DOHA: Thousands of expat Malayalees and Qatari dignitaries gathered at MES School yesterday to mark the conclusion of Keralayeem, one of the largest conclave of an expat community in Qatar.
Qatar Charity Executive Director Abdel Nasser Mohammed Al Yafe, while inaugurating the conclave praised the Friends Cultural Centre (FCC), who organised the show.
Writer K E N Kunhammad, who delivered a lecture on democracy and life, emaphasised the importance of right to differ and cooperation in public life. He also lambasted upon the recent attempts in India to curtail the freedom of speech.
“Choice of food habits, or the slaughtering of an animal should not cause a man to be killed. Difference in food choice must not cause division in society,” he added, mentioning the recent lynching of a man killed on the basis of rumours that he had eaten beef in in Northern India.
Noted Malayalam film actor Sreenivasan criticised the unhealthy food habits of Keralites. Qatar Charity representative Ibrahim Al Ali Ghreeb chaired the meeting while Sheikh Faisal bin Kasim Althani and FCC Executive Director Habeeb Rahman Kizhishery spoke. Najaf Mohammed, Smriti Haridasan and Fahim Rahees recited prayer song.
Winners of various competitions held at the Shanti Niketan Indian Schoold and FCC were given prizes. K E N Kunhammad released the book, Pathirappattinte Thennilaavukal written by Shaji Madathil. Expat writer Sheela Tomy received the first copy. A documentary, directed by Manju Milan also was screened. FCC Governing body Chairman Mohammed Qutub welcomed the gathering.
The Peninsula
