Indians from the state of Karnataka, who are members of the Mangalore Association of Saudi Arabia (MASA), a non-profit socio-cultural organization, held a food festival, “Vanas 2008,” recently to raise funds for the benefits of charitable organizations in India. Over 350 guests and members attended the function. Sixteen food stalls were set up with each of them given traditional names. Santhosh Shetty, secretary of MASA, said the best-decorated stalls attracted more customers and therefore were able to raise more money. The food festival was opened by MASA vice president Madhav Ravi Karkera. MASA has provided many support programs to poor Mangaloreans back in India by donating money for medical treatment and helping out orphans without means of income, according to Ravi Karkera. “MASA also provided job opportunity to fellow Mangaloreans through MASA network in various companies. “We also set up events professionally and try to bring the talents of young people to lime light by arranging different contests,” he said. MASA also spearheaded campaigns, through the support of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, to secure better aviation services, educational facilities, and similar services to the Kannadigas living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. __
