SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021 ISSUE 398

8SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021bahrainthisweekINDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALTHE EVOLVINGINDIAN CUISINEFood is part of human life since inception.No day or occasion is complete withoutfood. India, with its diverse cultureowing to various religions and climaticconditions, has a rich culinary heritagethat has really evolved in the last 75years of Independence.India has the best of all the worldcuisines apart from its own heritage.Each part of India specializes in regionalcuisines and leaves an impression on thetourists visiting. Indian food is not aboutrecipes, but more about the legacy andthe stories being told through food.There was a time when people usedto stick to the regulars like the Dosa,sambar, idli in South Indian cuisine,Kolkata biryanis and rolls in the East,vada pav and pav bhaji in the West,and biryanis and qormas of North India.However, over the decades, Indians havegrown experimental and open to worldcuisines especially the Asian, MiddleEastern and European food.I have traveled the length and breadthof this country and after doing morethan 2000 food reviews I have come tothe conclusion that there is still a lotto explore. I also explored a lot of newdishes during my travels and especiallyloved the Middle Eastern flavors. Writinga book on kebabs and biryanis mademe travel to a couple of countries. Thelong-time friendship of India, Bahrainespecially impressed me with its local aswell as international cuisine restaurants.I was amazed to see Indian restaurantsdoing very well in Bahrain. Who couldhave imagined having a Samosa, CholaBhatura, or Puchka in Bahrain? Thequality of meat and ingredients make alot of difference. Surprisingly the bestMalabar Biryani I had was at a restaurantin Bahrain.After 75 years of independence, I thinknow people have become independent intheir food choices as well. With times tocome, food will evolve further and a lot ofcross-promotional activities will take place.ABOUT THE AUTHOROsama Jalali is a veteran food critic,historian turned chef, and foodconsultant, who contributed mainly to thenewspaper “The Hindu” along with otherpublications through his career of overa decade. He has successfully reviewedmore than 2000 restaurants. Osama isone of the few writers who have notrestrained himself to just writing but alsoloves to work in the kitchen. He curates,Mughlai, Frontier , Rampuri, Shahjahani,Lost Recipes menus with his wife BegumNazia Khan & mother Begum NazishJalali popularly known as Ammi Jalalifor premium hotels and private Daawatsacross the globe. Born and brought upin the by lanes of Old Delhi, his parentalroots belong to a princely estate in UttarPradesh called Rampur, which is famousfor its unique Rampuri Gharana cuisines.After consulting and setting up manyrestaurants and outlets for clients acrossthe globe, The Mughal Plate by Jalalis isthe first & only personal venture by theJalalis. It’s a cloud kitchen based in NoidaIndia, delivering across Delhi. NCR takingorders a day before.BY: OSAMA JALALI

10SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021bahrainthisweekINDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALTHE TREASURED MOMENTFOR PROUD INDIANS!As India completes 75th IndependenceDay; commemorating a victoriouslandmark in the history of India andyet another glorious year of herIndependence, it is a treasured moment inthe hearts of all proud Indians.To observe this special day, we Indianshonor freedom fighters of all age groupsand pay immense tribute to the relentlessstruggle and sacrifices of our countrymen,who laid their lives to achieve freedomfor our nation. On this beautiful day,let us motivate our fellow countrymento blossom in the spirit of freedom andpride. Let us treat all our countrymenequally without discriminating againstthem on the grounds of religion, caste,status, gender, or cultural bias. Let usempower each other and help in thegrowth and development of our nation.Our country exhibits diversity in terms oflanguages, customs, traditions, cultures,foods, and celebrationsFrom Kashmir to Kanyakumari, you’llfind diversity among all people andtheir lifestyles. Yet, we consider all ourIndians as our brothers and sisters. Hencewe Indians strongly believe in “Unity inDiversity”.Needless to say, our Kingdom ofBahrain also has a major role in thedevelopment of India. India and thisbeautiful island that goes back togenerations, with many of Bahrain'smost prominent figures having closeties with India. The vibrant and dynamicIndian communities here in Bahrainconstitute a key link in our bilateralrelations. The two countries have had anexcellent collaboration in dealing withthe pandemic of COVID-19. Together, wehave been able to fight back and takethe best preventive measures to keep thepandemic at bay.We have come decades ahead ofour Independence era with significanteconomic reforms and liberalizationin trade and commerce. Starting fromthe year 1991, our country changedthe outlook of governance. A newIndia with an enlarged vision and roadmap for the future was on the cards.The transformation from a snailpaced economy to a rapidly growingadministration created further inroads forbusiness expansions.Modernization, backed withinnovations, helped to build top-classinfrastructure for our country. As oftoday, we can see higher life expectancyrates with state-of-the-art medicaltreatments and facilities in every part ofthe country. The country is slated to seea spike in the number of literates withthe implementation of the New EducationPolicy of 2021. The per capita income ofevery household has increased by manyfolds, creating sustainable developmentof the nation at all levels.Providing greater access to electricityand connecting even remote villages isa significant achievement in the recentpast. Fewer power cuts and substantialpower reserves are created at allsignificant power plants of the country.Current negotiations with developednations have helped improve India’s talkson nuclear power deals.India is also inching fast in tappingunconventional sources of energy likewind energy and solar energy in everydayapplications. Another major area wherethe country can clinch past its opponentsis in its oil deals with oil-rich countries.It’s an enormous feat for domestic Indianmarkets as almost every house is fittedwith an LPG connection today.Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,the Government can build a toilet forevery household and thereby increasegood habits among people while in publicplaces. Cleanliness also is a significantcampaign of the Government under thisscheme. Higher GDP growths in the recentpast have indicated higher economicgrowth indices for the nation. India hasalways opened its doors to innovations,and the start-up culture is proof enoughfor this fact. With the arrival of Rafaeljets, India has increased its defensecapabilities by several folds.India has now become a favoritehotspot for millions of global investorsin various sectors. Aviation and spacepower has continued to draw investorminds into structuring deals with ourcountry. The ongoing global Coronaviruspandemic has not troubled theeconomic backbone of our country.We have been able to fight back andtake the best preventive measures tokeep the pandemic at bay. The financialsectors are also aiming at increasingproduction by stepping up theirinvestments. More job opportunities forthe youth are definitely on the agendalist of the Government. Our nationhas been pushing for significant policyreforms and higher visibility in trade andcommerce wings.The founding fathers of our nation,along with the numerous freedomfighters who gave their lives to thecountry, wanted this nation to beindependent and happy. Over the lastseven decades, India is now fulfillingthat dream, inching closer to becoming aglobal power. However, to march further inthis competitive world, a nation requiresscience and technology to be countedamong the best. It is here that we cancontribute. Even if each of us decidesto work with different problems of oursociety, we will see that we all make greatcontributions towards the nation’s future.BY: K.G.BABURAJANManaging Director of BKG Holding

REJOICE IN THE GLORY OF THE NATIONHAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAYTO ALL FELLOW INDIANS

12SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021bahrainthisweekINDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALWAEL PHARMACY CO W.L.L.Founded in 1966 by Mr. AbdulrahmanAlmahmeed, a healthcare professionaland a true visionary, a leading figure inthe country's pharmaceutical and medicalindustry together with his wife Dr. LaylaKabeer, a qualified paediatrician. WaelPharmacy Co. W.L.L. has a significantplace in the Kingdom's pharmaceuticaland medical industry. The leadinghealthcare organization enjoys a highlydiversified portfolio of companies bothin Pharma and Bio-Medical businesscategories.Wael Pharmacy Co. hold distributionagreements with top-notch multinationalcorporations and actively engaged in theimportation, warehousing, distribution,sales and marketing of pharmaceuticalproducts, laboratory products, healthcareconsumer products, nutritional products,dental products, surgical and medicaldisposable products, medical, dental andlab equipment.“Since its inception in 1966, WaelPharmacy Co. has dedicated itself to theadvancement of pharmaceutical andmedical services in the Kingdomof Bahrain. Through a scrupulousadherence to the highest ethicalstandards, unswerving professionalismand total commitment to our Principals,we have achieved sustainable growthand a number of highly rewardingand long-lasting partnerships. Ourcompany commands a major marketshare today. This has been achievedby our constant investment in moderninfrastructure and highly skilledwork force and, of course, togetherwith the well-established and highlyreputed international companies weare representing in this market”, saysAbdulrahman Almahmeed, Chairman &M.D of Wael Pharmacy Co W.L.L.Wael Pharmacy Co. has a leadingreputation of more than five decadesby adhering to their core values ofcustomer satisfaction, satisfaction ofour existing partners, ethical businesspolicies and building new partnerships.Wael Pharmacy has brought in modernworld of pharmaceutical and medicalinnovations closer to the healthcareindustry of Bahrain, thereby improvingquality of life of Bahrain's communityin association with their world-renownedpartners.Wael Pharmacy Co. is committedto bring to the community the besthealthcare innovations and servicesreasonably priced. Their prompt responseto after sales queries including safety andquality queries is well acclaimed for.Wael Pharmacy’s employees and theirfamilies enjoy a quality life/ work balanceas the management believe that they arethe main pillar of the organization andthe fuel for the growth.The responsibility to the communityis never ignored at Wael Pharmacyby doing the necessary investmentto raise the level of health awarenessthrough patients and healthcareeducational programs.Wael Pharmacy Co W.L.L. is one of thegood models of a long established andhighly successful family business in theKingdom of Bahrain.

Wael Pharmacy wishes all Indians aHappy Independence DayImportation, Distribution, Warehousing and Sales & Marketing of:Pharmaceutical Products II Laboratory Products II Healthcare Consumer ProductsNutritional Products II Dental Products II Surgical & Medical Disposable ProductsMedical, Dental & Lab EquipmentP.O. Box 648, Head Office :Bldg 806, Road 3315, Block 333,Umm Al Hassam, Manama, Kingdom of BahrainTel: 973 17 377 000, Fax: 973 17 377 100, 17 377 101Email: sales@waelpharmacy.com

14SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021bahrainthisweekINDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALUNEECO: KINGDOM’S PROMISE FOR QUALITYENGINEERING PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONSwith various international players inthe field of electrical and electronicsengineering to deliver quality productsand services to society at par with globalpractices and standards.UNEECO is the first factory to introducefully Type Tested Panels to the market thatmeets the latest IEC Standard high-qualityproducts. They also utilize state of the artfacilities and Design Solution software, foreffective engineering.The company has been involvedin several recognizable projectsand developments including theBahrain International Circuit, BahrainInternational Airport and Marassi.“Our Mantra is CustomerSatisfaction. Being an ISO CertifiedCompany, we are with a team ofexperienced and qualified people. Ourbusiness units are geared up to meetthe new challenges of the market. Oursuccess would not be possible without thecontribution of our customers, principals,vendors, and dedicated employees whohave shared in our incredible journeythus far”, said Mr. Abdulrahman Juma,Chairman & Managing Director of UNEECOMr. Abdulrahman Juma, Chairman & Managing Director of UNEECOThe Bahrain-based company UniversalElectro-Engineering (UNEECO) wasestablished in 1976 and spearheadedmany innovations to meet the diverseand changing needs of the region’selectrical and electronics engineeringsectors. As for its contributions, UNEECOhas earned the reputation of being theleading manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV)Switchgear Products and more.UNEECO established its first assemblyplant in Salmabad later moved to MinaSalman Industrial Area, and after 15years, it rooted its state of the art facilityin BIIP at Bahrain’s Al Hidd IndustrialArea. Over the years, UNEECO tied upHappy IndianIndependence DayAugust 15Lowest Rate& Shortest TimeRT-PCR TestQuantitativeAntibody TestFor Appointment1617181917288000

bahrainthisweekSUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 202115INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALTHE SPIRIT OF “WORKINGAS A FAMILY’ AT BANAGASThe Bahrain National Gas Company(Banagas) has played a significantrole in Bahrain’s meteoric rise on theglobal stage. With a wide experience inproducing LPG mainly Propane, Butaneand Naphtha in which all products areexported to the international market,Banagas also contributes 25% to thenatural gas network with its residue gaswhich is utilized by Alba and Bapco outof which mainly 75% owned by NOGAHolding, 12.5% by Chevron Bahrain,and 12.5% by Boubyan PetrochemicalCompany.The primary objective of theCompany is processing associated gasinto marketable products, Propane,Butane, and Naphtha, which are exportedworldwide and supplying residue gas forlocal industrial use.The Bahrain National Gas ExpansionCompany W.L.L. (Tawseah) wasincorporated in 2008 when the BanagasExpansion Project was converted intoan independent company, whollyowned by NOGA Holding. The companywas established to meet the growingassociated gas production in line withstrategies to enhance oil production fromthe Bahrain field.Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa AlKhalifa, who has led Banagas for nearlytwo decades has seen his company makegiant leaps in the industry and beyond.In January 2016 the Bahrain NationalGas Expansion Company W.L.L. and J.G.C.Corporation of Japan signed an Engineering,Procurement, and Construction (EPC)contract agreement to construct a new GasProcessing Plant (CGP-III) of 350 MMSCFDcapacity in the Bahrain Oil Field. In thesame year, an EMC contract was signedwith J.G.C. Gulf International Co. Ltd. toconstruct the Field Pipelines and SitraStorage Expansion Project. The Plant andStorage facilities were commissioned onNovember 2018.At Banagas, environmental, safety,and health excellence is one of thecorporate objectives. The employeesare considered as the most valuableassets. They are trained, fit, alert, andworking safely.The mission of Banagas is tocontribute to the growth and prosperityof the Kingdom of Bahrain by safeand effective processing of gas intomarketable products satisfying ourcustomer requirements. Banagas dothis by using a highly trained and welldeveloped Bahraini national workforcewhile maintaining full commitment tocommunity support, to the protection ofthe environment, and to the well-being ofemployees.Banagas has significantly increasedits contribution to the national economyas well as the employment market byproviding more than 100 additional jobsfor Bahraini nationals.

16SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021bahrainthisweekINDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIALINDIA IN THE PATHOF PROGRESSION!THE PHILANTHROPYAlthough India has faced earthquakesand tsunamis, COVID-19 has been one ofthe largest crises India has ever had toaddress. Yet, one of the silver linings ofthe pandemic is the generosity of peoplewho offered both financial and in-kindhelp. Notably, as per the recent WorldGiving Index report, India has risen tobecome the world’s 14th most charitablecountry, as a result of monetarycontributions made by philanthropists,corporations, non-profits, and individuals.From education to work, to socialengagements, all aspects of Indianlives changed in unprecedented ways,and it seems that these societal changeswill continue, now that the third waveof coronavirus is expected to hit laterthis year.As the COVID-19 pandemic spreadacross the country, charitable citizens– inindividual and collective capacities– notonly offered financial support, but alsocame up with unique, creative ideas toprovide help to India’s most vulnerablepopulations. From converting autorickshaws into ambulances to setting upCOVID-19 care helplines, and the citizensbecame more accustomed to givingwithout reservation.THE VACCINE DRIVEIndia is one of the first countries todevelop COVID-19 vaccine by BharatBiotech, Covaxin in collaboration with theIndian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)- National Institute of Virology (NIV). It isincluded along with immune-potentiatorswhich are added to the vaccine to increaseand boost its immunogenicity. Themonthly vaccine production capacity ofCovishield is planned to be increased from11 crore doses to more than 12 crore dosesper month and of Covaxin from 2.5 croredoses to around 5.8 crores. From January16 to August 5, 44.42 crore doses ofCovishield was supplied by Serum Instituteof India and 6.82 crore doses of Covaxin byBharat Biotech for the National COVID-19Vaccination Programme.IMPLEMENTING SPIRITUAL PATHA land of many religions and spirituality,India has addressed the mental effectsof the Pandemic in a spiritual way toovercome stress and anxiety caused bythe fast-paced sedentary lifestyles. TheIndian way of life envision the entireworld as ‘one family’, and the governmenthas urged religious leaders to take themessage of spirituality and service to theyouth and the masses.EDUCATIONIndia adapted and embraced onlineeducation as soon as the Pandemichit the country. For the effectiveimplementation of online education,The National Education Policy initiatedvarious policies such as National Missionon Foundational Literacy and NumeracyMission for preparing framework onFL&N, codification of learning outcomes;E-learning expansion through DIKSHA forproviding a large number of curriculumlinked e-content through several solutionssuch as QR coded Energized Textbooks(ETBs), courses for teachers, quizzes,etc.; an initiative called ‘Manodarpan’ formental health and wellbeing of students;CBSE exam reforms; and constitutingown Task Force in each to steerimplementation of the NEP provisions intheir respective jurisdiction.SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURECiting the role of farmers for increasedfood grain production in the previousyear, despite the severe hardship causedby the pandemic, the Indi

they changed jobs, ended up making it their home for over 20 years. It is . machine learning to its own challenges and data. In its capacity to handle challenges, current AI strategies are minimal, and . vada pav and pav bhaji in the West, SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, .