Abu Dhabi, 01 Dec 2013: India Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi along with ADMS, K.S.C, ILA and IIC, bid adieu to Indian Ambassador to U.A.E. HE Mr. M.K. Lokesh on 29th November 2013 at its premises amidst all Abu Dhabi based association and community leaders in a most memorable farewell ceremony organized at the main hall.
HE Ambassador Mr. M.K. Lokesh served in U.A.E. for the last five years and brought about sweeping changes in fast-tract implementation of passports, settlement of labourers problems and many other administrative developments and changes that helped the Indian Community all over U.A.E. and eased many administrative procedures. A tireless but a simple down to earth man will be remembered by the Indian community over here for the many accomplishments he has successfully completed over the years and earned himself a great respect from each and every Indian resides in U.A.E.
Mr. Lokesh accorded a grand welcome by all the dignitaries and presidents of all Abu Dhabi associations and ISC Hon. President Mr. ThomasJohn, Hon. Gen. Secretary Mr. Satyababu and many other guests present on the occasion.
Hon. Gen. Secretary (ISC) Mr. Satyababu invited the ambassador to the dais along with patrons of I.S.C. Mr. SiddarthBalachandran, Dr. Ganga Ramani and association leaders namely Mr. Thomas John (Hon. President ISC). Mr. Vasu (Hon. President K.S.C.), Mr. BavaHajee (Hon. President Indian Islamic Centre), Ms. Johny(Hon. President ILA)
Thomas John Hon. President ISC welcomed the ambassador and felicitated with a floral bouquet. In his welcome speech Mr. Thomas said Mr. Lokeshis a gentleman and very good human being who always supported India Social and Cultural Centre and its activities and always attended the major functions held at the center. He also supported allother associations and its members and has done great work and service to the Indian Community working day and night.
HE Ambassador Mr. Lokeshin his response wittingly said he felt as if he is a Bollywood star tonight looking at the grand reception and atmosphere and welcome by all. However while thanking the President and all the associations for organizing this farewell function, he said: Whatever he has done it is service to community in his capacity, he has done his duty as an ambassador and there is nothing great about it but acknowledged that he has also worked for the unity of two nations i.e. U.A.E. and India in terms of Trade, Commerce and one of the important service he has done is arranging pension scheme to the labourers. He also thanked his team and staff at the Indian Embassy and acknowledgedtheir support all the time. He further said he was touched by the way this reception is held, though he is moving physically to his next mission in Switzerland, his heart will be always in U.A.E and said this is one of the best farewells he has ever received in his life time and appreciated and thanked everyone for organizing this memorable farewell.
Also spoke highly about Mr. Lokesh were two patrons of ISC MrSiddarth and Mr.Gangaramanipraising him for his great achievements and he deserves a great appreciation from every Indian residing in U.A.E.
All the association leaders also spoke on the occasion and presented a memento each to the ambassador namely Mr. Vasu (Hon. President K.S.C.), Mr. BavaHajee (Hon. President Indian Islamic Centre), Ms. Johny (Hon. President ILA) and Mr. Mohammed Uchil (Bearys Welfare Association).
On the occasion many dignitaries were present namely: Mr. Shekar Shetty (MD Arab Udupi Group of Hotels), Mr. Leo Rodrigues (MD Al Mazroui and Clevy Automobiles), Mr. Jayaram Rai (Group Finance Manager, Bin Fardhan Group), Former presidents of ISC and all the ISC officials.