An Indian expatriate couple that called Bahrain home for the last 33 years will be returning to Kerala on Friday.
George Skariah and Shyni George, who hail from Pathanamthitta town, decided to leave so they could take care of an elderly relative. However, they will miss their friends and the ‘freedom’ that they enjoyed living here.
“Bahrain is such a close-knit community and the life here has been wonderful,” Mr Skariah told the GDN. “You can walk outside at any time and return home safe,” he added.
“We really liked being here and would have been happy to continue staying in the kingdom but we must return to take care of our mother,” explained Ms George, who arrived here 28 years ago, after she married her husband.
“I was working in Mumbai (India) and after I came to Bahrain, I landed a job with Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), where I worked as a junior staff nurse. Over the years, I was promoted to a senior position and worked in the operation theatre,” recounted the 54-year-old.
The mother-of-two reminisced the times she shared with her colleagues, highlighting that they were a great team of Bahrainis and expats.
Mr Skariah echoed her sentiments, speaking highly of his roommates when he first arrived in Bahrain in November 1993.
“We were all from Kerala and lived together in Gudaibiya. We were a great support to each other,” said the electrical supervisor, who had humble beginnings as an electrician with Comsip Al Ali.
He later moved to other companies and his last stint was with Abdulla Rashid Aljalahma Construction.
“When I first got here, Bahrain was so different. There were fewer roads and people. So much has changed over the years but the essence of the country remains the same,” added Mr George, an avid reader of spiritual books.
The couple, who lived in Salmaniya and raised sons in the kingdom, both of who went on to lay strong foundations for their successful careers at the Indian School Bahrain.
Gigin George, 29, works in logistics and continues to live in Bahrain with his wife, Roshni Gigin. His brother Geevan, 27, pursued a degree in commerce before deciding to become a priest.
“He has completed his religious studies and will be ordained this September,” proud mother Ms George remarked.
The couple has been active members of St Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral and forged longstanding friendships with other parishioners.
“We are not too social but we met our friends occasionally,” noted the talented cook who recounted making her signature butter chicken – especially at these gatherings – which is equally revered by her children and friends.
While many plan a second innings after retirement, the couple has no such intentions. They wish to enjoy their retirement, rest and, most of all, take care of Mr George’s 97-year-old mother to the best of their abilities.
“We have lived here longer than we have in India and will always miss Bahrain but we are going for a good purpose and so we are happy,” Mr Skariah added.
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