Modi to launch redevelopment project of THMC Complex, Shree Krishna Temple

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today launch the redevelopment project of Thattai Hindu Merchants Community (THMC) Complex and Shree Krishna Temple. The project will cost $4 million, it is learned. Bob Thaker, President of Thattai Hindu Merchants Community, said the project aims to highlight history and glorious heritage of the community while emphasizing the Kingdom’s existence as a land of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“We are thankful to the leadership of the Kingdom, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. “We have also received support from the government officials and The King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence.” “The redevelopment project was the dream child of late Manoj Bhatia, a former president of the community.” “The three-storeyed structure will have 45,000 square feet in built-up area.” Mazen Al Umran Consulting is the project designer and consultant.

According to Mr. Thaker, the project will include four prayer halls, museum, auditorium/exhibition hall, knowledge center, two kitchens, accommodation for visiting priests and resident priests, offices, landscape garden, open courtyard, and children play area. “The museum will showcase and chronicle the history and legacy of the community. “There will also be a facility for traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies.

This is in line with the Kingdom’s tourism initiatives to promote Bahrain as a wedding destination.” “The temple area will have marble finish floors, teakwood doors and windows, prayer halls, sunken fountain, and lotus-shaped columns.” The completed project will have a traditional Rajasthani temple look in pink sand stone finish handcrafted in India. Giving emphasis on green energy, solar panels and a water-recycling plant have been included in the project.

Bhatia businessmen and Bhatia community members are completely funding the project. THMC has 77 companies in its membership. THMC was created in the early 1940s to strengthen the community and provide a platform for businessmen to address challenges facing them. The organization owns property in the heart of Manama, which contains the Krishna Temple, multipurpose halls, library, and offices. Several businesses can trace their history in Bahrain to nearly 200 years.

Businessmen who trace their roots to Thatta in Sind ( Present-day Pakistan ) who settled in Bahrain and Dubai call themselves Thattai Bhatias. They are the oldest expat business community in the Kingdom and call Bahrain their home.