Prominent Bahrainis recollect fond memories of student days in India

More than 25 notable dignitaries from various sectors in Bahrain gathered at the residence of Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha, to launch the Indian Universities Alumni Bahrain. “When foreign students come to India they arrive as foreigners but in due time they become our family. They take back a bit of India with them and we regard them as our Goodwill Ambassadors,” stated Mr Sinha. “We have a long history of students from Bahrain studying in India,” he added. “India today has emerged as education hub with students from all over the world studying at institutions like IITs, IIMs and universities of niche courses in space and hi-tech areas.

“Further, applied professional courses have generated considerable interest for students from abroad.” The event aims to contribute towards further strengthening the existing deep-rooted relationship between India and Bahrain. Recent statistics reflect that 239 student visas were issued by the Indian Embassy in 2018 alone and institutions centered to Pune in the state of Maharashtra continue to remain the most preferred destination for Bahraini students. Speaking to Tribune, a few Bahraini dignitaries illustrated their initial experiences of studying in Maharashtra that has cemented memorable impressions for them.

Former Labour Minister, Abdul Nabi AlShola, who pursued Political Science and Public Administration at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, said: “My mind is still consumed with many memories that I can’t even single them out. I consider the time I spent in India as the best of my life. “To me, the education was not only in the classroom but I also found that India as a whole is University on its own to learn and experience. “I never had a bad experience in those four years because the people are friendly, co-operative, and hospitable. I don’t say this as flattery but as a fact.”

“In no other place on earth can we come across this diversity of culture, religion and much more,” he added. Yusif K Hubaishi, Director of PETROLINK International, recalls the warm hospitality that overcame his longing for home. “When I was in Mumbai I lived as a paying guest with an Indian family, they treated me like their son, I called them ‘Uncle’ and ‘Aunty’ and their children treated me like a brother. “When I was sick they took very good care of me. I still visit Mumbai every two years. It was impossible for me to just finish my education and leave because we built a very strong bond, I had to go back to visit and update them about my life and they are very happy about my accomplishments.

“I visit whoever is still there and make more memories with them, I love that,” said Mr Hubaishi. “I went with the intention of pursuing dentistry but enrolled in hospitality because during that time (1972) Bahrain had two hotels, Gulf Hotel and Dilmun, with more developing. “This created demand for those in the hospitality field. I applied to a University in Dadar for three years. I was extremely homesick in the first few months but once summer came I told my parents I didn’t want to come to Bahrain and wished to take up a summer course for English,” he recollected. Asst Undersecretary for Domestic Trade, Hameed Yousif Rahma states his fond memories in Pune University heartened him to encourage his siblings to pursue their education there as well.

“I never felt homesick in Pune mainly because I was surrounded by many friends from Bahrain. I loved the country and education; I encouraged my sisters and brothers to go there as well. “Since then I have visited Pune many times, as a bachelor and then after I married I took my children and wife. It brought back many fond memories when I showed them where I studied. “These memories stay forever and I go back whenever the opportunity arises,” he said. “I chose Pune University because my friends who studied there spoke wonderful things about it.

They praised the area and the education atmosphere. In the mid of ’80s I pursued Business, B.Com, and M.Com,” he added. The event laid a foundation for active engagements among an intellectual group progressing towards the mutual advantage of the people and government of the two countries. Khalid M Fakhro, also an alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, said India has one of the best educational systems in the world. “I am happy over the fact that many Bahrainis are pursuing their education in India.”