The Indian Doctors Forum (IDF) successfully organized and celebrated their GHABQA 2016 on Wednesday 22nd June, 2016 at The Regency Hotel amidst a galaxy of Kuwaiti, Indian and dignitaries from other nations. HE Shri. Sunil Jain, Honorable Ambassador of India to Kuwait was the Chief Guest at the function.
The evening commenced at 9.30 PM when the Anchor Dr. Prashant Purohit (Cultural Secretary - IDF) requested all to rise in honor of the Kuwaiti and Indian National Anthems. This was followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Master Aman Ahmed. The welcome address was delivered by the IDF General Secretary Dr. Surendra Nayak, wherein he welcomed the Chief Guest and officials of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Karma Phuntsho, Counsellor, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, representatives of IDF’s parent organization, the Kuwait Medical Association, Kuwaiti Directors, consultants and doctors from various Ministry of Health and private sector hospitals, dignitaries from the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Dasman Diabetic Institute, Eminent Kuwaiti and Indian Business leaders ,Government Officials, Presidents and Office bearers of Indian Associations, Media Personnel and last but not the least, our IDF members & their families. The welcome speech was followed by the Presidential address by Dr.Abhay Patwari, President, IDF. He expressed his immense gratitude to all the attending Kuwaiti guests for being a part of this auspicious evening. Dr.Abhay stated that ‘Gabqa’, is a local tradition celebrated in the month of Ramadan after Taraweeh prayers. Gabqa helps to foster strong ties amongst families and friends. This wonderful tradition of the locals has been adopted by the IDF to strengthen the ties between Kuwaitis and Indians and to express our love and gratitude to the wonderful people of Kuwait, our host country. He was grateful for the support and messages from the Royal Family Sheikha Dr. Prof. Rasha Hamoud Al Sabah & Sheikha Shaharyar Al Sabah. He also thanked KMA President Dr Mohammed Al-Muttairi & Dr Ibrahim Al Hadi, Secretary General KIMS for their best wishes and support for the Gabqa.
The Ramadan Message was then delivered by Dr. Syed M Rahman (Secretary, Community Affairs, IDF). He emphasized the importance of fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan and receiving its rewards in the form of spiritual as well as physical well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, HE Mr. Sunil Jain, Honorable Ambassador of India appreciated the various community welfare activities rendered by IDF. He expressed his happiness at the presence of such large number of Kuwaiti guests at the event, which reflected the acceptance, love and respect they had for the Indian people.
This was followed by short speeches from Prof. Farida al Awadhi, Dr. Sulaiman Ahmad Al Saad, Dr. Amal Khader, and Eng. Aziz Ahmad Al Duaiji who lauded the efforts taken by IDF in carrying out all its activities. All of them had very kind and affectionate words for IDF and all appreciated the immense contribution of the Indian people to the Kuwaiti society.
Prof. Renu Gupta Vice President of IDF conveyed Ramadan greeting to all and expressed deep appreciation for Dean of Faculty of Medicine Prof. Adel Khader, Dean Allied health Prof. Saud Al Obaidi , Dean Graduate studies Prof. Farida Al Awadi, former Vice President Health science center Prof. Abdulla Behbahani, other esteemed faculty members of Kuwait University, Kuwaiti doctors, members of Indian diaspora and members of IDF and their families who graced the occasion by their presence and support.
Winners of fancy dress competition for children organized by IDF were presented prizes by the Indian Ambassador. A wonderful Ramadan song in Arabic was sung by a 5-year-old Pooja Giri which won the hearts of the Kuwaiti and Indian audience.
Dr. Diwakar Chaluvaiah (Vice President of IDF.) then delivered the Vote of Thanks. He thanked the Indian Ambassador, Diplomats, Royal Family members, All the Kuwaiti dignitaries, Kuwaiti and Indian businessmen for all the support and assistance rendered towards various IDF activities. He thanked all the IDF members and their families for their wholehearted participation. He expressed his gratitude to all technical staff, media personalities and staff of the Regency Hotel for all the support and hospitality.
The event concluded with a sumptuous Buffet Dinner. After the dinner all the guests were gifted with traditional Girgians gifts.