| Daniel Lim |
THE Indian Association of Belait (IAB) held a Welfare Day event at the Grand Ballroom at V-Plaza Hotel in Kuala Belait on Saturday night.
Aimed at giving back to the community, the event also represented an opportunity for Indian community from across the country to gather at the venue to help foster a closer relationship between each other during, as well as after, the event.
Present as the guest of honour was the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei President Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, whom the IAB has recognised for his continuous commitment in giving back to the community, as noted by IAB President K Salim A Karim (Salimo) in his speech at the event.
Also present were Chairman of YMRM Group of Companies Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnaniby and representative of Indian community in the Brunei-Muara District Murugesan.
Several mementos were presented to various guests during the event, including Malai Haji Abdullah and Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnaniby, by IAB Vice President Renjit Gopalakrishnan and IAB Honorary Treasurer Rajendra Sinh Jadah respectively to commemorate their continuous commitment and efforts made to benefit the community in the country.
Salimo and Murugesan also led a Shawl Felicitation ceremony in a show of further appreciation by IAB as well as the Indian community in the country for Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani and his continuous commitment to give back to the community.
The Shawl Felicitation represents a mark of respect and utmost appreciation for one’s selflessness in working for social cause, and that receiving the shawl means honouring the Divine Principle of Hindu Dharma. Endowments were also presented to around 50 single mothers from the Kuala Belait and Seria area by Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnaniby, as well as donations to Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait by IAB Deputy Secretary Anup Vijay. The school’s Principal, Jaime Lim Siew Lee, received the donations.
In between the activities during the event, various cultural performances were also conducted, which not only served to enliven and entertain attendees and guests but also showcase the performers’ talents to the public.
The event continued with a vote of thanks by IAB General Secretary Sanjay Mishra before concluding with a banquet dinner served for guests and attendees.