Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates’ Kannada doctors have expressed their gratitude to ‘Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru’ family for arranging a ‘Meet and Greet’ of Kannada doctors in Dubai on occasion of National Doctors day.
A stage was set for the joyous celebration of ‘Doctors’ Day’ and United Arab Emirates Kannada doctors’ first ever get together on Friday, June 28 at Hotel Conrad, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai. Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru Dubai family, the pioneers of promotion of Kannada language and culture in the UAE since over four years, organised the first ever gathering of Kannada doctors with the theme ‘UAE Kannada Doctors Meet & Greet.’
Over 100 eminent doctors from all across the seven emirates attended the event. The UAE national anthem, Indian national anthem, Karnataka state anthem ‘Jai Bharatha Jananiya Tanujaathe’ filled the hall with great spirit. The ‘Kannada Deepa’ was lit by Dr. Guru Madva Rao, President, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, along with the prayer of well being to humanity by Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru members.
Dr. Savitha Mysore from Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family welcomed the guests musing about the medical college days, professional challenges, dedication, success stories and explaining the purpose of the formation of the group and its vision.
Vishnu Murthy shared the works, vision and mission of Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru to promote Kannada language and culture and sought the doctors’ support to take it to newer heights which was reciprocated with assurance and applause.
Self-introduction of the doctors had many nostalgic moments as each one of them shared details of their hometowns, education, specialisation, workplace, worldwide and UAE experiences, love for Kannada etc.
A special ‘Cake Cutting’ celebration was arranged by Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru members. The cake cutting was done by Dr. Guru Madva Rao, Dr. Vasanth, Dr. Anil Kumar, Dr. Aris, Dr. Shanthi, Dr. Ragavendra Bhat, Dr. Mamatha, Dr. Fauzia, Dr. Godfred, Dr. Vasanth, Dr. Anil and others.
Several key points on forming the Doctor’s Association, conducting Medical CME, cultural meets, professional workshops and doctors’ protection were discussed. Dr. Guru Madva Rao welcomed all the doctors to RAK University Campus to utilise the facilities for professional development.
Rafiq Ali Kundanda Kunjila and Dr. Lekha Thammaiah explained how lives are lost during the hour of emergencies as patients have to be rushed from Kodagu to far away Mangaluru, Mysuru or Bengaluru due to lack of medical facilities in the district and made an appeal for an early set up of super-speciality Hospital in Kodagu, supporting the ongoing campaign in Karnataka. Doctors supported the noble cause by raising their hands and speaking in one voice that it is long overdue for decades now and an absolute necessity to save lives. A video appeal was recorded for submission to the Government of Karnataka.
Dr. Lekha Thammaiah proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family, thanking all the doctors for their precious presence. Dr. Lekha also appealed to the gathering to connect with all the Kannada doctors, work for the professional development, give employment opportunities to Kannadigas and promote Kannada culture and language.
A lunch comprising of North Karnataka cuisine ‘Jolada Rotti Oota’ followed the event and Dr. Santosh, Dr. Manjunath, Dr. Mamatha and Dr. Lekha took the stage to sing Kannada songs.
All the doctors who attended the event lauded and thanked the members of Hemmeya UAE Kannadigaru family, Rafiq Ali Kodagu, Sudeep Davanagere, Senthil Bengaluru, Shashidhar, Mamatha Sharja, Hadiya Mandya, Pallavi Basavaraj, Vishnu Murthy Mysore, Dr. Savitha Mohan and Dr. Lekha Thammaiah for organising the event and assured their support to future events and initiatives through active participation.
