Doha-Qatar: Milan Arun, a prominent social worker hailing from Mulki and residing in Qatar is bidding to be the first Woman president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), the Apex body functioning directly under the Indian Embassy of Qatar. She is contesting for the president’s post in the elections that are slated to be held on November 24, 2016.
Highly talented and versatile Milan Arun has been always in the forefront in serving the affiliated community associations like Tulu Koota Qatar, Karnataka Sangha Qatar, Bunts Qatar, North Indian Associations, KMCA and so on including serving ICC as a MC member on more than once and also with ICBF as a MC Member.
Milan Arun, hailing originally from Mulki near Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, is a Qatar resident from 1996 and is presently working as sales and marketing manager of Gulf Air.
Milan is truly a multifaceted woman – an accomplished singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, play director and is also a keen sportsperson. A master of many trades, she is locally proclaimed as a well-recognized director of short dramas and skits, a versatile actor, choreographer, dancer, orator, poet, witty quiz master, entertaining antakshari hostess, compere and most of all, a much sought-after singer in the local circles.
Being an enthusiastic sportswoman, her huge collection of trophies also include various prizes won in throw ball, shuttle badminton, table tennis, cricket and various other outdoor and indoor sport events. She was the pioneer brain behind planning and conducting the first ever IPL-level Cricket Tournament in Qatar. She had won the ‘College Sports Champion of the Year’ award for two consecutive years while she was studying and eventually passed out as the ‘Best All-rounder- Best Student’ from her college. She was also the Senior Under officer in the NCC and attended the Republic day parade in Delhi.
Ever since she came to Qatar, she has contributed immensely to the Indian Diaspora. Her ability to organize and host mega events with ease are second to none. Though she hails from Karnataka, she is sought after by almost all Indian organizations for event management, compering, judging various dance, singing competitions etc. She is not just an accomplished singer but also a dancer-choreographer.
After coming to Qatar she has served as the member, office-bearer as well as advisor of number of Indian associations. Following is a brief summary of her yeoman’s service to various forums:
1. Indian Community Benevolent Forum – Head of Sponsorship 2012 -2014
2. ICC- Cultural Secretary of ICC. Served 3 (6 years) terms in Management Committee
3. North Indian Association – Head of Advisory Committee
4. Tulu Koota Qatar – Advisor
5. Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association- Advisor
6. Karnataka Sangha Qatar – Past Ladies Wing Advisor
7. SOS – Advisor
Milan’s talents and services have been recognized by various persons and associations and she has been appreciated and awarded for her contribution. She has been the recipient of Bunts Qatar award for ‘Outstanding Community Service’ award in 2013 while Karnataka Sangha Qatar honoured her in 2009 for her overall contribution in the strengthening and development of Karnataka Sangha. Along with this, she has also been felicitated and recognized by ICC Qatar, Tulu Koota Qatar, Institution of Engineers Qatar, Karnataka Muslim Welfare Association, Gujarati Samaj, Qatar TamilarSangam, Telugu Kala Samiti, International Academy for Intercultural Development, Advanced Technical Services (ATS), Pallonji Qatar, Ideal Indian School, Shantiniketan Indian School etc.
She is bidding to be the first female president of Indian Cultural Centre. If she wins the November 24 elections, it will be a historic moment for not only Mangalureans, but also for whole Karnataka.
Speaking to the media, Milan shared her thoughts and innovative ideas to bring up Indian society in a new dimension. Continuing she said, “I have been fortunate enough that people around me have not just recognized me, but have also appreciated my efforts. So leading ICC would be an honour and an opportunity to contribute more to the entire Indian community in Qatar. It will give me added impetus to carry on with greater dedication and commitment’.
Along with other prominent social leaders Jattas Paul, Advocate Iaffar Khan, Manicantan, Suresh babu and KS Prasad in the Committee, Milan set to lead ICC Diaspora for the next tenure. Let’s watch and see if history will repeat with the male dominant ICC presidential post or new history will be rewritten with the crowning of the first lady president.
