Abu Dhabi: The 49th Anniversary Celebration of India Social & Cultural Centre (ISC), Abu Dhabi, the premier socio-cultural organization and the apex body of the registered Indian associations in the capital city of Abu Dhabi in UAE was held on 1st April, 2016.
Dr. Ram Buxani, Chairman ITL-Cosmos Group and former chairman of India Club and Indian High School, Dubai was the Chief Guest. Dr. B.R. Shetty, Vice Chairman of ISC and Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare, First Secretary of Embassy of India to UAE Pavan Kumar Rai, Past Presidents of ISC Sarvotham Shetty, Joy Thomas John, Gemini Bldg. Materials Managing Director K. P. Ganesh Babu, UAE Exchange President Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Arab Udupi Resturant Managing Director Shekar Shetty, senior members and newly elected office bearers of ISC were present.

The event started with the welcome address by Hon. Gen. Secretary John P. Varghese. He briefed the humble beginning of ISC and the present growth and thanked all who supported to achieve this. He thanked the past committee headed by Ramesh Panniker and Abdul Salam for their tireless service in keeping the centre busy with activities and promised to continue the same spirit continued in this year too.

Soon after, Swearing-in-Ceremony of the newly elected Office Bearers of ISC was held. Dr. Ram Buxani administered the oath to the new committee of ISC, Hon. President M. Thomas Varghese, Hon. Vice President Rajan. M. Zachariah, Hon. Gen. Secretary John P. Varghese, Hon. Asst. Gen. Secretary Santosh K.M, Hon.Treasurer Shijil Kumar N.K, Hon. Asst. Treasurer Limson K. Jacob, Hon. Entertainment Secretary Jojo Jose Ambooken, Hon. Asst. Entertainment Secretary Ramesan K.T.P, Hon. Literary Secretary Jayadevan R.V., Hon. Sports Secretary A.M. Nizar, Hon. Asst. Sports Secretary Prakash Thampy, Hon. Auditor Alok Tuteja, Hon. Asst. Auditor S. Krishna Kumar.

A traditional lighting of the lamp was done by all the guests and office bearers symbolising the inauguration of the new year of ISC activities. It was followed by cutting of cake by the chief guests, office bearers, past presidents and senior members.

During a brief stage programme, newly elected President M. Thomas Varghese in his presidential address thanked all the members for electing him unopposed as the President. He promised to work together with his committee to make ISC a member friendly centre and requested all members to support them throughout the year.

Dr. Ram Buxani was honoured with a memento on behalf of ISC. Dr. Ram Buxani in his speech, remembered the humbleness of the rulers of this country quoting his own experience with them and called the community members to make use of the good support bestowed by this country for the betterment of our society.

Dr. B.R. Shetty remembered the effort put by the newly elected President M. Thomas Varghese in getting the land for the new ISC building when it was highly needed and appreciated his service to the community. ISC centre is the biggest community centre in the world and he called all members to contribute for the betterment of the centre.

First Secretary of Embassy of India to UAE Pavan Kumar Rai appreciated the centres facilities and suggested to involve more youth in the centres activities to get new and fresh ideas to help the growth of the centre.

Dr. Asha Nair, Member & Dance Teacher of ISC who has got the “Doctorate” from International Tamil University was honoured by President M. Thomas Varghese with a memento on behalf of ISC.