The formal inauguration of the Indian community expatriate forum Idukki District Expatriate Association (Idea Qatar) took place in the presence of a big gathering at Doha Cinema on Friday.Delivering the keynote address, former Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala government and retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) official D Babu Paul recalled the strides the hill district of Idukki has made since the early 70s when it was constituted. Paul was the first collector of the district which is the second largest in Kerala province, spread over more than 4475 sqkm.Septuagenarian Paul, a widely respected figure was on a two–day visit on an invitation from the forum.Paul said things are changing fast in Idukki with the changing perceptions of its new generation.He said when he was at the helm of affairs in the district, most of those in the gathering would not have even been born.The organisers made the meeting a memorable experience presenting an array of entertainment items.A music concert featuring Vrinda Menon (Raindrops fame on Kairali television) and Wilsraj were among the highlights of the day.A satiric presentation by seasoned caricaturist Jayaraj Warrier enlivened the proceedings.A series of cinematic and folk dances marked the second half of the programme.Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) president K M Varghese, programme convenor P Unnikrishnan and Johnson John offered felicitations.Idea Qatar president John Wilson welcomed the gathering and secretary Jiji Varghese proposed a vote of thanks.A memento was presented by the organisers to senior Qatari official Dr Mubarak E S al-Sulaiti, who was the guest of honour. Babu Paul handed over the memento.Indian embassy minister Sanjiv Kohli formally declared the activities of the forum inaugurated.At the meeting, the website of the forum (
www.ideaqatar.org) was formally launched. Amal K Harshan, a resident of Qatar and native of Thrissur district designed the website. The designer of the website was honoured at the meeting.On Saturday, the forum arranged an inter-action for the country’s Indian school children, their parents and some teachers with Babu Paul, at the Indian Cultural Centre.Addressing the children, the ex-bureaucrat told them to study with a purpose in mind from the beginning and not to satisfy the likes and dislikes of their parents. He also appealed to the parents not to judge their children on the basis of their performance in examinations.The speaker stressed that a good teacher is one who succeeds in making his children learn and follow what is essential for the society’s development.