By Iqbal Manna Team Mangalorean

Doha March 13, 2010: The Indian Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdulla today inaugurated the new premises of Indian Cultural Center. Dr. Farooq Abdulla who arrived in Qatar today to attend 2nd NRI Global Summit, interacted freely with Indian Community members at the new premises of ICC. The Union Minister was accompanied by Her Excellency Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Indian Ambassador to Qatar.

Addressing the gathering the union minister hailed the role of Indian women in the Indian Politics and supported the reservation bill tabled in the upper house of the parliament. He appealed the Indian Community members not to forget their roots and familiarize their children with Indian traditions and its rich cultural heritage. Indian Ambassador to Qatar Her Excellency Deepa Gopalan Wasdhwa honored the visiting Minister with a memento. 

Earlier, the minister visited the Indian Cultural Center premises and interacted with the Indian Community members. On behalf of Tulu community members Mr. Ravi Shetty, the president of Tulu Koota Qatar handed over a bouquet to the Minister.

ICC which had moved to new premises in September 2009 and functioning there with new and enhanced facilities have many services under one roof such as, Councilor Services, cafeteria, Dance, yoga, music, arts, karate, classes.. A new hall with a capacity of accommodating 650 people is also under design process and will be made available to the public shortly. Doha bank is in the process of installing an ATM machine in the premises as well.

ICC President Mr. KM Varghese, Chairman Mr. Hassan Chougle, Mr. Sanjev Kohli, Minister, Embassy of India, Mr.MR Qureshi, Second Secretary, Indian Embassy and several prominent Indian Expatriate Community members, Head of various organizations attend the function.