Foreign Minister Reassures Indian community

The Foreign Minister of Bahrain HE Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa promised members of the Indian community, that every measure will be taken to ensure that they are protected and taken care of. He reassured them and answered questions, during a meeting organized at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam yesterday.

“To visit you, to reassure you and to address your concerns today is not a gesture, but our duty,” said the Minister. “This is not your second home; it is your home. You have lived here for ages, and served this country. It is our duty to provide security for you and to protect you.” He added that he considers it an honour to talk to and to share thoughts with the Indian community.

“Bahrain has passed through a difficult time. But history has shown that we are a resilient group. We have witnessed difficulties even in the past. Similarly, we will overcome this, and work together to rebuild the country.”

“This came at a time when the Arab World was going through transformation, which is fine. But it is unacceptable that it has taken a violent turn, disturbing everyone’s lives. It is heartbreaking to see the expat community living in fear, sometime even being targeted. We will not accept this.”

Strong Ties 

“The relationship between India and Bahrain started with the trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization. We have shared excellent relationship over the last 200 years. It must be noted that we carried out 200 years of trade, without even a trade agreement in place; that highlights the strength of the relationship and trust between the two countries.”

He also thanked the entire Indian community, on behalf of HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH the Prime Minister and HRH the Crown Prince for their commitment and love for Bahrain, adding “We are in this together, we will rebuild our home, Bahrain together. Our destiny, our outlook and our future are all connected with Bahrain. We will stick to the path of dialogue and evolution. We will not be deterred, by anything on our path to  modernity and openness.”

He also shared his memories connected with the Indian Community. “I remember being invited to inaugurate this hall, but was unable to due to prior commitments.  I am honoured to be here today for the first time, but this will not be the last,” he said referring to the BKS auditorium. Another of his favourite anecdotes he shared was about his Indian nanny, who came to Bahrain 52 years agor, even before he was born.

“We grew up together, our fathers and ancestors worked side by side in this country, and our sons will together and work together in building this nation and taking it into the future.”

Welcome

During his welcome address, Indian ambassador Mohan Kumar stated that the Indian community has been part of Bahrain’s social and economic fabric for a very long time and will remain so for years to come.  “We are extremely proud of our Indian brethren who have and will contribute to Bahrain. The woes and pains of Bahrain will also be our woes and pain. In Bahrain’s peace, economic development and prosperity lies our peace, economic development and prosperity.”

He also thanked the Minister for taking time out of his hectic schedule to address the concerns of the Indian populace.

BKS President PV Radhakrishna Pillai, who was also the master of ceremony, stated that it was an honour for the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam to play host to the Minister. “It is our honour and privilege to be living in this beautiful kingdom. I am confident that normalcy will return soon, under the wise leadership of the Kingdom.”

Q & A

During the question answer session, the Minister addressed many of the concerns raised. “In the beginning, public security forces were everywhere. But the unrest took a violent turn from day one. Our motto always has been to ensure that not even a single drop of blood gets spilled, and so we pulled back the forces. And that is the security became weak at certain locations. After one month of waiting, HRH Crown Prince called for dialogue and unity, but in vain. The decision to restore law and order came after the situation became unbearable. The policy is to control the situation in the most orderly way possible.”

He reiterated that the GCC Peninsula Shield was not at all involved in maintaining law and order and that they were here to protect the vital installations, so that the BDF, National Guard and police of Bahrain can concentrate fully on the law and order situation.

“Setting up an association to act as a mediator between the small and medium businesses and the chamber of commerce is a priority,” he said, in reply to the question from BKS representative Abdul Rahman, on the issues being faced by those who run cold stores, restaurants and other such establishments.

Addressing the concern raised by ICRF Chairman John Iype regarding the sponsors who keep the passports of the employees, the Minister stated, “No one has the right to keep the passport of another individual in Bahrain. It is illegal and the breach of a basic human right.  I will take up the issue with the Ministry of Interior. Do not fear for your job, it is your right to keep the passport. Legal action will be taken against those who break the law; they will be dealt with expeditiously.”

CCIA Chairman Dr. PV Cheriyan and community leaders and businessmen, Mohammed Malim and Bhagwan Asarpota requested the Minister to step up the security in certain areas like Manama, Sh. Abdulla Road, edge of Ras Ruman and others, as the people there were still living in fear. “It is our duty to protect everyone from all forms of thuggery and assault. Every area must be taken care of. We commend you for keeping the shops open even in difficult times, and it highlights true loyalty and dedication. We will do all we can to secure these areas. We will ensure that there are visible security personnel in all the mentioned areas,” said the Minister.”

Another concern of Dr. Cheriyan’s was the safety of school children, both while in school and while travelling to school and the Minister promised to look into the matter.

Sharing the thought put across by well-known Toastmaster Joel Indrupathi, Sh. Khalifa stated, “Manama is the heart of Bahrain. I remember that when HM the King visited Pope Benedict, he gifted him an aerial portrait of the 2.5 km stretch of Manama which had not just mosques, but also churches and temple. The temple means a lot to us. This area will be taken care of. It is part of our identity, and the future generations also have a right to it.”

Publisher Sunny Kulathakal pointed out the need to address the issue of global negative media campaign that has tarnished the name of Bahrain. The Minister replied, “I am traveling to different parts to give them the details on what is actually happening here. If anyone can do so, please communicate with the members of the international media. I am travelling to India next week to meet with the leadership and to talk to some of the media there, to reassure them and to give them an account of the recent developments in Bahrain.”

Before leaving, the Minister stated that he was “touched to walk into this hall and to see all of them. I feel honoured that you wanted to see me.”

[This has also been published in the Daily Tribune on March 27 2011 and the Bahrain Foreign Affairs Youtube channel has posted the video, withe excerpts from his visits to the Indian, Pakistani & Flipino Community]

Bahrain - The Way Forward..

The last month has taken its toll on the economy and politics of Bahrain, but I think the biggest victim in all that happened is the colossal rip in the fabric of Bahrain’s society. What are our options as we go forward, acceptance, forgiving and forgetting. Atleast that is the ideal solution, but saying it is so much easier than actually achieving it.

The wounds inflicted are very deep and it requires more than just time to heal, but heal it must. Bahrain is not a country just on one sect or the other, but for everyone living in Bahrain. This Kingdom has always been about multiculturalism, and that cannot be allowed to change.

In the beginning, I saw the younger generation, the youth of both sects being open to ideologies and suggestions from each other. As the days passed and violence and death toll increased, the change was palpable and unmistakable. It became a very ours vs. yours game. I’ve seen sensible people, who could logically analyze a situation or ide turn emotional, thus throwing rationality out the window. I’ve read enough about friends who now can’t see eye to eye for solely political reasons.

In schools, students who’ve studied together for years suddenly turned against each other because their political ideologies didn’t match. Wait a minute; there is something really wrong when its 14-15 years olds fighting with other each other based on politics.

Everywhere, people started looking at the person next to them wondering which side they were on, without realizing that no matter which side wins, Bahrain stands to lose. An old Bahraini man once told me, “If something happens to Bahrain, atleast you have the choice to go back to your home country. But what will we Bahrainis do?” and that I’ve realized is a question those in Bahrain who were aggressively rooting for either side didn’t think about.

Praise the Lord that the situation is getting stable and normalcy is returning. We are limping back to normalcy to be apt. Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t think having tanks on the street and the roads being completely empty at 10 pm in Bahrain is normal. Far from it. I do miss the times when my family and I used to leave City Center post 1 AM. Call me an optimist, but I do believe it will happen soon.

The reason people are saying that things are getting back to normal is because in the last month, people gathering at a roundabout had become normal, rallies every other day in support of unity was normal, mocking each other was normal, staying home from work and school was normal. Someone who had been to the Pearl around March 1 told me situation there was normal and I had to ask, “normal as in people all gone home, or normal as in everyone is there but no violence. That is how far Bahrain had become abnormal.

Now atleast people are having more hope, everyone is returning to office, children will start school. Those who had their exams postponed is writing it again, Central market is open, businesses are running again, this really is the closest to normal Bahrain has seen since March started. Yes there may be checkpoints, and shops may close early but we are heading towards

There are a few things that absolutely need to be done.It might seem so simple, yet very difficult to achieve.

Even if it is acceptable to believe that the “other side” is wrong, one shouldn’t everyone who believes that ideology is committing a crime. Be open to freedom of expression. Just because someone does not accept your opinion, does not mean they are wrong. Also neutrality is also an opinion. No one should be forced to take sides. I’ve seen my friends listed as hate mongers and the like, just ‘cuz they tried to have a balanced view.

Accept that it is just as much your country as every other Bahraini’s. No one has the right to say that people belonging to one sect can’t come to Riffa or Manama or anywhere else. It is wrong for civilian vigilantes to block a road or smash a car just because it belongs to a particular group.

My friend’s Shia boss, who did not take any sides during the last month, is considering leaving the country because he worries for his kid’s safety. Because his brother was harassed at a civilian checkpoint. This is unbelievably unfair. Just the same, it is unfair if it’s a Sunnii being targeted or an expat.

Respect and care for those around you and for yourself. Don’t boycott stores, don’t close down shops. Because this shows complete lack of respect. Remember that no matter what it took a lot of hard work and contributions from all sections of Bahrain’s society for any establishment to succeed.

It is also imperative for children to build trust in each other. Parents and teachers and other elders would work hard to instill in them values of brotherhood and unity. It is the need of the hour that they start believing that hate and violence will not solve anything.

For most parts, it has been leaders who have been turning opinions and people against each other. They need to go. Make your own choices, be your leader, but don’t decide based on emotions alone. Weigh each option based on what its benefits are to yourself, to your community and to your country at large. Educate yourself, as it is only education that can dispel darkness be it in your religious beliefs or what the leaders claim to be the truth.

Work hard. There just is no excuse for not returning to work, this country needs us. All of us, to put in our best, then only can we reap the benefits. Let me ask those who are striking from work, what happens when your salary is cut or even when you’re fired? How does help you, your community or your cause?

Unite. Haha, I don’t believe I’m saying this but we really need to start taking an effort to be nice to those around us. Keep in mind that everyone, even if they don’t agree with you, has been through tough times. Be sensitive, and let them be. Sometimes a hello or a smile or a handshake can go a very long way. And if you are totally pissed off, take a look at either of the UniteBH video or the Bahrain Unite video to remind yourselves what Bahrain is about.

Dialogue. And no I don’t mean just at the leaders’ level. Yes, accept the CP’s initiative and let there be national dialogue. But the youth needs to understand each other’s point of view, and why they felt the need for what happened.

Also understand that there need to be reforms. I am strongly pro-government but that does not make me turn a blind eye to what we need. Reforms and development is how we pave a path to a brighter future. But yeah, protesting alternately at Lulu and Al Fateh does not help one bit.

And BTV, please pull up your socks and make us want to watch you. We do not want to see ancient serials. We want to see current events or programs recorded in Bahrain. We know we have the talent why not utilize it?

Let time do its part. Every wound can heal with time and care. Be patient and have faith in yourself, your friends and family and in your country.

I remember the days when I didn’t know nor didn’t care whether if my Bahraini friends were Sunni or Shia. And I want to go back to that.

All said and done, I think many like me will never again complain of being bored in Bahrain. We’ve had enough excitement to last a lifetime. Now let’s work, together in rebuilding this nation, because it has the potential and capability to be right up there on top, or to be written off as one of those nations perpetually hit by civil war, poverty and strife. Choice, really is ours and ours alone.

Bahrain - My Part to Play..

Many expats in Bahrain, like me, have been born and brought up on this island. Our parents may not have the Bahraini passport, nor do we, but I wonder if that makes us any less citizen of this country just cuz the colour of our passport is not red. We are the community that has our origins in India, Pakistan, US or UK. Our parents migrated here decades ago, we have our livelihood here and Bahrain is where we call home.

I am as much Indian as I am Bahraini. I am equally proud of what each country has achieved and I will stand up for it if either country is in need. I will not say, I don’t stay belong here nor will I shy away from seeing its flaws.

We agree that Bahrain is not perfect; we agree that reforms were much needed, in the political front and definitely the media here needed be overhauled and reworked. There were also many who supported the cause of the protesters before it turned into anarchy. We heard their arguments and gave our feedback.

The cause they claimed all this was for was democracy, the power to elect their leadership, and maybe in the process stop discrimination. Somehow, living in the world’s largest democracy, I am not too fascinated by it. Yes we may elect the leader, but the kind of corruption and crime that we see there is unimaginable. Having a democracy does not translate into end of all problems and perfection. People protesting in Bahrain only want to see one side of it not the other.

Every system has its pluses and minuses. Different places have different people who have different cultures and requires different political set ups. I belong to one democracy does not have to translate to I want democracy everywhere. It is important to be open minded enough to accept that each country deserves the system which is best for it, even if it doesn’t match your ideologies.

The system in Bahrain was one of free education and medical care. Of welfare, where the unemployed gets money and everything is subsidized. Keep in mind that all of these benefits come without the funds being collected from the people as taxes.

A lot of expatriates also came out in public in support of the Royal family. Many reacted when expatriates stepped out in favour of the government here, saying “it is their internal matter, why do you interfere?” To these critics I have but only one question, “Would you stand back and watch when your house, your country is getting hurt? Would you say it’s not my responsibility and stay away?” When our country is in crisis, it is our right and duty to step forward.

Maybe we support the Kingdom ‘cuz we have over the last decades seen what Bahrain has been able to achieve under the Royal Family. Like I’ve said before, Vision 2030 sets out a strategy to achieve set goals by then, to make Bahrain one of the most developed countries in that time span. We have seen the infrastructural developments that have changed the face of the country in such a short period of time. I remember being fascinated by new buildings and massive changes when I visited every six months.

We have seen the education system here evolve; from when there was absolutely no option after grade 12 except the Bahrain University to now, when there are multiple institutions offering courses in engineering, medicine and even aviation. Even for those who don’t want to opt for these, there are institutions like NYIT and Birla and Globals which provide higher education.

The media has taken massive strides. We even have a desi private owned station here now. We have multiple newspapers in Arabic and English. Bahrain also prints Tagalog, Malayalam and Urdu newspapers here. Over the last month, state run BTV has struggled to keep us as updated as possible [though it might lean towards the government]. Yes, the media has come a long way but it still has miles to go. This week for the first time in history, BTV showed news bulletins in Tagalog and Hindi.

That in itself is a mark of respect and appreciation to the expatriate community. The Bahrainis have always had respect for the Indian and Asian and other expatriate community. We have always been welcomed with warmth, and given positions and salaries that make even the Bahrainis jealous.

Even through all this unrest, both protesters and the royalists have pledged their support and appreciation for the expatriate community. They have seen what we are capable of achieving, that we are sincere and hardworking and that is why we have been made part of the fabric of this nation.

The freedom that expatriates get in Bahrain to practice our own religion and culture is unrivaled. I have personally celebrated every Indian festival in all its glory here. My friends and I belong to that unique group that identifies with being at the best of what both countries have to offer. This country is what made many of us who we are. And given the chance many others like me will step out to support Bahrain and to work for its development no matter what passport they hold.

I am one of the large number of expats who have actively voiced my thoughts and concerns of what has been unfolding in Bahrain over the past month. I have also participated in one of the rallies in support for the government and I have also been part of both the Unite Bahrain videos.

For me and my family, the question of leaving does not cross our minds. This is where I was born, where my family had lived for almost thirty years, our home. The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bahrain have also assured that they will do the best to keep us safe. I trust them and I trust Bahrain.

Survived Kargil, But Not Bahrain - A Stroke of Fate

Indian Embassy and the firm which hired Stephen Abraham, the Indian expatriate who lost his life in clashes in Budaiyya on Wednesday are in the process of expediting the arrangements to repatriate the body.

Mr. Abraham came to Bahrain sixteen months ago to work as a security guard with Al Moayyed Securities, and had joined work after the undergoing training and getting the license from the Ministry of Interiors. Prior to coming to Bahrain, he had served in the Indian army for 18 years.

Facing death and dangerous situations was not uncommon for Mr. Stephen who, along with his elder brother Siby had served in the military during the Kargil War. He had joined the Indian Army in 1991 and served in Kashmir till 1994. Post that, he served in Assam in 1995-’96 and then in Batinda in Punjab between 1997 and 2000. During 2001, he participated in the Operation Vijay and Operation Parakram against Pakistan.

“He was a dedicated and hardworking employee, always giving his best for the job. He was also a very devotional person,” said security division manager Jose Alex. “Every employee is valuable to us, and we will do everything to take care of his family.” Mr. Jose added that steps were taken to ensure the safety of all other employees and that they have been shifted away from that location.

He is survived by wife Annie, daughter Steny and son Steffin. Steny, an 8th grader and 3rd grader Steffin were eagerly waiting for Easter, when they hoped their father would return. Hailing from Kerala, Mr. Stephen is the second among three sons of retired army man SK Abraham and wife Podiyamma. His family also includes elder brother Siby, younger brother Simon and sisters Shobana and Mariyamma.


I spoke to many people who had met him in Bahrain, and they only had good things to say. It is surreal that a man who had fought death itself had to lose his life in what was considered the most peaceful place on Earth.

RIP.