Gulf Karnataka Forum Meets Karnataka CM in Bangalore

by Shodhan Prasad Pics by Hari PrasadDaijiworld Media Network
Bangalore / Dubai, Jun 17: Gulf Karnataka Forum’s (GKF) maiden successful meet at Lotus Hotel on the 21st May 2010 with the initiative of Herman Lewis and James Mendonca , a delegation of Six under the patronage and leadership of B.R. Shetty, took another bold step ahead by participating in the Global Investors Meet held recently at the Palace Grounds Bangalore wherein more than 10,000 people attended from all over the world. This golden opportunity was used by the GKF delegation to meet and discuss the objectives of the Gulf Karnataka Forum with Yediyurappa, the honorable Chief Minister and Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman of NRI Forum Karnataka.
The Gulf Karnataka Forum delegation was led by B.R. Shetty, Managing Director/CEO, New Medical Centre Group and Patron of UAE Kannadigas, and represented by Sayeed Khaleel, CEO Galadari Group and Advisor of Bhatkal Association, James Mendonsa, Managing Director of Reliable Fabricators and ex-President of Mangalore Konkans, Herman Lewis, Managing Director, Radio Spice105.4 FM, Afroz Assadi Managing Director of Northern Insurance Brokers & Leader of Sahib Community, & Ivan Fernandes, President of KEL-Global as members of the GKF delegation.
Soon after the return from the successful meet at Bangalore the delegates called a press invite to brief on the issues of NRK’s raised during their meeting with B.S. Yeddiyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka and Captain Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman, NRI Forum Karnataka.
It was said that the above delegates met Chief Minister three times during the whole event on different occasion. However their exclusive meet with the Chief Minister on 4th June, 2010 along with Capt. Ganesh Karnik was really worth as they made a video presentation to the Chief Minister who provided them a VVIP treatment during the session. Chief Minister Yeddiyurappa who is also the Chairman of NRI Karnataka Forum, expressed his happiness about the formation of Gulf Karnataka Forum with the initiatives taken by powerful leaders of various Karnataka based Associations in the Gulf. Yeddiyurappa said that ‘you should have taken this initiative much more early and was surprised why so far no one took up this issue’ though the Government was expecting. He expressed his solidarity and full support to the Forum and has requested Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Dy. Chairman, NRI Karnataka Forum, Govt. of Karnataka to have a meeting in Dubai with the Gulf Karnataka Forum en-route his tour to Bahrain on 25th & 26th of June, 2010.
Gulf Karnataka Forum neatly had drafted a request letter in Kannada addressed to the Chief Minister, Yediyurappa with various issues relating to the non-resident Kannadigas pending since long, which was presented during the meet. Following are the answers and solutions committed by the Chief Minister during the successful meeting.
On Higher Education for NRK Children:

Regarding the differentiations for the NRK students on admission to higher studies like for Medical and Engineering in Karnataka Universities, the Chief Minister instructed his deputies to find a positive solution to treat NRK students on par level with local students from the next academic year. He promised to minimise the differentiations in this regard. He also agreed that the compulsory Kannada written test in the CET (Common Entrance Test) would be very difficult for NRK students as they do not have Kannada as a subject in the Gulf schools here and agreed to the suggestion of GKF introduce Kannada Oral Test instead to facilitate entry on clear merit for higher studies courses in Karnataka. He was kind enough to agree to send a high level delegation every year to the Gulf to advise and create awareness on NRK Children’s higher education courses available, investment opportunities for NRK entrepreneurs, and other matters of interests of the NRK in the Gulf.

On Ration Cards for NRK:

Regarding the issue on Ration Card and Identification Card he said that a plan is already in place to arrange issue NRI Card and soon it will be materialised. The proposed NRI Card for Karnataka non-residents is a replacement card in place of ration card and identity card and can be used for all the purposes except obtaining ration

On the Housing projects for NRK:

Regarding quota on housing projects he stated that Housing Boards cannot have special reservation since the Board is allotting homes for the less privilege whose income is less than Rupees 2 lakh and that the NRK’s are any time having income more than that slab. However, he said that, government has made provision to on any housing project initiated by NRI’s who wish to built housing in Karnataka wherein the Government of Karnataka can allot free land to develop such approved projects subject to NRI’s holding two third of the completed project and one third of built up area to be given back to the Government to allot the same for weaker section of both local and NRI’s. Regarding applying for the residential sites in the BDA projects in Bangalore, the condition of domicile is strictly followed; however the family members residing in Bangalore can apply. He also urged NRK’s to invest in residential plots and projects developed by the local Govt. bodies in other districts and towns in Karnataka other than Bangalore

Security and safety of the Families and property of NRK:

About the safety and security of property and families of the NRK’s, the government said that the present NRK cells of NRI Forum Karnataka present in main centers at Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli which will soon upgraded as NRK help centers to deal with any such concerns of NRK’s. There is also a proposal to increase these NRK cells to 5 in due course in the State. These centers are strictly monitored by the Government. On the issue of having an information counter especially for the NRK’s he said that the NRK Cell itself will cover these areas and any one can lodge complaint and take up any issues relating to the NRK’s concerns with these Cell Centre’s.

On Insurance Schemes:

He agreed that the insurance schemes to meet the requirement of NRK are required and he instructed his deputies to work with various insurance companies to come up with special affordable schemes to target NRK for life, property and health insurance. Health Insurance schemes for the families of the NRK were also suggested to be taken up.

On representation of NRK on various Govt. bodies/job reservation:

He said it would be difficult to have a reservation for NRK on Govt. bodies, especially in the syndicate and council of Universities, but suggested anyone who meets the requirement can contest for the election like the resident candidate. Reservation of job for the returning NRK’s not possible, however they have the same rights as the resident to apply to job anywhere without any resolution or separate requirement The Delegation also briefed on NRI Forum Karnataka which has been formed to forge a symbiotic relationship between Karnataka and its Diaspora. The Forum will provide information on socio-economic activities of Karnataka State and its development and also coordinate investment in the state across all potential sectors.
B.S. Yeddiyurappa, said that India has emerged as the country which attracts the largest quantum of investment from its Diaspora. With the State having earned a reputation as the most sought after destination for multinational corporations, especially in the technology area, the NRI Karnataka forum has been formed to attract more investment to the State. The NRI Forum will facilitate investors among NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) in setting up their ventures in the state. He urged the NRK’s to take more initiatives to bring prosperity and create employment in the State.
Chief Minister B. S. Yeddiyurappa, in his concluding remarks said that he and his Govt. will do anything and everything possible for the people of Karnataka residing anywhere in the world and for the spreading and upholding the Kannada culture and literature. He also promised that he would visit Gulf Countries by the end of this year to meet the people of Karnataka State residing in the Gulf.
The main aim of NRI Forum is to assist NRIs with their requirements in India, motivate NRIs for development and promotion of Karnataka's literature, cultural and heritage activities overseas and encourage NRI's for adoption of Educational Institutions in the backward areas of Karnataka so as to provide quality education to the children.
The NRI Forum also hopes to draw up on the knowledge reservoir of Diaspora for development of the State.
For now the Karnataka based Organization leaders in the UAE who successfully formed the common platform for the Non-resident Kannadigas (NRK’s) are proud to be the leaders of Gulf Karnataka Forum which will be fully supported by the respective members of other Gulf Countries as committed and are soon planning a meet in Dubai prior to the visit of Ganesh Karnik this month end in order to work in unity.
It is said that, with the formation of Gulf Karnataka Forum, at least by now Kannadigas around the Gulf may no more be ignored. All the problems and issues relating to the NRK’s will be taken up with due respect and presented to the government body from time to time who assured of full support with one of the elected body who will take all interest to solve the problems in a quick manner.
James Mendonca and Herman Lewis who are the main initiators behind the Gulf Karnataka Forum informed that Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman of NRI Karnataka Forum, Govt. of Karnataka would be visiting Dubai on the 25th June 2010, under the instructions of the Chief Minister to discuss with the likeminded representatives of various Karnataka association in the Gulf.
A general meeting has been proposed on the 25th morning under the patronage of Dr. B.R. Shetty, in Dubai and the invitation would be sent to all the main Karnataka Organisations in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain inviting two representatives from each organization to attend this meet to discuss future action of the GULF KANNADA FORUM. For further information and enquiries as well as any problems pertaining to the common interest to Non-resident Karnataka people, please email to mail@gulfkarnatakaforum.com
Also, they have requested all the Karnataka Organisations in UAE, OMAN, BAHRAIN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA, and QATAR to contact GKV with the names of their organization, office bearers and their contact numbers. Please mail your details to mail@gulfkarnatakaforum.com as soon as possible.

Gulf Karnataka Forum Launched in Dubai

by Shodhan PrasadPics by Rajesh Sequeira and B G Mohandas
Dubai, May 29: It was a successful call initiated by the well known media personality Herman Lewis, known more as Radio Spice man, with the shoulder support of Mayura Awardee 2010 James Mendonsa to unite all the Karnataka based Organization leaders in the UAE in one premises to support a formation of a common platform for the Non-resident Kannadigas (NRK’s).
The meeting was arranged at the Lotus Residence Grand Majlis Ball room, Deira at around 4 PM on Friday the 28th May, 2010, wherein several representatives of various Karnataka based organization have assembled to discuss the issue.
Those physically present were, Dr. B.R. Shetty, Patron of UAE Tulu Koota, Sayeed Khaleel, Advisor of Bhatkal Association, Herman Lewis, MD Radio Spice, Sarvotham Shetty, President Abu Dhabi Karnatka Sangha, Noel Almeida, President Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Santosh Nazareth, President Mangalore Konkans, James Mendonsa, Advisor Mangalore Konkans, Mohan Attavar, President Billawas Dubai & N.E., Jennifer Mascarenhas, President SMKC, Noel Mascarenhas, Advisor SMKC, Mulimani, President Kannada Koota, MK Gajare, President of Basava Samithi, Shodhan Prasad, Representative of Nama Tuluveru UAE & Reporter Daijiworld Media, Stan Aqera, President Daiji Dubai, Albert Rodrigues, President, KEL, Ivan Fernandes, President KEL-Global, Prabhakar Ambalthere, President Margadeep Kasargod, Dr. Ramachandra Hegde Co-ordinator Amchigele, H.M. Afroz Assadi, Co-ordinator Sahib Community, Rajesh Sequeira, Co-ordinator, NRI Forumn, Prakash Payyar, President Dwani Pratishtana, John Monteiro, President, JAKC-Jebel Ali, Chandrashekar, President Billawara Balaga, Sateesh V., Co-ordinator Gaaniga Samaja, Ganesh Rai, Co-ordinator UAE Tulu Koota, K.R. Tantry, Co-ordinator UAE Tulu Koota, Clement Lobo, Advisor JAKC, Praveen Shetty, Bunts Association, Satish Poojary, Advisor Billawas Dubai & N.E., Bekal S. Raj, Secretary Kannada Sangha Sharjah, B.M. Dinesh Achar, Co-ordinator Kannada Sangha Sharjah, Satish Shetty, Co-ordinator, Karnataka Sangha Dubai & Daya Kirodian, Co-ordinator Karnataka Sangha Dubai. Also present were Media personalities B.G. Mohandas, Ex-President Karnataka Sangha Dubai & Chief Editor of Gulf Kannadiga, Vinay Kumar of Namma T.V., Naveen Sequeira of Mai Bhas.com, Hariprasad and Herman Lewis of Radio Spice.
It started with the chairpersons on the dais Dr. B.R. Shetty, Sayeed Khaleel and Herman Lewis (said to be Amar, Akbar, Anthony) seated and a beautiful intelligent presentation by Herman Lewis on the issue. The presentation mainly focused on suggestion to have a ‘United NRK Forum for the Gulf’ with representations from every associations in each country , representation of at least two Govt. ex officio members, representation from the Indian Consulate, representation from the Business community and finally world-wide recognition with regular delegations to tackle each segment. The presentation also showed the strengths and weaknesses of Kannadigas in UAE and questioning themselves that ‘Do we think we are all one?’ Do we have problems and concerns? Are we prioritising our issues? Do we think of local issues/concerns? Is cultural programmes take front seat?, Do we remember other major issues only when dignitaries visit here?, What about follow up?, Is bringing politicians/leaders and honouring them yield results?, Are we doing enough?. The answer for all these questions was unanimously answered as ‘Yes’ we need to form a ‘Gulf Karnataka Forum’ to tackle all these issues by all those assembled in the meet.
The meet also discussed the major issues of NRK’s like Children higher Education, Insurance (Life and Health), Priority housing - NRK schemes, Ration Cards/ National Id, Business opportunities, Employment opportunities, Housing schemes, Family protection programmes, Help desk, Representations - various Govt. bodies & Other problems which needs to be placed on the future agenda.
It was unanimously agreed that the above problems can be tackled only by forming a single unified platform for the Gulf NRK with strong united front and leadership, to have single bold targeted voice –heard better and most effective, to have better follow ups, better results, better utilisation of resources and finally better utilisation of available media.
All those who attended introduced themselves and suggested with guidance, advice and constructive opinions not only by participation but promising whole hearted support in the future for the great cause which resulted in the formation of "GULF KARNATAKA FORUM" announced by Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty. Though there were certain doubts whether this will be successful or not Shetty said that he will take this as a challenge and would see that it will be successful whatever the hurdles he may have to face. He committed that he will liaise with the officials concerned to take this forward and also will seek the support of the Karnataka based Associations elsewhere in the Gulf mainly Saudi, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait & Oman to join this, support and make ‘Gulf Karnataka Forum’ a strong body to fight for the rights of ‘Kannadigas’ in the Gulf which was neglected from a long time.
The historic meet concluded with expecting continuous participation and support from the fellow members and going ahead with fixing time frame, suggestions from all associations in the Gulf region, brain storming, guidelines and structure in the rising of a United NRK Front for the Gulf region.