* Capt H S Virdi was honoured with 'M Kanjani - ICBF Award' - 2003 for his meritorious services to community
Prominent Indian community members have recalled the services of a former long-time Qatar resident, Capt H S Virdi, who passed away in India on Friday.
Capt Virdi (91), recipient of the ‘M Kanjani - ICBF Award’ for 2003, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Mumbai and is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.
He had worked in Qatar from 1977 to 2008 with Mannai Group. Before joining Mannai Group, he had served in the Indian Air Force and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in India.
Capt Virdi was known as the ‘Bhangra Man' of Doha, referring to the traditional Punjabi dance that he popularised in Qatar along with his colleagues. He was the camp commander for Mannai family’s accommodation and camp, where more than 1,000 workers and staff members resided, another long-time Indian resident in Doha recalled, adding that the Mannai camp had its own supermarket, mess hall, play areas and gym.
He used to take a lot of initiatives in organising events such as sports days, including family games, tug-of-war and folk dance and cultural events, among others. He also established a Bhangra dance troupe, which was always the highlight of cultural events.
The Indian embassy, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and many community associations used to invite the troupe to perform at their programmes.
Recalling his services to the community, P N Baburaj, president of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), said the Indian community always looked up to Capt Virdi’s services during his time in Qatar.
“ICBF honoured Capt Virdi with the 'M Kanjani - ICBF Award' for the year 2003 for his meritorious services to the community. He was a true philanthropist and was loved by all the members of community. His Bhangra dance team always entertained the public at all major events of the community,” Baburaj added.
“Capt Virdi was a much-loved and respected Indian among the community members for his multifaceted roles and several services he selflessly rendered for the community. He and his Bhangra team members regularly presented several programmes at ICC cultural events,” recalled A P Manikantan, ICC president.
M I Farid, a longtime resident and a close associate of Capt Virdi during his days in Doha, said he has lost a very good friend and a good human being. “Capt Virdi was a selfless human being who worked tirelessly for the community with all the resources available with him. While his Bhangra team was the talk of the town, he had a dedicated team of staff who were ready to help the community activities at any time around the country,” he added.
He had worked in Qatar from 1977 to 2008 with Mannai Group. Before joining Mannai Group, he had served in the Indian Air Force and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in India.
Capt Virdi was known as the ‘Bhangra Man' of Doha, referring to the traditional Punjabi dance that he popularised in Qatar along with his colleagues. He was the camp commander for Mannai family’s accommodation and camp, where more than 1,000 workers and staff members resided, another long-time Indian resident in Doha recalled, adding that the Mannai camp had its own supermarket, mess hall, play areas and gym.
Capt Virdi and his team performing during the 2003 Indian Independence Day celebrations. Photo supplied by Ashraf, ICC
He used to take a lot of initiatives in organising events such as sports days, including family games, tug-of-war and folk dance and cultural events, among others. He also established a Bhangra dance troupe, which was always the highlight of cultural events.
The Indian embassy, Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and many community associations used to invite the troupe to perform at their programmes.
Recalling his services to the community, P N Baburaj, president of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), said the Indian community always looked up to Capt Virdi’s services during his time in Qatar.
“ICBF honoured Capt Virdi with the 'M Kanjani - ICBF Award' for the year 2003 for his meritorious services to the community. He was a true philanthropist and was loved by all the members of community. His Bhangra dance team always entertained the public at all major events of the community,” Baburaj added.
“Capt Virdi was a much-loved and respected Indian among the community members for his multifaceted roles and several services he selflessly rendered for the community. He and his Bhangra team members regularly presented several programmes at ICC cultural events,” recalled A P Manikantan, ICC president.
M I Farid, a longtime resident and a close associate of Capt Virdi during his days in Doha, said he has lost a very good friend and a good human being. “Capt Virdi was a selfless human being who worked tirelessly for the community with all the resources available with him. While his Bhangra team was the talk of the town, he had a dedicated team of staff who were ready to help the community activities at any time around the country,” he added.
