently in Dubai, said clarity on the evolving situation is expected shortly. He stated that Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has been requested to sanction an emergency relief fund of Rs 2 crore to support distressed Kannadigas. According to him, the Minister has assured that the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister.

Dr. Aarthi Krishna, Vice President of the Non-Resident Indian Committee and MLC, said she remains in constant contact with Gulf embassies and non-resident Kannadigas in the region. She added that updates are being regularly shared with the Karnataka government and that she is extending full cooperation to the Kannadigas Helpline team.

Karnataka NRI Forum President Praveen Shetty said non-resident Kannadigas in the UAE are safe and that local authorities have implemented necessary safety measures. He urged people not to panic or circulate unverified information on social media.

Hidayat Addur, Coordinator of the Kannadigas Helpline and BCCI UAE President, said the team is working round-the-clock to assist stranded individuals, including facilitating access to medical services when required.

Karnataka Sangha Dubai President Shashidhar Nagarajappa assured that helpline volunteers are available across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman to support Kannadigas in need.

Several community leaders and representatives participated in the meeting, including Daya Kirodian, Chandru Lingadalli, Mallikarjuna Gowda, Imran Khan, Shweta Jadhav, Manohar Hegde, Nagaraja Rao, Samad Birali, Salim Moodubidire, Samshuddin Piligudu, Rock Karnataka Sangh President Ramesh Rangappa and Kannada Pathashale Dubai representative Girish Worate. 

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.



Motihari (PTI): Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday said in an era marked by conflict, division, and intolerance, Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers a powerful way forward for humanity.

Addressing the third convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in East Champaran district, Radhakrishnan asserted that fields such as AI and data science are opening new avenues for growth and innovation, as he urged the youth to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility.

"We all know that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Bihar, and Gandhi found his true 'karma boomi' in this very land of Champaran," he said.

Radhakrishnan said, be it Buddhism, Jainism, or the idea of socialist revolution, everything took shape here.

ALSO READ:  Kolkata Metro services disrupted due to woman's suicide bid

"Bihar has produced visionaries like Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who shaped the moral and political conscience of India. I myself, as an 18 or 19 years old, had a deep association with the JP movement in 1974 as the district general secretary of Coimbatore," he said.

The vice president remembered the contributions of Karpoori Thakur, first president Rajendra Prasad and philanthropist Maharani Janki Kunwar in uplifting India's socio-political status.

Congratulating the graduating students, he urged them to embrace nationalism and play their roles in "building a healthy and resilient society that never accepts non-ethical things".

"As you receive your degrees today, you are expected to serve as torchbearers of India's rich legacy. May you carry forward the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute to the realisation of a strong, prosperous, and well-developed India," he said.

The vice president advised students to use technology for personal growth and to empower society.

"Fields such as artificial intelligence and data science are redefining the possibilities and opening new avenues for growth and innovation. I encourage you to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility," he said.

Radhakrishnan said specialised research opportunities provided by the varsity demonstrate its commitment to reviving and promoting India's traditional intellectual heritage.

"I am also informed that the university actively maintains a culture of sports and fitness as part of the Fit India movement. It has established a vision to provide world-class education and build proper talent," he said.

Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary were among those present at the function.