Indian expatriates Neelam and Om Prakash Vig will bid a heartfelt farewell to the kingdom as they fly back to their hometown on Thursday after 48 memorable years.
Mr Vig arrived in 1977, beginning his journey with Asry. Like most expatriates who moved to the island for better opportunities in the 70s, he initially planned to stay only a few years – but fate had other plans.
“I came to this beautiful island in search of better opportunities for a short time, never imagining that Bahrain would become my home,” the Umm Al Hassam resident told the GDN.
“I could not have dreamed of leading such a fulfilling, peaceful and dignified life anywhere else. I am deeply grateful to the country, its people and its gracious leadership for the love and respect we received during our stay here. I wish Bahrain continued success and pray it always remains a beacon of peace and harmony,” he added.
The 78-year-old began his career in Bahrain with Asry before moving on to the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) a few years later.
“I have had the opportunity to work in professional, respectful and co-operative work cultures. I cannot speak more highly about my wonderful colleagues who have shaped my experience,” he added.
His wife Neelam, 68, a Hindi language teacher at the Indian School Bahrain, joined him in the kingdom after their marriage in 1981 and shares his sentiments.
“Over more than 28 years, I have built lifelong bonds with my colleagues and students – relationships that will continue even after my retirement,” she noted.
“When I came to Bahrain for the first time as a young girl leaving home, I was nervous about living in a new and unfamiliar place. But those worries faded quickly. I found Bahrain to be peaceful, warm and comfortable, and it soon started to feel like home.”
In the years that followed, the couple lived in Adliya where they had their children; eldest Sachin was born at Jidhafs Maternity Hospital in Muharraq and now lives with his family in Kuwait. Their daughters were born in Salmaniya Medical Complex; Neha is married and settled in Gurgaon, India, and the youngest, Nidhi, is also married and lives in Dubai. All three attended the Indian School Bahrain and have fond memories of their life in the kingdom. Outside of school, they regularly participated in cultural activities at the Indian Club, where the Vigs were active members.
Reminiscing about earlier times, the couple reflected on how Bahrain has transformed dramatically from the early 1980s to today. They describe the kingdom’s ‘beautiful blend of modernity and tradition’ as especially endearing.
“The island has always been peaceful and full of joy, thanks to the harmonious coexistence of local and expatriate communities,” the father-of-three remarked.
As the couple prepares to return to Delhi and begin a new chapter, they carry with them decades of cherished memories, treasured friendships and immense gratitude for a country that embraced them as its own.
“We now want to spend time with family and contribute to social welfare initiatives, continuing the spirit of service that defined our years in Bahrain,” Ms Vig added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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