Doha: In a remarkable display of dedication to humanitarian service and the promotion of benevolence, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) organized "Hajikka Memorial Essay Competition" on November 3, 2023, at Bhavans Public School, Doha.

This event, dedicated to the memory of late Hajikka, a distinguished social and charitable activist who devoted over 40 years of his life to humanitarian services in Qatar, has been an annual tradition since 2014. The competition's primary objectives included raising awareness about charity and benevolence among students, updating students about the humanitarian services provided by ICBF in Qatar, honoring the memory of a true humanitarian and role model, late Hajikka, and gathering new ideas to expand ICBF services for the betterment of society.

The competition received enthusiastic participation from various Indian schools in Doha, with over 240 registrations, highlighting its resonance with students. Impressively, students began arriving as early as 7:30 am, half an hour before the scheduled registration started at 8 am.

The event's success was attributed to the leadership of President Shanavas Bava, Vice President Deepak Shetty, General Secretary Varkey Boban, and Treasurer Kuldeep Kour. The coordination of the Essay Competition was further overseen by the Head of the Youth Wing Sameer Ahamed and MC member Zareena Ahad, with the valuable support from  MC members Hamid Raza, Abdul Raoof Kondotty, Shankar Goud  Kulwinder Singh and Secretary Muhammed Kunhi. 

The support from Associated organizations members and community volunteers played a pivotal role in executing the event seamlessly.

President Shanavas Bava announced that the winners of the competition would be declared at the closing ceremony, which will be graced by distinguished guests from Indian Embassy and is scheduled to take place in coming weeks.

The ICBF Hajikka Memorial Essay Competition exemplified the spirit of benevolence and highlighted the enduring legacy of a true humanitarian, serving as an inspiration for the younger generation to make a difference in the world.

--Rajkumar Vanambathina(Representative, MAA GULF, Qatar)