Celebrating Indian Community in Qatar on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
On January 9, the Indian Embassy in Doha held a special event at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD). This celebration recognized the important contributions of the Indian community worldwide and their role in enhancing relations between India and Qatar.
During the ceremony, HE Vipul, the Indian Ambassador to Qatar, warmly welcomed everyone and emphasized the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to support the Indian community in Qatar. He highlighted how PBD is a significant occasion to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of overseas Indians, who spread Indian values around the globe.
The Ambassador also shared Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, which called the Indian diaspora a vital link connecting India with the world. He noted that while these individuals contribute positively to the societies they live in, they also maintain strong ties to their cultural roots and national identity, benefiting both India and their host countries.
This year, the theme for PBD was “Nari Shakti,” which translates to “Women Power.” In line with this, the Embassy honored women leaders from the Indian community in Qatar who have shown remarkable leadership and dedication, fostering friendship between India and Qatar through their professional and community efforts.
Awards in the education sector went to Hameeda Kader, principal of MES Indian School, and Asna Nafees, principal of DPS–Modern Indian School, for their commitment to promoting high academic standards and shaping future generations with strong Indian values.
The ceremony also recognized several women in the Community Service category for their relentless efforts in culture, social issues, and welfare. Honorees included Anjana Menon (President, ICC Women’s Forum), Nandini Abbagouni (ICC Managing Committee Member), Aparna Sharath (Billawas Qatar), Usha Patil (Maharashtra Mandal), Zareena Ahad (ICBF Advisory Council), and Neelambari Sushant (ICBF Managing Committee Member). Their contributions to community development and cultural preservation were praised as outstanding.
In the Media category, Anshu Jain, Aafrin Khan, Nazia Amir, and Anu Sharma were recognized for their significant roles in highlighting the voices of the diaspora and fostering stronger cultural ties between India and Qatar.
The event also featured thought-provoking panel discussions that focused on Nari Shakti, where speakers explored the resilience and evolving roles of Indian women in Qatar. They shared their personal stories about how women are driving change across various sectors, showcasing the strength of the Indian community abroad.
Overall, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas celebration in Doha served as a wonderful platform to honor achievements, promote women’s empowerment, and reinforce the Embassy’s ongoing connection with the Indian diaspora in Qatar. The event highlighted the increasing influence of Indian women leaders in the region and their essential roles in developing bilateral relations and community growth.
