Embassy holds Non-Resident Indian Day celebrations at labour camp

The Indian mission in the UAE held Non-Resident Indian Day celebrations at a labour camp for the first time this year.

Labourers attend a celebration to mark Non-Resident Indian Day at the Dulsco Village workers’ camp in Dubai’s Al Quoz area. Christopher Pike / The National

DUBAI // Sanjeev Kumar has worked in Dubai for more than 12 years, but it was not until this week that he joined celebrations for Non-Resident Indian Day.

For the first time, the Indian mission in the UAE celebrated the annual event with blue-collar workers at the labour camp in Dulsco Village in Al Quoz.

Hundreds of Indian workers participated in the event on Monday for the annual occasion, which marks the contribution made by the overseas Indian community to the development of their home country.

“We usually heard about such events taking place in five-star hotels,” said Mr Kumar, a security officer. “We are so happy that the Indian mission has also decided to invite us to join the celebration.”

Angrez Singh, 37, who has worked in Dubai for about a decade, said the celebration made him feel proud to be Indian.

“We live together with so many different nationalities here, but our embassy is the only organisation that works for its people. It is a great feeling when you are told that your country cares for you,” he said.

Blue-collar workers constitute 80 per cent of the Indian community in the UAE, said Bharatbhai Shah, a prominent businessman in Dubai who moved to the UAE in 1962. He said they represented their country with skills and hard work.

“This day is dedicated to all of you and all Indians who are working hard in the UAE,” he told the crowd.

Kapil Raj, second secretary at the Indian embassy, told the workers that the Indian government was creating a plan to educate Indians preparing to work overseas about the sensitivities of the countries where they will work as well as skills needed for their jobs.

“Indian workers are popular across the world not just because of their skills and hard work, but also because of their best behaviour,” Mr Raj said.

“It is always a proud moment for the country when its people are appreciated for their work and right attitude.”

During the event, the embassy showed films produced by the Indian government showcasing the country’s growth and prosperity, as well as government efforts to help overseas workers.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) is celebrated each year on January 9, and conventions for it have been held annually since 2003.

Officials say the conventions help Indian expatriates to engage with the government.