UAE | Media
The pillars of society: India Club
As gulf news celebrates its 30th anniversary, we find out what the prominent people in the UAE think about the progress the nation and the newspaper have made
- By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 01:18 September 30, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- The India Club in Dubai.
As gulf news celebrates its 30th anniversary, we find out what the prominent people in the UAE think about the progress the nation and the newspaper have made
Gulf News has always highlighted the Indian community's growth, its achievements and shortcomings.
"There was not even a single day when the Indian community felt neglected by Gulf News. Over the past three decades, it has become the newspaper for us," said Mohan Valrani, one of the oldest members and the founding chairman of the India Club.
Fair reportage
An avid reader of Gulf News since its launch, Valrani said the fair and extensive coverage that India Club and the community in general received from the newspaper have brought prestige and honour to Indians in the UAE.
Whether it was charitable activities, social get-togethers or high-profile visitors to the Club from India or abroad, Gulf News has been at the forefront covering
the events.
At the same time, Gulf News was also the first to highlight the community's shortcomings, thus serving as a mirror. "All news was not always good news. But even if it was bitter at times, the community felt it was fair," he said.
What makes the relationship between Gulf News and the Indian community unique is the trust and confidence the two share. It has grown over the years, as one complemented the other. Every new initiative saw greater levels of cooperation, he said.
Valrani has seen the evolution of Gulf News from a start-up to the world-class newspaper it is today, including the early days of struggle, the management changes, the relaunch and competition from new players in the market. But its popularity has always been growing.
The newspaper has not only witnessed but also played an active role in the India Club's formative years. Founded by a few enthusiastic businessmen in 1964 who wanted a hang-out, India Club, formerly known as the Indian Sports Club, has become an important platform for social interaction and entertainment for the Indian community.
Active social scene
According to Valrani, noteworthy events at the club such as cricket matches, billiards and badminton tournaments were reported so well by Gulf News that they became important events in the sporting calendar of even neighbouring GCC countries.
He said the fine arts and recreational scene at the Club was also vibrant from early days. Almost all noted names in Indian cinema have visited the Club. The entertainment and social scene also received Gulf News' attention as celebrities performed at the club.
"Being the most popular newspaper in the region, Gulf News has always given a boost to our initiatives. Whenever we held fund-raising events for tsunami or earthquake victims, it was the print space we got in Gulf News that brought in the contributions," said Valrani.
The India Club was also a hotspot for visiting political personalities, though the club has clearly kept away from political leanings of any kind.
"The distinctive thing about the India Club is that it has become part and parcel of our life in Dubai. Older members like me still visit the place at least twice a month. Generations have grown up in the club. We have seen love blossom and culminate in happy marriages at the club.
"Kids who used to run around and play in the club's premises as their parents were engaged in various club activities are business tycoons today," said Valrani.
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