Doha: The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), under the Embassy of India, Qatar, celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at ICC Ashoka Hall with tributes and cultural performances reflecting his life and values. ICC General Secretary Abraham K. Joseph welcomed guests, with opening remarks from Head of HR, Admin & Consular Rakesh Wagh. Chief Guest H.E. Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, Ambassador of India to Qatar, spoke on Gandhi's values and teachings, while First Secretary Ashwani Kumar attended as Guest of Honour. ICC President Manikantan A.P., in the presidential address, reflected on Gandhi's role in India's freedom struggle and his message of peace and non-violence.

The evening's highlight was a Ghazal performance by renowned Hindustani singer Padmakumar, whose rendition added a memorable musical dimension to the celebrations and was warmly received by the audience.

As part of the occasion, ICC organized creative and educational competitions for students from Indian schools across Qatar. The Inter-School Quiz Competition for Grades 8–12, conducted by Manzoor Moideen, drew participation from 14 schools and focused on Gandhi, Indian history and the freedom struggle; Birla Public School placed first, followed by Olive International School and DPS Modern Indian School. Separate Sketch & Painting and Painting competitions for Grades 5–12, held at Bhavans Public School, drew more than 350 student participants, with trophies and mementos awarded to winners.

The event closed with a vote of thanks from ICC Vice President Shantanu Deshpande and was attended by several community leaders, including ICBF President Shanavas Bava, ISC President E.P. Abdurahman, IBPC President Thaha Mohammed, and ICC Advisory Council President P.N. Babu Rajan, alongside ICC Managing Committee members and other senior figures. The program was hosted by Nazia.

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