As I write this farewell note to you, it is likely that you are in the process of giving final touches to some of the key tasks so that the incoming ambassador can settle in and carry forward the initiatives of the mission.
It is quite likely that you may not know me by my name, but I have met you on various occasions and even communicated with you through my twitter handle and you have at all times responded to my tweets. Making me known to you is not the purpose of this note, but I wouldn’t mind it either if this attempt does help in some way.
Last month, we received the news that your tenure in Bahrain is getting over by mid-May 2015, and a new ambassador will take over the charge. During one of our last meetings in September 2014, I recall you mentioned that a change of guard at the mission is likely to be announced soon.
When I read the news through your tweet, I had mixed emotions.
On the one hand, after more than four years of service to fellow Indians in Bahrain, other NRIs in your new country of posting will be benefactors of your dedicated and tireless service, while on the other hand, you will be leaving behind a vacuum which will be hard to fill very soon by anyone.
Contrary to the famous quote “An Ambassador is an honest gentleman sent to lie abroad for the good of his country”, I believe that you are an honest gentleman sent to Bahrain for doing good to fellow Indians here at all times.
I still remember the days in 2011 when the Arab Spring had engulfed many nations including Bahrain and you had barely taken charge – not one of the best times to be in the midst of the crisis when most would prefer to run for their own safety. As you had mentioned in one interview it was one of the most challenging times for you and so was it for all of us.
At that time when most countries had issued advisories to their citizens to move out of Bahrain and facilitate the process of evacuation, I remember your tweet which said, “Stay calm, we will get through this together”. It was indeed comforting to know that you were assessing the situation as it developed and were in touch with local authorities and communicating regularly about the same and thus avoided any panic among us.
Responding to a query whether you would evacuate us if the situation so demands, I recall you responded that there was a plan in place for the same but thankfully that was never needed to be activated. With God’s grace and the unstinting support of Bahrain’s leadership combined with your selfless service, we all managed to move forward.
Under your tenure, there were many milestones which I can think of. Be it the historic visit of the Crown Prince and His Majesty King Hamad to India, the laying of the foundation stone of the embassy’s own premises in Seef, the first ever Gulf country visit of the new External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, accompanying the Crown Prince on the occasion of Diwali to long-standing Indian families in Bahrain and the list just continues. These are testimony of the faith and respect that you have earned both from within this country and India.
Moreover, you were always available to help needy Indians. Through the Embassy open houses, liaison offices, periodic meetings facilitated under your aegis, many have benefited.
Sir, you will always be known for your humility and accessibility at all times in any hour of need. I sincerely wish you all the very best in future endeavours.
Before I end, I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs Mala Kumar, who undoubtedly has been a source of inspiration for many and a pillar of support for you. Mrs Kumar has carved a special place for herself in the hearts of the Bahraini and Indian community through her involvement in various social welfare schemes and her work is here to stay.
God bless you with good health and endless opportunities to be of service to our great nation.
Jai Hind.
Maheshkumar Narayan