By IANS,
Dubai : Jai Hind TV, a Malayalam channel backed by the Congress party, has launched its Gulf operations to cater to the large expatriate Malayali population across the region.
India’s Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi lit the ceremonial lamp at a glittering function Wednesday night to inaugurate the channel’s Gulf operations.
Among those present were Kerala’s leader of the opposition Oomen Chandy, state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala, and stars of Malayali filmdom such as Srinivasan, Dilip and Gopika.
Prominent Gulf-based Keralites like this year’s Padma Shri recipient Yusuffali M.A., well-known entrepreneur B.R. Shetty, and educationist Sunny Virkey, were also present.
A cultural show that included a performance by Bollywood artiste Vasundhara Das entertained the audience.
Jai Hind TV was launched in August 2007 and the launch of its Gulf operations is part of its global expansion move.
A large chunk of the 5.5 million expatriate Indians in West Asia hail from Kerala.