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On Sunday, March 23, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), which operates as an umbrella organization affiliated with the Embassy of India in Qatar, organized a ceremony at the ICC Ashoka Hall to hand over responsibilities to its new Management Committee (MC) for 2025-2026. This occasion signified the formal shift in leadership roles, honoring the efforts of previous members while also introducing those recently appointed to executive positions.
The inauguration was honored by Eish Singhal, the first secretary at the Indian Embassy and also the coordinator for ICBF, attending as the keynote speaker. Among those in attendance 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).
A number of past ICBF presidents such as Ziad Usman, Davis Edakalthur, N V Kader, and David John, alongside Dr Abdul Samad, who heads the ISC Advisory Council, and several members from the management committee, advisory council, and prominent community figures were present at the gathering.
The event started with a welcoming remarks from the departing General Secretary K V Boban, succeeded by the presidential address presented by ICBF President Shanavas Bava.
The main guest honored the departing management committee officers and advisory council members for their committed service. On behalf of the outgoing group, S A M Basheer, who heads the advisory council, conveyed his thanks and recognized their efforts in aiding the Indian community in Qatar.
The event marked the launch of the updated advisory council, where the chief guest officially welcomed K S Prasad as the new chairperson alongside members Nilambari Savardekar, Sadeesh Vilavil, Jawed Ahmed, and Zareena Ahad.
Speaking to those present, K S Prasad reiterated the council’s dedication to bolstering ICBF’s programs and sustaining its purpose of serving the community.
The recently inaugurated ICBF Management Committee for the 2025–2026 period was presented and greeted by Eish Singhal. This executive board comprises President Shanavas Bava, Vice President Rasheed Ahamed, General Secretary Deepak Shetty, Secretary Jafar Thayyil, Chief Financial Officer Nirmala Guru, Director of the Legal Department Khaja Nizamuddin, Supervisor of Labour & Fisherfolk Wellbeing Shankar Goud, Lead of Consular Affairs Amarvir Singh, Coordinator of Community Welfare & Insurance Program Mani Bharathi, Manager of Medical Camps & Ashraya Mini Siby, and Overseer of Repatriation and Youth Development Irfan Ansari.
During a ceremonial event, K V Boban formally transferred the documentation to the incoming General Secretary Deepak Shetty, marking the smooth handover of duties.
During his thank you speech, Deepak Shetty conveyed his appreciation to the Indian Embassy, former members, and the whole community for their support and contributions.
He further emphasized the ongoing backing. The newly formed committee affirmed its dedication to promoting welfare programs, aiding the Indian diaspora, and enhancing ICBF’s engagement activities.
The transfer ceremony signaled the start of a fresh era for ICBF, strengthening its commitment to serving the Indian population in Qatar. Under the guidance of a committed leadership group, the organization will proceed with its charitable, welfare, and support initiatives, guaranteeing a robust system of aid for Indians living in the nation.
