The formal launch of an expatriate forum of those hailing from Kerala’s hilly Idukki district will be held at the Doha Cinema on Friday.
Idea Qatar representatives, (from left) Gigi Varghese, Unnikrishnan, John Wilson and John Varghese. at the briefing on Sunday
The function will start at 6pm.
The forum, Idukki District Expatriates Association (Idea Qatar) will host a cultural festival, Idukki Fest, to mark its inauguration. Retired additional chief secretary of Kerala state and educationist Dr D Babu Paul will inaugurate the activities of the organisation on the occasion.
Babu Paul was the first collector of the district, when it was formed in the early ‘70s.
Informing this at a briefing on Sunday, Idea Qatar officials said the organisation had been formed with the aim of promoting talent, traditions of Kerala and preservation of healthy ideas for future generations among expatriates from the district and residing in Qatar.
“The primary objective of Idea Qatar is to give a platform to demonstrate talents for members and their families through art, literary and stage events. At times, we would also bring artistes from India for cultural shows,” said Idea Qatar president John Wilson.
Minister at the Indian embassy Sanjeev Kohli will be the chief guest.
The inaugural ceremony will feature a cultural programme led by caricaturist Jayaraj Warrier. An orchestra guided by playback singers, Wilswaraj and Vrinda Menon (Kairali TV Raindrops fame) will entertain the gathering.At the function, Dr Babu Paul will formally launch the Idea Qatar website.On Saturday, an interactive session is planned for youth with Dr Paul at the Indian Cultural Centre. Besides Wilson, secretary Gigi Varghese, adviser M Unnikrishnan and main sponsor John Varghese also spoke at the briefing.
More details of the event could be had from John Wilson (55565450), Unnikrishnan (55213386) or John Varghese (55820284).
