It is with a heavy heart, yet with profound gratitude, that I join the Indian diaspora in Bahrain in bidding farewell to Ambassador Vinod K Jacob, who is concluding his highly successful three-year tenure as India’s ambassador to Bahrain.
A diplomat of impeccable credentials and exemplary professionalism, Mr Jacob won the admiration and affection of the Indian community through his humility, simplicity, integrity, unwavering commitment, inspiring leadership and genuine empathy for the weaker sections of society. His tenure has been marked not only by diplomatic excellence but also by a deep personal connection with the people he served.
Having lived in Bahrain for the past 35 years, I have had the privilege of working closely with every Indian ambassador posted to the kingdom. Each one had a distinct style of leadership and contributed significantly to safeguarding India’s interests and serving the Indian diaspora. However, Mr Jacob’s tenure stands apart for its inclusiveness, innovation and people-centric approach.
India is a land of extraordinary diversity – our languages, cuisine, attire, traditions and art forms change from one region to another. Recognising this richness, Mr Jacob made a remarkable effort to connect with Indians from every corner of our country. He learned and spoke several Indian languages, including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi and others, often delivering speeches in the respective languages. This was far more than a diplomatic gesture; it was a heartfelt expression of his belief that every Indian, irrespective of their linguistic or cultural background, deserved to feel represented and valued.
His innovative initiative, ‘Focus State/UT’, beautifully showcased the culture, heritage and achievements of different Indian states, fostering greater understanding and unity among Indians while introducing Bahrain and the international community to the vibrant diversity of our nation. It was a visionary programme that reflected his commitment to strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy.
We, the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, remain deeply indebted to Mr Jacob for his guidance, encouragement, unwavering support and patronage throughout his tenure, particularly during the challenging times our community experienced. As the distinguished representative of the President of India, he has played a pivotal role in further strengthening the already warm and enduring friendship between India and Bahrain. The appreciation expressed by the Honourable External Affairs Minister during his recent visit to Bahrain stands as a fitting testament to these achievements.
On a personal note, I have always cherished the opportunity to work with Mr Jacob. I found him to be remarkably approachable, refreshingly straightforward, genuinely humble, and exceptionally effective. He was always accessible to the community and never hesitated to extend his support whenever needed. These qualities endeared him to people across all sections of the Indian community.
As he embarks on a new chapter in his distinguished diplomatic career, I extend my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the Indian diaspora in Bahrain, for his outstanding service, friendship and leadership. I wish Mr and Mrs Jacob and their family good health, happiness, continued success, and every blessing in the years ahead.
Thank you, Ambassador. Bahrain will remember you with great affection, and the Indian community will always remain grateful for the remarkable legacy you leave behind.
P V Radhakrishna Pillai
President, Bahrain
Keraleeya Samajam
&uuid=(email))