38 July 2012 BTM happeningsclubssocieties A Second Home Alison Coldridge An infectious spirit, teamed with some of the best events on the island, is a winning combination for one large expatriate club in the Kingdom. The Indian Club of Bahrain has been running for just a few years shy of a century; an incredible achievement that has been reached through one simple aim. “Whatever the members want, the members get,” states the current president, Vijay Bhatia. The club represents a family; it’s a second home where a huge percentage of the 1,200 members know one another. “We work together and listen to what our members would like and we action that as best we can,” Vijay explains. “Our members stay members, sometimes for their whole lives. I myself take pride that, after 45 years of coming to the club, I finally have the chance to serve everybody,” he says. The club’s large premises in Manama features a huge range of entertainment options, including a library, two bars, a games room, a football pitch, a stage, a racket court, a gym and much more. “We are well-known for our many sub-clubs, including a toastmasters club for adults and kids, as well as one for arts and a host of sports,” adds Vijay. There’s also a jam-packed annual calendar filled with diverse events that both young and old can take pleasure from. “We celebrate everything. India is filled with people of different religions, cultures and interests and we endeavour to cover these all throughout the year,” he continues. During August alone, the club will observe Eid Al Fitr, the Hindu Holy Month, and hold a Bandra Fair, similar to the one held in the Indian district itself. “These events aren’t segregated; instead everyone comes together and celebrates with one another like a true family,” he observes. But the biggest upcoming festivity has to be the celebration of India’s Independence Day. Vijay, along with the other committee members, has gathered many forms of entertainment for the members to enjoy. “We begin the day at 6:30am with the hoisting of both the Bahraini and Indian flags,” Vijay advises. “This is followed by a breakfast party and then in the evening the celebrations really begin, with dance shows, DJs and, of course, plenty of delicious food.” The day is a double celebration for the children as their summer camp comes to a close and they will have a performance prepared for the evening. “We are tremendously lucky as we have great support from both the Indian ambassador to Bahrain, who we view as our patron, and from the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development,” Vijay says. “The Indian Embassy will also hoist a flag to mark the Independence Day, but slightly later than us at 7am.” Other events planned for the year include a pool party in September, a beauty pageant, Diwali celebrations and an indoor games tournament in November and both Bahrain National Day and Christmas in December. E Visit www.indianclubbahrain.com. Vijay Bhatia When? August 15 | Event? India’s Independence Day | Venue? Indian Club Spend an evenings at the Bahrain Cinema Club every Wednesday throughout August, where an entirely different film will be screened each week. First up is the Iranian A Moment of Innocence, followed by American drama Regret to Inform. Russian/ German Mother and Son is a story of love and patience and the multicultural Half Moon sees an Iranian Kurdish musician embark on an arduous journey to play at a concert. Finally American film The Woodsman, showing a child molester trying to start a new life after years in prison. E Call 39 682-323. Worldly Cinema
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