Qatar-based Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from the state of Karnataka recently got a chance to meet and have a discussion with the newly appointed cabinet rank officer, Dr Arthi Krishna at the Indian Cultural Centre. Dr Krishna is also the deputy chairperson of the NRI Forum Karnataka, which Karnataka chief minister is the chairperson. 
As many as six Karnataka-related organisations based in Qatar came together to host Dr Krishna in Qatar for two days as she was on her tour to Gulf countries to create awareness among the expatriate community about the NRI forum, its policies, and the newly introduced NRI cards for Kannadigas living abroad.
The six host organisations included Karnataka Sanga Qatar (KSQ), Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA), Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ), Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association (SKMWA), and Bunts Qatar (BQ). All organisations are affiliated with the Indian Culture Centre under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar. 
KMCA General Secretary Saquib Raza Khan, while talking to Community, said, “During her stay in Qatar, Dr Krishna attended two programmes and met several prominent persons and leaders from the community and businesses hailing from Karnataka. The business community of Karnataka had a meeting with her at Radisson Blu on December 16. During the meeting, the business leaders had a detailed discussion with Dr Arthi. She explained her role as the head of the NRI forum of Karnataka and informed the attendees about new policies and how expatriates can take benefits in India and abroad from the policies.”
He added, “The business leaders were invited to raise and share their concerns during a very interactive questions and answers session. Dr Arthi answered, clarified, and noted all of their concerns and made a commitment to be focal point between the NRIs and various organisations of Government of India to facilitate and ease the process to establish new ventures and investments.”
He added, “The attendees applauded the efforts of Dr Arthi and her dedication to the responsible position she is holding. The meeting was attended by around 40 business and community representatives.”
He further said, “Before meeting the businesspersons, Dr Arthi had a meeting with Indian expatriates from Chikmagalur district, as she also belongs to the area. The expatriate team was led by Niyaz Ahmed who has been instrumental in arranging her visit to Qatar.”
Talking to Community, KSQ Vice President Subramanya Hebbagelu shared details of Dr Arthi’s visit to the ICC where a good number of NRIs were present on December 17.
He said, “Dr Arthi spent most of the day with P Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar, as both had good prior acquaintances. In the evening, an interactive sitting was arranged at the ICC. The event continued for three hours. Ambassador Kumaran was the chief guest and ICC President Milan Arun was the guest of honour.”
He added, “Dr Arthi in her address to the gathering conveyed the details of NRI forum and its benefits. She acknowledged the efforts and push made by Niyaz Ahmed for inviting her to Qatar and thanked the community representatives for extending their facilitations and reception to her.”
He further said, “ICC President Milan Arun, in her address, emphasised the unity of Karnataka organisations and her high regard for their involvement in various Indian and Qatari cultural and sporting activities.”
He noted, “Ambassador P Kumaran in his speech narrated his work experience with Dr Arthi and how she always had the desire and readiness to help the Indian community while working as colleagues at the Embassy of India in USA. He conveyed his good luck and asked her to take up bigger roles as a politician due to her philanthropic works and helping nature. He also showed his confidence on her capabilities to handle bigger roles.”
He said, “The speeches were followed by an interactive session with Dr Arthi inviting questions from the audience. Dr Arthi gave satisfying answers to a good number of questions. The interaction with her made the audience more aware about the Indian government policies for welfare of the NRIs.”