2 days Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News network doha The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), an apex body under the Embassy of India in Qatar, hosted the handing over ceremony for its 2025–2026 Management Committee (MC) on Sunday, March 23, at ICC Ashoka Hall. The event marked the official transition of leadership, recognising the contributions of outgoing members while welcoming the newly elected office bearers. The ceremony was graced by Eish Singhal, first secretary at the Indian Embassy and ICBF coordinating officer, who attended the event as the chief guest.
Also present were A P Manikandan, president of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC); E P Abdul Rahman, president of the Indian Sports Centre (ISC); and Thaha Mohammed, president of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC). Several former ICBF presidents including Ziad Usman, Davis Edakalthur, N V Kader, and David John, along with Dr Abdul Samad, chairman of the ISC Advisory Council, and various management committee members, advisory council representatives, and senior community leaders, attended the event. The ceremony began with a welcome speech by the outgoing General Secretary K V Boban, followed by the presidential address delivered by ICBF President Shanavas Bava.
The chief guest honoured the outgoing management committee office bearers and advisory council members for their dedicated service. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the outgoing team, S A M Basheer, chairman of the advisory council, acknowledged their contributions and efforts in supporting the Indian community in Qatar. The event also saw the introduction of the new advisory council, with the chief guest formally welcoming K S Prasad as the new chairperson, along with members Nilambari Savardekar, Sadeesh Vilavil, Jawed Ahmed, and Zareena Ahad.
Addressing the gathering, K S Prasad reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening ICBF’s initiatives and continuing its mission of community service. The newly elected ICBF Management Committee for the 2025–2026 term was then introduced and welcomed by Eish Singhal. The leadership team includes President Shanavas Bava, Vice President Rasheed Ahamed, General Secretary Deepak Shetty, Secretary Jafar Thayyil, Head of Finance Nirmala Guru, Head of Legal Cell Khaja Nizamuddin, Head of Labour & Fishermen Welfare Shankar Goud, Head of Consular Services Amarvir Singh, Head of Community Welfare & Insurance Scheme Mani Bharathi, Head of Medical Camp & Ashraya Mini Siby, and Head of Repatriation and Youth Welfare Irfan Ansari.
In a symbolic moment, K V Boban officially handed over the documents to the new General Secretary Deepak Shetty, signifying the seamless transition of responsibilities. In his vote of thanks, Deepak Shetty expressed gratitude to the Indian Embassy, outgoing members, and the entire community for their continued support. He reiterated the new committee’s commitment to fostering welfare initiatives, assisting the Indian expatriate community, and strengthening ICBF’s outreach programs.
The handing over ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for ICBF, reinforcing its mission to serve the Indian community in Qatar. With a dedicated leadership team at the helm, the organisation is set to continue its philanthropic, welfare, and support programs, ensuring a strong network of assistance for Indian expatriates in the country. Copy 31/03/2025 10.
