Karnataka Sangh Qatar marked Teacher's Day on September 5 at the Ashoka Hall inside the Indian Embassy compound in Doha, gathering teachers, officials and community members to celebrate the role of educators in nation building.
The program began with a floral homage to the portrait of former Indian President and eminent scholar Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. Following the tribute, children of the Sangh presented a traditional welcome dance that highlighted Karnataka's cultural splendor, drawing warm applause.
Chief Secretary of Karnataka Sangh Qatar, Sujit Kumar Hosadurga, welcomed dignitaries, teachers and guests. President Subrahmanya Hebbagilu delivered the presidential address, outlining the organization's community initiatives and emphasizing the pivotal contribution of teachers to social progress. He also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Kannada diaspora in Qatar.
Key guests included Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires Sandeep Kumar, and Dr. Purushotham Bilimale, Chairman of the Karnataka Development Authority, who arrived as chief guests. Senior education experts such as Dr. Abhilasha Panwar of Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Ms. Asna Nafees, Academic Director of DPS Education Group, were also present.
Representatives from cultural bodies attended as well: A.P. Manikantan, President of the Indian Cultural Centre, choreographer Faisal Al‑Dosari, and karate instructor Maryam Ali Hayati, among others.
School leaders from a wide spectrum of institutions participated, including heads of Al‑Khor International School, BIRLA Public School, Bhavans Public School, Doha Modern Indian School, Rajagiri Public School, Brilliant International School, Noble International School, Shantiniketan Indian School, Scholars International School, Olive International School, Podar Pearl School, Green‑Wood International School, DPS Monarch International School, Loyaola School, DPS‑Modern Indian School, MES Indian School, Galisio International School, MESI School and Ideal Indian School.
Law enforcement officials from Qatar’s Internal Ministry – Lieutenant Nasir Mohammed Al‑Musaifiri, Lieutenant Hussein Khasim and Faisal Al‑Hudawi – also attended, underscoring the event's community significance.
A highlight of the day was the felicitation ceremony where principals and vice‑principals of the listed schools received honors. The Sangh also recognized approximately 125 teachers of Karnataka origin serving in Qatari schools, presenting each with a traditional Kannada shawl, a commemorative token and a citation.
Musical interludes by Karnataka Sangh volunteers added a melodic touch, while speakers praised the richness of the Kannada language and culture. Chief Guest Dr. Purushotham Bilimale lauded the diaspora for preserving their linguistic roots abroad.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Kundapra