Tributes have been paid to a long-time Bahrain resident and prominent social worker who dedicated nearly four decades of his life to serving the Indian expatriate community.
Daurla Siva Kumar, 68, who arrived in the kingdom in 1988, passed away on April 20 following a massive brain stroke. He had been receiving intensive care at Salmaniya Medical Complex since April 3.
His mortal remains were repatriated to his native Kakinada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on April 27.
A long-serving employee of the Interior Ministry, Mr Siva Kumar was widely respected for his unwavering support for blue-collar workers. He played a pivotal role during various ‘Easy Exit’ initiatives, co-ordinating closely with the Indian Embassy and local authorities to facilitate the repatriation of distressed workers.
His extensive humanitarian efforts were officially recognised when he was honoured with the prestigious ‘Star of Giving Award’ by the Bahrain Voluntary Works Society.
Scores of community members attended condolence meetings organised by the Telugu Kala Samithi (TKS), the Indian Club, and the Indian Community Welfare Association to honour his memory.
TKS president Jagadish Penjarla described the late leader as a pillar of the community.
“He was a pillar of support for countless workers in need, always standing by them and giving voice to their concerns,” said Mr Penjarla.
“With his passing, the Telugu community has lost a truly remarkable and compassionate soul.”
Mr Kumar held several key leadership positions during his 36 years in Bahrain, including serving eight years as a TKS executive committee member, three terms as vice-president, and most recently as chairman of the Welfare Committee.
Indian Community Welfare Association chairman V K Thomas also paid tribute to Mr Siva Kumar’s dedication.
“He was a humble, truly committed social worker,” recalled Mr Thomas. “His absence creates a huge vacuum for the Association’s community activities.”
The deceased was a dedicated member of the Indian Club and a frequent participant in medical emergency assistance and blood donation drives.
Mr Kumar is survived by his wife and three daughters, who reside in India.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))