bahrainthismonth.com | AUGUST 2026 INDIA IN BAHRAIN 48 to worker accommodation. Its youth wing, Vibe Tribe, encourages younger members to participate in community activities including beach clean-ups and family camp days. As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the association also hosted the Nightingales of Bahrain Service Award 2026 at the King Hamad American Mission Hospital, recognising 70 Bahraini and expatriate nurses who have each dedicated more than 25 years to the profession. Cultural Connections Alongside its charitable work, the ILA continues to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage while embracing Bahrain’s traditions. Annual events including Diwali, Onam and Dandiya Utsav are shared with the wider community, while programmes such as the Arabian Nights Grand Ghabga during Ramadan reflect the association’s commitment to cultural exchange. 70Years of Giving As the Indian Ladies Association celebrates its Platinum Jubilee, the organisation continues to strengthen its legacy through friendship, community service and cultural exchange while supporting initiatives that benefit communities across the Kingdom. Established in 1956 by a group of women led by Leela Jashanmal, the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) is the oldest expatriate women’s organisation in Bahrain and the wider GCC. With more than 200 members, the ILA has spent seven decades building connections between the Indian and Bahraini communities. Its work reflects both the Indian tradition of Seva, or selfless service, and the Bahraini value of Karam, meaning generosity and hospitality. Sneha One of the ILA’s longest-running initiatives is SNEHA, a free recreation centre supporting children of all nationalities with intellectual disabilities. From its upgraded facility, qualified teachers and volunteers provide structured life skills training, including personal grooming, independent eating and basic household tasks, alongside activities such as yoga, dance, painting and cooking. Every service, including specialised transport, is provided free of charge through support from donors and annual fundraising events. Community Support The association also runs a range of outreach programmes focused on supporting vulnerable communities across Bahrain. Its Speak Easy Programme helps low-income workers and domestic helpers develop practical English language skills while also providing guidance on legal awareness, personal safety and confidence building. The ILA also organises medical check-ups, wellness seminars and community drives delivering home-cooked meals and dry rations The organisation’s contribution has also received official recognition. H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, recently praised the ILA as an important partner in the Kingdom’s continued development. Looking ahead, the association plans to expand its community initiatives while continuing to strengthen relationships across Bahrain’s diverse communities. “We have grand plans for our 70th year which blend ambitious community programmes with celebrations of the ILA spirit,” says Honorary President Smitha Jensen. “We want to build bridges of companionship, cultural understanding with other communities and community service wherever it is needed. Our goal is to make the ILA a many-storied powerhouse that will bring together women of all nationalities to understand one another and shine a light on their unique talents.”
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