27-yr-old NRI dies of dehydration in Saudi desert after GPS failure; body found 4 days later

Jeddah: The Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah, a prominent organization dedicated to the welfare and enrichment of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community from Karnataka residing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has re-elected Sabu Chandran (Bengaluru) as President and Shaikh Saoud Yermal (Udupi) as General Secretary during its 16th Annual General Body Meeting on February 6, 2025.

Welcoming the Gathering:

Raza Ali Khan, Country Manager – Air India and Executive Committee Member of the forum, warmly welcomed all guests, invitees, and attendees. In his Presidential Address, outgoing President Sabu Chandran expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support received throughout his tenure. He assured continued dedication to the forum, striving to elevate it to greater heights.

Annual Report & Achievements:

Executive General Secretary Shaikh Saoud Yermal, a well-respected community leader, presented a comprehensive annual report, highlighting the forum's key achievements over the past year. The report featured major initiatives, including the KNT Season 4 Cricket Tournament and various social welfare projects that have significantly benefited the Kannadiga community in Jeddah and back home in Karnataka.

He also presented the Certificate of Acceptance from the Karnataka State Society Registrar’s office, confirming the successful submission of audited financial reports for the term 2023-2024. This underscored the forum’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. He extended special thanks to Mohammed Imran (Bengaluru), outgoing Treasurer, and Mohammed Ismail (Bengaluru), outgoing Joint Treasurer, for their efforts in maintaining financial records. He also acknowledged Shakeel Ahmed (Bengaluru) for his unwavering support and internal auditors Nazir Ahmed (Udupi) and Rahim Rafeeq Ahmed (Bengaluru) for their diligence in verifying financial statements.

Formation of the New Executive Committee (2025-2026):

Under the supervision of election officers Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar (Bijapura) and Mohammed Mansoor (Mangaluru), a new executive committee was formed for the term 2025-2026. The officers encouraged all newly elected members to serve with dedication for the benefit of the Kannadiga community.

The new executive committee comprises a dynamic group of individuals committed to serving the NRI community:

President: Sabu Chandran (Bengaluru)

General Secretary: Shaikh Saoud Yermal (Udupi)

Vice Presidents:

Mohammed Arifullah Sharief (Shivamogga) – known for his ability to unite people

Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar (Bijapura) – an esteemed doctor with extensive experience in community service

Treasurer: Mohammed Ismail (Bengaluru)

Joint Treasurer: Salim Huballi (Belagavi)

Additional Office Bearers:

Joint Secretary: Sajid Iqbal (Bengaluru)

Cultural Secretary: Mohammed Mansoor (Mangaluru)

Chief Coordinator: Waseem Ahmed Maqbool (Tumakuru)

Joint Cultural Coordinators: Rajesh Kumar (Mangaluru), Mohammed Arshad Hussain (Mangaluru)

Sports Coordinator: Mohammed Fayaz (Malpe, Udupi)

Asst. Sports Coordinators: Habib Rahman (Udupi), Mohammed Irshad Sandi (Belagavi)

Press Coordinators: Peter Ronald Mascarenhas (Udupi), Qamruzaman Sada (Uttar Kannada)

Internal Auditor: Raza Ali Khan (Bengaluru)

Asst. Chief Coordinator: Shakeel Ahmed (Raichur)

Executive Committee Members:

Mukarram Khan (Bengaluru), Faize Abdul Razak Shaikh (Mangaluru), Denis Noronha (Udupi), Rahim Rafeeq Ahmed (Bengaluru), Jerry Gomes (Uttar Kannada), Suhail Malik (Raichur), Mohammed Saifuddin Sami (Mysore), Jalal Baig (Hassan), Mohammed Imran (Bengaluru), Athar Mustafa (Davangere), Mohammed Shakeel (Gulbarga), Khusro Ali (Gulbarga), Syed Talib Hussain (Koppal), Fazal Mohammed (Mysuru), Imtiaz Ahmed Attar (Belagavi), Vivian Rodrigues (Mangaluru), Mohammed Asif Momin (Uttar Kannada), Frank Dantis (Mangaluru), Mohammed Rafiullah Khan (Mysuru).

Event HighlightsThe meeting was expertly hosted by Peter Ronald Mascarenhas (Udupi), whose eloquence and stage presence ensured a smooth and engaging event. A series of fun games added excitement, keeping the audience entertained and energized.

The registration counter was efficiently managed by Mohammed Irshad Sandi (Belagavi) and Salim Huballi (Belagavi).

Culinary Experience & ConclusionAttendees enjoyed a lavish dinner buffet at The Village Restaurant, Aziziya, Jeddah, meticulously arranged under the supervision of Jalal Baig (Hassan).

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Sajid Iqbal (Ramanagara), who expressed gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their contributions to the event's success.

About Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah

Founded in April 2007, the Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah is a respected community organization serving the interests of Karnataka NRIs in Saudi Arabia. The forum fosters unity, cultural exchange, and support networks while maintaining a strong connection with Karnataka.

As the forum embarks on another promising year, the new executive committee looks forward to strengthening the bonds among Kannadigas, expanding community initiatives, and enhancing cultural engagement.

Join Forum!

Become a part of Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah by registering at www.knriforumjeddah.org or emailing us at info@knriforumjeddah.org.

After a dramatic confrontation between former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Russian officials and state media expressed satisfaction, viewing the exchange as a major political shift.

Following the heated meeting, which ended with Zelensky abruptly leaving, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praised Trump's "restraint" for not physically assaulting the Ukrainian leader. "I think Zelensky's biggest lie was his claim that Kyiv was alone in 2022 without support," Zakharova wrote on Telegram. She further added, "How Trump and Vance held back from hitting that scumbag is a miracle of restraint," criticizing Zelensky for "biting the hand that feeds him."

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's Security Council deputy head and former president, issued the most scathing remarks, calling Zelensky an "insolent pig" who had received "a proper slap down in the Oval Office." Medvedev declared, "For the first time, Trump told the cocaine clown the truth: the Kyiv regime is playing with World War III. And the ungrateful pig got a strong slap on the wrist from his masters. This is useful but not enough—we must stop military aid to the Nazi machine."

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a key Russian-American negotiator, described the exchange as "historic" and suggested it reflected a shift in US foreign policy. Meanwhile, Yevgeny Primakov, head of Russia's Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation, accused Zelensky of attempting to provoke violence in response to the confrontation. "The Kyiv regime thrives on bloody provocations," Primakov wrote on Telegram, speculating that Ukraine might stage an attack to blame Russia and regain Western sympathy.

Russian state media amplified these sentiments, with RT posting on X (formerly Twitter): "Zelensky sits with hands between legs as US President and VP hammer him."

While European leaders expressed support for Zelensky, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time Putin ally, sided with Trump. Orban praised the former US president’s stance, writing on X: "Strong men make peace, weak men make war." He commended Trump for "bravely standing for peace, even if it was difficult for many to digest."

The Oval Office clash highlighted growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Trump’s push for a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. During the meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of being "disrespectful" and warned, "You have no right to dictate how we should feel. You are gambling with World War III."

Trump further cautioned, "I have empowered you to be a tough guy. You either make a deal, or we're out. You don't have the cards." Vice President J.D. Vance also rebuked Zelensky, saying he had never acknowledged the extensive US aid provided to Kyiv.

The confrontation, witnessed by reporters, resulted in the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled press conference. Trump later criticized Zelensky on Truth Social, calling him "disrespectful" and unwilling to negotiate peace.

Before the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with the US, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. "We seek dialogue not only with the US but with all nations, based on mutual respect and benefit," Peskov stated, dismissing the notion that diplomacy should be dictated solely by strength, a criticism often directed at Trump’s foreign policy approach.

In a move to strengthen the presence of Kannada in industrial and consumer markets, the Karnataka government has made it mandatory for all products manufactured within the state to display their names and usage instructions in Kannada, alongside any other languages.

The directive was formalized through a government circular issued on February 15, extending the requirement to both public and private sector manufacturers, the report added.

Enforcement officers designated under the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act, 2022, have been tasked with monitoring compliance.

The government emphasized that language is a reflection of a region’s cultural identity and that Kannada must be actively integrated into production, marketing, and business activities for it to thrive. The circular reiterated that the Act, implemented from March 12, 2024, aims to enhance employment and business opportunities for Kannadigas while ensuring the widespread use of Kannada in daily life.

As per Section 17(7) of the Act, manufacturers selling products within Karnataka must, wherever possible, ensure that product names and instructions are printed in Kannada along with any other language if needed.

This directive comes at a time when debates over language policies are intensifying in Karnataka. Recent discussions around local job quotas and the prominence of Kannada in government and corporate sectors have added to the ongoing discourse on linguistic identity in the state.

On the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava Day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that the state government would take steps to ensure Kannada language labels on products manufactured in Karnataka.

Speaking at an event honoring the 69 recipients of this year’s Rajyotsava awards, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of creating an environment that encourages the daily use and learning of Kannada.