50 August 2018 www.bahrainthismonth.com indiaindependence Sports and Social Clubs Bhatia Mitra Mandal Founded in 1959, this club is dedicated to bringing together the Sindhi community of Bhatias. The 142-member club, started by the Thattai Bhatia community, revolves around family picnics, cultural programmes and community games. Its major annual events are the camping trip to Sakhir and the club’s annual day. Call 39 461-794. Indian Ladies Association (ILA) This organisation began as a sewing club in 1956, but over the years the ILA has consolidated its representation of Indian roots and charitable endeavours. As well as being known for their annual Dandiya gala, fundraisers and community service, members also run the Project Sneha, a centre for children with special needs. Call 39 464-734. Kerala Social & Cultural Association (KSCA) Founded in 1982 by the Nair community, KSCA was established to help the working-class Indians and Keralites in the Kingdom. Engaging mainly in charitable, social and cultural activities, the members get together to celebrate festivals such as Vishu, Onam, Vijay Dashmi and Diwali. Call 17 251-941. Maharashtra Cultural Society (MCS) Established in 1991, MCS offers the island’s Maharashtrians a sense of home and community. It houses a health centre, an auditorium, a kids’ play area, a library and a gaming room. The club’s major annual events include Salaam Bahrain, Ganesha Festival, Maharashtra Day, a blood donation drive and a free health camp. Call 17 272-050. Shri Gujarati Samaj (SGS) One of the largest business communities in India, Gujaratis gather under the canopy of SGS in Bahrain. Established in the early 1980s, the club has nearly 700 dedicated members. Apart from its charitable works, it is famous for its Kite Festival. Call 33 011-158. Tamil Social and Cultural Association-Bahrain (TSCA) Serving as a home away from home for the Tamil community in Bahrain, TSCA was founded in 1983. While working to nurture the Tamil culture in this foreign land, it also organises fundraising activities and offers yoga classes, sports activities, and a Gavel Club for members’ children. Call 17 179-723. Indian Ladies Association Young Goans Though numerous members of Bahrain’s large Indian expatriate community have lived in the Kingdom for many years and look upon it as their second home, they still manage to preserve their traditions and heritage through their cultural, culinary, charitable and commercial activities. The island is served by a plethora of clubs and societies that unite the diverse diaspora giving long-time residents and new arrivals the chance to get together and join in community activities that impart a taste of home. Getting Together
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