The 'Qatar
Tamizhar Sangam' (Qatar Tamil Association), an
association of the residents of Qatar, hailing from
the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, was formed on 14
December, 2000 at a meeting at the Indian Cultural
Centre (ICC) premises in Qatar. It was the first
'formal' association of the Indian Tamils in Qatar.
The association is affiliated to the Indian Cultural
Centre, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy.
The get-together was addressed by the
members of the Provisional Committee of the
Association. Mr. Kuppan welcomed the audience and
stressed the resolve of the Tamil community in Qatar
to work and strive together to accomplish ambitious
goals and reach ever greater heights.
Mr. Jayaraman (Gulf Housing) spoke on
the occasion and explained to the attendees, who had
turned in sizable numbers, the rationale behind and
the need for the formation of the Association. He
detailed for the benefit of the audience the
important activities being envisaged by the
Association. He listed among the main aims and
activities for the benefit of the members as:
1. Social Welfare of the members.
2. Expert advice and counseling in the fields of
Medicine, Law, Investments and Tax laws.
3. To assist Tamils in distress.
4. To felicitate V.I.P's and Celebrities visiting
Qatar.
5. Teaching of Tamil language and "Tirukkural" literature.
6. Arts, elocution and sports competitions for
children.
7. Staging cultural programs.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ganesan
(Gulf Incon) stressed the need for the Tamils from
India in Qatar to have a formal organization, to
address their interests and concerns. He stressed
the fact that this would be more than just a
cultural organization and would have a very important
role in enhancing the social welfare of the members
of this organization. He pointed out that though the
members met informally at cultural events, they did
not have an organization to help them in times of
need and emergencies. He said that he was happy that
this organization would fulfill that role and look
after the overall welfare and well being of the
Indian Tamil residents of Qatar. He was happy to
report that in the brief period since its
provisional inception, the committee had been able to
help some Tamils in distress, financially and
socially.
An adhoc committee comprising of the
following members is looking after the activities of
this organization. Mr. Kuppan, Mr. Jayaraman, Mr.
Shanmugam, Mr. Srinivasan, Mr. Charles, Mr. Abdulla,
Mr. Ganesan, Mr. Eganathan, Mr. Loganathan (Dukahn
Area), Mr. V. R. Subramaniam, Mr. Arulanandam
(Messaied Area), Mr. Ismail Nagore, and Mr. Diwakar
(Al-Khor area).
