Under the Patronage of Indian Ambassador to Kuwait HE Mr. Sibi George, various Indian associations in Kuwait and community members organized a farewell meet to Mr. Anant Kapadia, Chairperson of IBPC, and the man regarded as one of Kuwait's foremost impresarios.
Mr. Anant Kapadia, the big figure in Kuwait's corporate world and uncrowned personality of Indian music in Kuwait played a crucial role in Indo-Kuwait cultural relationship. A prominent figure in the business and cultural arena in Kuwait, Mr Kapadiya is currently the Chairman of IBPC. He is leaving Kuwait for good after spending 45 years of his life on this blessed land.
"During his forty-five years of stay in Kuwait, he has immensely contributed to promoting India in Kuwait both in cultural and business front," Indian Ambassador Mr. Sibi George said in his speech. Associations and Groups are like beautiful flowers in the garden of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait. Each one of our diaspora members is our Ambassadors representing our country in their field of activities abroad. We are seeing it now, here in Kuwait, when each of our doctors and medical professionals, through their hard work and sacrifice, brings respect and admiration to our country, Ambassador said.
"On behalf of Embassy of India and the Indian community in Kuwait, I thank Mr. Anant Kapadiya for playing his part in promoting Indian business and culture and contributing towards the development of new avenues of cooperation and linkages between India and Kuwait" Ambassador said.
Mr Kapadiya has created an unparalleled legacy with his exceptional contribution to the cause of Indian music and culture. Not only has he held up the best of India culturally, but as a member and Chairperson of IBPC, he has also showcased India's economic might by bringing some of India's top industrialists, business people, and entrepreneurs to Kuwait to increase Indo –Kuwait business ties. He also promoted India's classical music through collaborations with premier organizations in Kuwait like Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah and Kuwait's National Council for Culture Arts and Letters.
During the Covid Pandemic, as chairman of IBPC, Mr. Kapadiya and various Indian associations were at the forefront of distributing food kits and other relief materials to the stranded Indians in Kuwait.
Ambassador Mr. Sibi George and Mr.Kapadia cut the farewell cake along with Madam Joice Sibi George and Mrs Indira Kapadiya. Ambassador also presented a shawl to Kapadia.
In the presence of Community Leaders, including Mr. Suresh K P, Mr Kaizer T Shakir, Chairman – CA Chapter, Dr Amir Ahmad Chairman – IDF, Ambassador presented a memento to Sri Kapadia for his immense contributions to the Indo-Kuwait relationship.
On behalf of all community organizations, Mr. Suresh K P coordinated the program. Mr Suresh K P in his speech expressed the happiness of the community and thank to H E Mr. Sibi George for the quick response for all requests from community solved until today. Mrs Chaitali B Roy made a brief presentation about the life of Mr. Anat Kapadiya in Kuwait.
Mr Kapadia, in his emotional speech, thanked all those who helped him over the years of his journey in Kuwait.
Prominent personalities including Shashi Tharoor MP and from Kuwait Mr Tony Jashanmal, Mr Choji Lamba Vice Chairman IBPC, Mr Kaizer T Shakir (Chairman – CA Chapter), Mr Karim Irfan (President – FIMA), Dr Vinod Grover, Mr Jyothish Cherian (President, Kala Kuwait), Mr Binoy Sebastian (Vice-president – BPP), Mr Ebey Varicadu (Vice President OICC), Mr Venkat Koduri (United Telugu Forum) and Mr Mohd Aslam Kuttikattoor (Acting President KMCC) made farewell messages during the event, which was attended by a large number of friends and well-wishers virtually. Dr Surendra Nayak, Dr Sushovana Sujith Nair and Mr. Nixon George entertained the audience virtually with their melodious songs.