Kuwait: J R Lobo interacts with NRIs from coastal Karnataka

Salmiya (Kuwait), Oct 31: Presidents and office bearers of various NRI associations of Kannadigas in Kuwait and expatriates from Coastal Karnataka in Kuwait interacted with visiting Karnataka Legislative Assembly Member J.R. Lobo and shared their concerns including patronizing Air India Express flight on Kuwait-Mangalore sector in a public meeting held in Kuwait.

The meeting was organized by United Associations of Karnataka (UAKK) on Thursday evening at SIMS Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest Mr Lobo gave a call to all Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait to patronize AIE flight services on Kuwait – Mangalore sector and help smooth running of the flights. He cautioned saying that this may be a last chance to retain flight services on Kuwait – Mangalore sector. He shared his experiences about his recent meetings with Aviation Minister for state G.M. Siddeshwar and Air India Express MD & CEO Rohit Nandan who approved the restoration of AIE express services to this sector.

During question and answer session, NRIs from Coastal Karnataka and Northern parts of Kerala suggested several points to increase the passenger load to Kuwait – Mangalore sector, and also conveyed their concerns and challenges they are facing while choosing AIE flights for their travel on Kuwait – Mangalore sector.

Mr. Lobo assured to the audience and leaders of UAKK that he would be their voice and convey their concerns to Aviation Ministry and Air India Express management regarding flight timings, hike in fare, luggage, hygiene in the aircraft, improvement in catering facilities and the hospitality of AIE staff etc.

He also assured that he will suggest Karnataka State Government to grant permission to NRI students to appear for CET examination once they complete 12th standard in Kuwait or in other GCC countries so that the fees structures for NRI students will match with local students.

Fayaz Sheikh coordinated and convened the public meeting and Mr. Stephen Machado conveyed the vote of thanks.

Ramesh Kidiyoor in his welcome address briefed about UAKK activities. Hasan Yusuf, Chief Coordinator of UAKK gave details of the association's efforts towards restoring Kuwait-Mangalore sector flights. He thanked Air India Express for restoration of flight service. He also thanked UAKK leaders, Aviation Ministry of India, Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Kader, Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Wakf Minister Roshan Baig, DK MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Shri Ivan D'Souza, MLA J.R. Lobo and leaders of KORWA Mangalore.

Pascal Pinto and Satishchandra Shetty, NRI social workers addressed the gathering and thanked Air India Express for the restoration of flight service to Kuwait – Mangalore sector. They requested all Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait to make use of Air India Express Flights in Kuwait-Mangalore sector.

UAKK also thanked overseas returnees from Kuwait Elias Sanctis, Archie Menezes and Louis Lobo for their continued support in regard to Kuwait – Mangalore sector follow up matters.