The '' (Qatar Tamil Association), an association of the residents of Qatar, hailing from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, was formed on 14 December, 2000 at a meeting at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) premises in Qatar. It was the first 'formal' association of the Indian Tamils in Qatar. The association is affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy.
The get-together was addressed by the members of the Provisional Committee of the Association. Mr. Kuppan welcomed the audience and stressed the resolve of the Tamil community in Qatar to work and strive together to accomplish ambitious goals and reach ever greater heights.
Mr. Jayaraman (Gulf Housing) spoke on the occasion and explained to the attendees, who had turned in sizable numbers, the rationale behind and the need for the formation of the Association. He detailed for the benefit of the audience the important activities being envisaged by the Association. He listed among the main aims and activities for the benefit of the members as:
1. Social Welfare of the members.
2. Expert advice and counseling in the fields of Medicine, Law, Investments and Tax laws.
3. To assist Tamils in distress.
4. To felicitate V.I.P's and Celebrities visiting Qatar.
5. Teaching of Tamil language and "Tirukkural" literature.
6. Arts, elocution and sports competitions for children.
7. Staging cultural programs.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ganesan (Gulf Incon) stressed the need for the Tamils from India in Qatar to have a formal organization, to address their interests and concerns. He stressed the fact that this would be more than just a cultural organization and would have a very important role in enhancing the social welfare of the members of this organization. He pointed out that though the members met informally at cultural events, they did not have an organization to help them in times of need and emergencies. He said that he was happy that this organization would fulfill that role and look after the overall welfare and well being of the Indian Tamil residents of Qatar. He was happy to report that in the brief period since its provisional inception, the committee had been able to help some Tamils in distress, financially and socially.
An adhoc committee comprising of the following members is looking after the activities of this organization. Mr. Kuppan, Mr. Jayaraman, Mr. Shanmugam, Mr. Srinivasan, Mr. Charles, Mr. Abdulla, Mr. Ganesan, Mr. Eganathan, Mr. Loganathan (Dukahn Area), Mr. V. R. Subramaniam, Mr. Arulanandam (Messaied Area), Mr. Ismail Nagore, and Mr. Diwakar (Al-Khor area).
