The Indian Doctors Forum (IDF) successfully organized and celebrated their GHABQA 2017 on Saturday 17th June, 2017 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. Imitiyaz Nawaz (Web Manager - 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 Shohaib. The welcome address was delivered by the IDF General Secretary Dr. Surendra Nayak, wherein he welcomed the Chief Guest and other officials of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Abdou Lahad Mbacke Ambassador of Republic of Senegal, representatives of IDF’s parent organization, KMA, Directors, consultants and doctors from various Ministry of Health and private sector hospitals, 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 by certain GCC countries 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. We too are part of this society and use this opportunity to strengthen the ties between Kuwaitis and Indians and also to express our love and gratitude to the wonderful people of Kuwait, our host country. He also mentioned regarding the Yoga Day conducted by Indian Embassy in the morning. He also thanked KMA President Dr Mohammed Al-Muttairi & Dr Ibrahim Al Hadi, Secretary General KIMS for their well wishes for the Gabqa. He paid glowing tributes to Prominent Community leader Sunny Mathews and IDF members Dr. Narayan Nampoory and Dr. Mahesh Kadam who left for heavenly abode.
The Ramadan Message was then delivered by Dr. Khaja M. Sharfuddin. He strongly 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. He expressed his joy at participation in the novel practice of Gabqa in Kuwait.
This was followed by felicitation of the outgoing DCM Shri Subhashis Goldar .It was accepted by Shri K. K. Pahel, First Secretary Indian Embassy, on his behalf.
This was then followed by short speech from Eng. Aziz Ahmad Al Duaiji who lauded the efforts taken by IDF in carrying out all its activities. He had very kind and affectionate words for IDF and all appreciated the immense contribution of the Indian people to the Kuwaiti society.
Audience opinions & views were invited from Kuwaiti guest and doctors.
Winners of fancy dress competition for children were presented prizes by the Indian Ambassador and Dr Gargi Jain.
This was followed by Ramadan Quiz conducted by Dr Surendra Nayak along with Dr Abhay Patwari, Dr Rajendra Mishra, Dr Gautam Hebbar & Dr Imtiyaz Nawaz. Dr. R. Panicker (Treasurer of IDF.) then delivered the Vote of Thanks where he thanked all the Kuwaiti dignitaries for having come in such large numbers. He also thanked all the Kuwaiti and Indian businessmen present for all the support and assistance rendered towards various IDF activities. He expressed his gratitude to all technical staff, media personalities and staff of the Regency Hotel.
The event concluded with a sumptuous Buffet Dinner. After the dinner all the guests were gifted with traditional Girgians gifts and Health Guide 2017.