IndiansinKuwait.com 1 Ambassador’s Message On behalf of the Government and the 1.3 billion people of the Republic of India, and the Indian Community in Kuwait, I extend my heartiest greetings to the leadership, the Government, and the people of the friendly State of Kuwait on the happy occasion of the 60th Anniversary of National Day and the 30th Anniversary of Liberation Day of Kuwait. I take this opportunity to convey my heartiest greetings and best wishes for the continued good health and personal wellbeing to His Highness Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah; His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah; and His Highness the Prime Minister, and a warm, festive greetings to the friendly people of the State of Kuwait. This year is an important milestone in our relationship as we will be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations of our two friendly countries. Our already close bilateral relationship extends beyond the centuries old historical and cultural linkages to encompass political, trade, economic and vibrant people- to-people ties. Today our bilateral relationship has evolved into a long standing dynamic partnership. While remaining committed to working closely with Kuwait in enhancing our bilateral cooperation in all spheres, I pray for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the State of Kuwait. And finally, for all the love, warmth and care, on behalf of the Indian Community in Kuwait, “Shukran Jazeelan Li Daulat ul Kuwait”. - H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Kuwait 2 IndiansinKuwait.com IndiansinKuwait.com 3 Long live this friendship, India - Kuwait Report: Reshmy Krishnakumar Nineteen years before, on a It is a fact that the history of like Mauritius, Seychelles, Bahrain, National Day, I landed in Kuwait deep-rooted relationship between Oman, Barbados, and Dominica for the first time. As a new comer, India and Kuwait can be traced have been benefitted by this gesture. Samara Group completely ignorant of Kuwait, I back to decades; and it is true Many more countries are expected to remember that I was very much that documented as well as non- receive the vaccines in this manner interested to know and explore Kuwait documented evidences exist in this from India, especially from Africa more and more. I used to read from regard. But, feeling happy and pride and Latin America. What make this all possible sources to know Kuwait reading those stories of past has gone. even more significant is the fact that better, its history, its journey forward Today, I, or rather, our generation, is India is extending its support to even etc. All I knew until then was the blessed to witness the warmth of that economically and infrastructurally story of Iraqi Invasion and Liberation ‘decade old friendship’ right in front disadvantaged countries while taking that came in newspapers back at my of our eyes, the reason being “Covid care of its citizens parallelly. But, as home. Knowing Kuwait closer, along 19”. a person who holds both India and with the other specialities of Kuwait In April, Indian Air Force flight Kuwait very much close to heart, that life, unfurled before me the intensity touched down Kuwait Air Base with moment was something very special. of its time tested close connections medical supplies and a team of Indian #VaccineMaitri, the vaccine with India. doctors and healthcare specialists to diplomacy drive by India that earned Both countries share a well-built join hand in the efforts of the Kuwaiti the respect and admiration of the partnership, which has its roots Government to fight Covid 19. The whole world, is something each on history, culture and economy. I arrival of rapid response team from one of us, as an Indian, is proud was surprised to know that Indian India was the result of the decision today. The Corona virus, a standing currency and postal stamps were in by the leaders of both the countries out household name, is something circulation here. Also, Indian teak to have a collective and coordinated that socked the world. India is the wood was used for building Kuwaiti effort against the pandemic. This solution everyone is looking at. She dhows. Geographic closeness, happened just because of the is in the limelight as a saviour. She is historical trade connections, cultural close ties existed between both the supplying doses of the Serum Institute resemblance and existence of a countries and their search of ways manufactured COVISHIELD vaccines large number of Indian expatriates to reinforce the relationship during and Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN, even maintain and foster this friendship. challenging times. free of cost to many countries in need India has been a business partner Later in February, few weeks and cannot afford it. and a point for higher education. before, Kuwait received first lot of India believes in the concept My surprise and joy knew no bounds ‘Made in India” vaccines showcasing “Vasudeva Kudumbakam-the whole when I met someone who cherished again the valued friendship between world is one family” and the State of the memories of holidays she spend the two countries. My emotions Kuwait believes in mutual respect in India with her grandfather who reading the tweet by External Affairs and peace valuing relationships. went there for business. In the arena Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar Together they believe in universal of education, science & technology reiterating the close tie between brotherhood, being the part and and media, there have been regular both countries was beyond words. parcel of one big family, the world; interactions between Kuwait and It is true that Kuwait is not the and I, as a happy resident of Kuwait India. Gradually, I started loving first or the sole country where this and proud citizen of India, feel so Kuwait, not only as my breadwinning vaccine was taken. Neighbouring blissful to watch them marching Samara Auto Supplies Ltd. land, but also as the close friend of my countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, forward, hand in hand, in rhythm motherland, India. Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan of universal brotherhood and co- Kuwait and Sri Lanka and other countries operation. 4 IndiansinKuwait.com IndiansinKuwait.com 5 “It was a difficult task to Gandhi's portrait paint Gandhi,” Mr. Qattan told <i>IndiansinKuwait.com</i>. He done by Kuwaiti Artist started collecting Gandhi’s images from internet, reviewed a lot of books and even watched the famous film Mahmoud Al-Qattan “The Gandhi”. IIK Staff Reporter “During that time I got an opportunity to travel to South Africa and I happened to visit one of the museums there where I saw lot of Gandhi’s photos,” said Mr. Qattan. This gave me more inspiration to paint Gandhi, he said. Mahmoud Al-Qattan, a retired officer from Kuwait Army, is a well- known artist among the citizens. Focusing on portrait paintings, he uses several medium and the classes. Mahmoud Al-Qattan has and examining 100s of photos of in presence of several dignitaries favourite one is oil on canvas. He has his own separate studio where he Gandhiji from the net, the toughest and Kuwaiti artists by the Indian received several recognitions locally trains young children specialized in part came next. “Most of the images Ambassador to Kuwait Sri Sibi and internationally. portraits. are black and white. So painting the George. A Member of Kuwait Arts Gandhiji is not the only Indian image in Color was the next tough “I am very happy that my painting Association, many of his paintings face attracted to Qattan’s canvas. A task,” Mr Qattan said. is now displayed at Indian Embassy,” are exhibited at the Art Association Bollywood fan, Qattan had earlier After I completed the painting, I said Mr Qattan. “Inshal Alla I wish hall in Hawally. painted the king of Bollywood just sent a photo of this to the Indian to visit India very soon,” Qattan Kuwait Arts Association is a Mr. Sharukh Khan and Salman Embassy officer and they were very said. Mr Qattan, who wishes to paint gathering place for all Kuwaiti Artists. Khan, both paintings were highly much delighted with this, he said. Indira Gandhi as his next painting They have around five permanent appreciated by his Kuwaiti friends. On 30th January, when the Embassy hopes to visit India soon once the galleries at their headquarters at “Painting Gandhi was not an easy was celebrating Martyers day, Mr Covid Pandemic is cleared. Hawally. Members paintings are task,” Qattan said. After collecting Qattan’s painting was unveiled always exhibited there and it is free to visit and enjoy the collection. They also conduct drawing On 30th January, when the whole classes for the art enthusiast for a India is celebrating Martyr’s Day, nominal charge. Irrespective of your Indian Embassy in Kuwait unveiled a nationality, anyone can join their beautiful portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at its auditorium. The painting will be more beautiful once you come to know about the wonderful painter. It was painted by the famous Kuwaiti artist Mr. Mahmoud Al-Qattan. Last year, when an Indian Embassy officer visited Kuwait Arts Association hall, it was his casual talk to a group of Kuwaiti artists to paint Gandhiji. But for Mahmoud Al- Qattan, it was not just a diplomatic talk. He took the challenge and started exploring Mahatma Gandhi. 6 IndiansinKuwait.com IndiansinKuwait.com 7 Shukran Kuwait- Kuwait - A Safe Place for A place I can call home All Women Report: M.R. Raghu Report: S. Surya Prakash All good things should come to Kuwait is a land that is predominantly to its nationals.