Doha, Qatar: The Pravasi Welfare and Cultural Forum is set to host a grand Service Carnival as part of its 10th-anniversary celebrations on Friday, November 29, at the Shantiniketan Indian School, Wakra Barwa Village, the organizers announced during a press conference.

Designed to cater to the core needs of expatriates, the carnival will feature a wide range of services, programs, and discussions addressing key concerns such as finances, investment, health, job skills, and education. The event will also showcase central and state government schemes and provide services beneficial to expatriates in Qatar.

Inauguration and Notable Speakers

The event will formally begin at 5:15 PM, inaugurated by Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Sandeep Kumar. Key speakers and participants include economists Nikhil Gopala Krishnan, Shafiq C.P, and Harris Padiyath, along with education activist N.M. Hussain, career expert Sulaiman Oorakam, and Welfare Party National Vice President Hamid Vaniyambalam. Officials from various ministries in Qatar and prominent community leaders will also attend.

Service Highlights and Facilities
Starting from 2 PM, around 50 stalls will offer the following services:

• NORKA ID Card and Insurance
• Pravasi Welfare Pension Scheme
• Central Government Schemes
• ICBF Insurance Services
• Share Market Opportunities, Mutual Funds, SIPs, and NRI Account Services
• Ethical Investments and Savings Schemes
• CV Clinics and Mock Interviews for Job Seekers

In addition, there will be:

• Primary health check-ups and study sessions led by Heart Hospital experts.
• Blood donation drives in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation.

Key Programs

• The result assessment of the MIA test for children will take place at 8 AM.
• A Finance and Investment Program at 12:30 PM will feature talks by experts.
• The closing ceremony at 7:30 PM will include a keynote address by Abdul Hameed Vaniyambalam and the launch of the Pravasi Digital App for expatriates.

Cultural Extravaganza

Cultural performances, including street cultural programs, magic shows, instrumental music, flash mobs, face painting, and Kerala-specific exhibitions like food stalls, handicrafts, and plant displays, will start at 4 PM.

Special Initiatives and Awards

The carnival will offer free NORKA cards to 100 low-income individuals, provide financial assistance to two expatriates to build houses, and present a special award in honor of philanthropist K.C. Abdurahman.

Organizing Committee Members

The press conference was attended by:

• P.N. Baburajan (Chief Patron)
• R. Chandra Mohan (President, Pravasi Welfare)
• Dr. Taj Aluva (Advisory Board Chairman)
• Abdul Kalam (Executive Director, Riyadh Medical Center)
• Majeed Ali (General Convener)
• Rabeeh Zaman (Media Secretary)

This Service Carnival promises to be a one-of-a-kind event, bringing together essential services and vibrant celebrations under one roof for the benefit of the expatriate community.