Dubai: Meet worker who just won best employee award

Dubai - His two daughters are now nurses.

When Ananda Kumar Kallakunta came to the UAE in 1998, he barely had any money in his pocket. But 23 years later, he is a proud father who couldn’t be more grateful to the UAE for what he has accomplished in his life.

The man who once did odd jobs working as a helper in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is now a senior operator at a labelling and packaging company in Dubai.

His years of dedication and hard work was acknowledged on Monday at the fourth edition of the Taqdeer Award. The Indian expat proudly walked onto the stage, along with his daughter, as he was named best employee out of 50,000 blue-collar workers this year.

Read on: New cards offering discounts to workers launched

A total of 77 workers and companies were recognised in the five categories of the Taqdeer Awards. Four companies were placed in the five-star category, 11 in the four-star category, and 14 earned three stars.

“Who said dreams don’t come true? One must have faith,” Kumar said in his touching speech.

“Dubai gives opportunities to different types of people. I thank the Dubai Government for this. When I started working in Kimoha initially, working here in a foreign land was a completely new experience for me and I had my apprehensions. Being away from my family wasn’t easy but to be successful, one has to work hard and be patient. Today, I am a machine operator. I am thankful to my company for this opportunity given to me.”

Aroma International Building Contracting LLC during the Taqdeer Award. Photo by Juidin Bernarrd

Kumar’s daughter, who is now married and lives with her husband in the UAE, is a frontline worker at one of Dubai’s renowned hospitals. His second daughter also has a nursing degree and lives with her mother in India.

“Such opportunities have enabled me to help educate my children. My daughter has finished her nursing course and today she is working as a frontline worker. I am filled with gratitude for this country. Thank you UAE, Dubai and Kimoha,” the Indian expat said.

Susmitha Kallakunta, who confidently stood by her father’s side, also took the stage and shared how her father had inspired her to turn dreams into reality.

“My father has been an inspiration for me and he is the role model for my family. I am very grateful to the UAE for the career growth of my father, which made him capable of providing me with education and giving me an opportunity to work here in the UAE,” said Susmitha, a nurse at Saudi German Hospital.

During the event, four engineers also received a five-star category award, while another four were named distinguished field supervisors. Four were also honoured in the distinguished workers category. In the four-star category, 11 workers received the title of distinguished field supervisor and 11 got the distinguished worker title. In the three-star category, 14 received the distinguished worker title.

'The UAE will never forget workers' contributions'

nandini@khaleejtimes.com