ABU DHABI — Jun 25: India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) and other registered associations functioning in Abu Dhabi bid farewell to the Indian ambassador to the UAE, C.M. Bhandari, who will leave for India in the first week of July.

At the ISC, the ambassador met members of the Indian community who came to say goodbye to him.

Thomas John, honorary president of ISC,  said: “You are really our pride and you are the first who contributed to the new building of ISC. The Indian community in Abu Dhabi will never forget you and your services to us.”

B.R. Shetty, CEO of NMC Group, termed him a patron and mentor and lauded his services to the community. He said that Bhandari had always been his role-model and source of inspiration. He also ensured the presence of Bhandari on the inaugural ceremony of new Dh30 million ISC building which is due to open in September.

The ambassador thanked the benevolent leader late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who had donated the plot to the Indian community for building its social centre. He also thanked all community members for their love, compassion and attachment showed to him.

He recounted the achievements of Indian embassy during the past two years. He focused on the visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the labour agreement signed between the two countries.

The farewell ceremony was organised by the ISC in association with Abu Dhabi Malayali Samajam, Indian Islamic Centre, Kerala Social Centre and Indian Ladies Association.

K.V. Prakash, vice-president of ISC, thanked the audience.

KHALEEJ TIMES