NRI Forum Karnataka-Bahrain to be inaugurated on January 10

Udupi: The NRI Forum Karnataka-Bahrain (NFKB), a newly established and Karnataka government-registered organization, will be officially inaugurated on January 10 at the Indian Club Ground in Manama, Bahrain. The event will also include the oath-taking ceremony of the new NFKB committee and a cultural celebration featuring dignitaries from Karnataka and Bahrain. 

Addressing the media at a press meet held on December 16, NFKB President Raj Kumar shared details of the event. “The program will commence at 5:30 PM, followed by a cultural performance. The primary mission of the forum is to protect the interests of Kannadigas residing in Bahrain. NFKB aims to strengthen cultural and social connections among the Kannada-speaking community, which numbers around 25,000 in Bahrain. It also seeks to create platforms for engagement and networking while working for the welfare of Kannadigas,” he said. 

Kumar emphasized that NFKB collaborates with the Karnataka government, the Indian Embassy, and other organizations to safeguard and promote the interests of Kannadigas abroad. 

The inaugural event will witness the presence of several
prominent personalities, including: 

– U T Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly 

– Shivaraj Thangadagi, Minister of Culture 

– Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament 

– Arathi Krishna, Vice Chairperson of Karnataka NRI Forum 

– Dr. Rajendra Kumar, President of SCDCC Bank, Mangaluru 

– Dr. H S Shetty, President of Mysore Mercantile Company 

– Prashanth Poojari, President of Nidhi Nirmana, Mangaluru 

Additionally, notable Kannada figures, professionals, and families are expected to attend, with over 2,000 participants anticipated. 

The press meet also saw the presence of NFKB General Secretary Roshan Lewis and members Jaya Shetty, Uday Shetty, and Divakar Sanil, who reiterated the forum’s commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community for Kannadigas in Bahrain.