IEI Kuwait Chapter – 50th Engineers’ Day Celebration

IEI KUWAIT CHAPTER CELEBRATES 50TH ENGINEERS’ DAY WITH ALL ITS SPLENDOUR

Engineers’ took detours criss-crossing the new bridges and roads which are constructed as part of Kuwait Infrastructure development to reach the technically adorable Arab Fund Organisation building to be part of the Golden Engineers’ day Celebrations.  Engineers assembled in the magnificent hall to listen to the dignitaries’ speeches and key note speakers’ presentations on the theme- “Role of Engineers for Development”.  Dignitaries Honorable Sri Rajgopal Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Kuwait, Er. Mohammed Al Busheri, Undersecretary, Ministry of Electricity and Water Works to the State of Kuwait, Er. Ahmed Al Mershed, Under Secretary, Ministry of State National Assembly to the State of Kuwait and Deputy Chairman of Voluntary works Kuwait, Dr. Samira A.S. Omar, Director General – Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR), Kuwait, Er. Srikanth Pandurangi, Associate Director, WSP- Parson Brinckerhoff and Dr. Manaf Behbehani, Professor, Kuwait University and Er. Ali Abdulla Al- Failakawi, Treasurer, Kuwait Society of Engineers, Dr. Abdullah, IEEE and Er. Fadhel Abul Hasan, Treasurer, IEEE and former Undersecretary, Ministry of Communication were led by the IEI Senior and Ex-com members to the venue.  Dr. Sabiha Bilgrami, the master of Ceremony, after detailing the house rules welcomed the dignitaries on to the dais.  Flower Bouquets were presented by the Ex-com members to the dignitaries and to the Platinum and Diamond Sponsors. To inaugurate the 50th Engineers’ Day deliberations the Dignitaries, Sponsors, Sr. Ex-com members were invited to switch on the electric lamp symbolizing enlightenment through knowledge and wisdom. 

IEI Kuwait Chapter Chairman Er. Ajay Sharma in his welcome address thanked the dignitaries and key note speakers on the dais for accepting IEI’s invitation and to make their technical presentation to the august gathering. He also welcomed the Platinum Sponsor represented by Mr. Wilson Varghese, Group CEO, Trade Links/Local Sponsor of Nippon Elevators and Diamond Sponsors Er. Rajan Peter, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ms KEC, Kuwait Wiring and Accessories Co., Ms Alghanim Engineering, Ms Klimak srl Italy and Mr. Ashraf Hamdi, Al Ahlia Integrated General Trading Co., Golden, Elite and Classic Sponsors who had generously contributed for 50th Engineers’ Day and IEI activities.  He welcomed all the guests and IEI members.  Er. Panicker, Ex Chairman of IEI Kuwait Chapter made a presentation on A Journey down the memory lane and a video flash was projected.  The video flash depicted the journey starting from the inception of Institution of Engineers from the year 1920, various activities and milestones of IEI Kuwait chapter.  The flash highlighted the special contribution made by IEI Kuwait Chapter in the State of Kuwait.  The stars of IEI Kuwait Chapter Dr. Neelamani, who received the best scientist award in KISR and Dr. Abdul Razack Rumane who has authored 4 technical books were projected.  It also showed the activities of IEI Kuwait Chapter which includes conducting of various technical seminars and workshops for its members as part of CPD, various social activities as part of community serving. The flash video was very impressive and appreciated by the audience. 

Honourable Sri Rajgopal Singh delivered his inaugural address highlighting the contribution of Indian Engineers’ over the years to the State of Kuwait.   The 50th Engineers’ day Souvenir was released by the Chief Guest Er. Mohammed Al Busheri and the copies were received by the dignitaries on the dais.  As a mark of respect and affection, Er. Ahmed Al Mershed was honoured for his continuous support, guidance and patronage to IEI Kuwait Chapter over many years by all the Senior, past and current Executive members, dignitaries by presenting a shawl (Indian tradition of showing their respect) and a memento.  Chief Guest Er. Mohammed Busheri delivered his address where he appreciated the expertise and efforts of Indian Engineers in Kuwait and in particular in Ministry of Electricity and water who have worked to provide uninterrupted light and water supply to the citizens and residents of Kuwait.  He congratulated all members on the occasion of 50th Engineers’ day. 

Er. Faisal Al Etel, President, Kuwait Society of Engineers had sent his audio visual message congratulating IEI Kuwait Chapter on its 50th Engineers’ day celebrations.  He also recognized the contribution of Indian Engineers for the development of Kuwait. Er. Abdul Rahman Al Ghunaim, Former Minister of MOC had sent his congratulatory message to IEI Kuwait on its 50thEngineers’ day celebrations. 

First key note speaker, Dr. Samira A.S. Omar in her presentation briefed the various strategies adopted by Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research through KISR Strategy 2030.  Dr. Samira highlighted the key development sectors of Petroleum, Marine, Environment and Water.   She appreciated the role of Indian Engineers, Scientists and Technocrats in the advancement of KISR’s objective. 

In the second part of the session, Ms. Sujatha Elangovan took over as Master of ceremonies and invited Second Key note Speaker Er. Srikanth Pandurangi to make his presentation.  He explained the road infrastructure development models that can predict the future road requirements and to manage the increasing traffic.  The models presented were very informative and provided solutions for reducing the hassles suffered by the road users due to growing number of  vehicles causing heavy traffic congestion and stranding for long hours.  Er. Ahmed Al Mershed provided an inspiring speech with his quote “Being an Engineer is something good… Being an Indian Engineer is wonderful…  You should be proud.”  There was a roaring applause from the audience.  He further stated that when he was glancing through an advertisement magazine he was surprised to note that in the wanted columns many advertisements requiring technicians it is specifically mentioned “Indian Technicians required” showing the skill levels and dedication of Indians.  He assured his support to Indian Engineers’ who are sincere and dedicated.

Dr. Manaf Behbehani addressed the gathering with his humorous and thought provoking speech which left the audience in a hilarious spirit after the technical sessions. Mementoes were distributed to the Ex-com members, Dignitaries & Sponsors. The Flash video designer Egr Noor and MCs were given the mementos in appreciation and to their contribution to IEI Kuwait Chapter.  The Cover Page design for the 50th Engineers day Competition on the theme Role of Engineers for the development winner Egr Thomas John was also acknowledged with the First prize.

Er. Thomas John the Hon. General Secretary of IEI gave a brief report of IEI activities of the Kuwait chapter. Er. Thomas John proposed the vote of thanks to all the dignitaries who had graced the occasion with their presence. Er. Thomas John thanked the sponsors and all the members for their continued support to IEI Kuwait Chapter’s activities and invited everyone to join the flavorsome dinner served by the traditional Indian cuisine caterers Mughal Mahal.