The Indian community, led by Ambassador Vipul, paid rich tributes Wednesday to late His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and offered condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the royal family, and the people of Qatar on the passing of HH the late Father Amir.
A large number of Indian community members, community leaders, and diplomats from the Indian embassy took part in the community condolence meeting held at the Ashoka Hall of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
The event, organised by the apex bodies under the aegis of the Indian embassy in Doha, saw the hall and nearby areas overflowing with community members, a true reflection of the love and respect for the departed leader.
The meeting started with the observance of silence for a minute to pay respect to HH the late Father Amir, and a mourning note was read out by ICC general secretary Abraham Joseph, who highlighted that HH Sheikh Hamad leaves behind a legacy that helped shape modern Qatar and transform its lives with his kindness, generosity, wisdom and compassion.
A short video highlighting HH the late Father Amir's visits to India and his interactions with various Indian leaders was screened on the occasion.
Ambassador Vipul, in his address, highlighted that India and the Indian community in Qatar will always cherish the love and support given by HH Sheikh Hamad.
“I have heard many stories of his love and compassion for the common people, particularly from India, as also his connect with India that we could see during his multiple visits to India,” the envoy said.
“I had the good fortune and privilege of attending the meetings of our leaders with HH the Father Amir over the last several years, and what was remarkable in all these meetings was his love for India,” Vipul said. “He was always very gracious and held the Indian community in very high esteem, always had good words to say about India and the Indian community in Qatar.”
The envoy noted that India observed one day of national mourning, declared in honour of HH the late Father Amir, during which the national flag was flown at half-mast across the country on all official buildings and at embassies abroad, and there was no official entertainment on that day.
Vipul also noted that Indian Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiran Rijiju had come personally to Qatar to offer condolences to HH the Amir.
Presidents of all four apex bodies under the embassy also spoke on the occasion.
ICC president A P Manikantan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Shanavas Bava, Indian Sports Centre president E P Abdulrahman, and Indian Business and Professional Council president Taha Muhammed shared their thoughts on HH the late Father Amir and his extraordinary vision to take the country to great development and prosperity.
They also recalled his affection and love for India and how the Indian community under his reign grew and contributed to the country's development.
Several other prominent leaders and community members shared their thoughts, highlighting that the bond between Qatar and India remains very strong and cordial, and that HH the late Father Amir was instrumental in developing this cordial relationship between the two countries.
