Surya (SP) had a chat session with some young Kuwaiti engineers on the occasion of the release of IIK’ special supplement Shukran Kuwait to elicit their views on India and Indians living in Kuwait. It is heartening to note that all had similar views on similar questions asked to them. It is apparent from their views that future for Indian professionals working in Kuwait is quite bright and secure.

Fatma Behbehani (FJB) is a young engineer and has very good relationship between her Indian colleagues. She says I respect Indian people for their hard and sincere work. She belongs to a highly respectable family in Kuwait and their family believes in being down to earth always and being helpful to the needy and the poor.

SP: In your interactions with Indian professionals what is the factor that has impressed you?

FJB: They are friendly and helpful. I like to work with them for their knowledge and their attitude.

SP: According to you why Kuwait has become a second home for many Indians?

FJB: Kuwait offers a very good life style at a reasonable and economical price to all its citizens and residents. This includes cost of water, electricity and other essentials for good life. Kuwait provides all sorts of opportunities for those expats who are willing to work and earn their livelihood in legal and decent way. Also bringing the families and staying here in Kuwait is quite easy. It also offers opportunities for ladies to work.

SP: Can you name some Indian dishes you like the most?

FJB: Butter chicken and naan. I am a big fan of spicy food and hence a big fan of biryani. The sweet dish Gulaab Jaamun is my favourite.

SP: Who are the Indian actors you know of and whom do you like the most and why?

FJB: I like many Indian actors, but I wish to name a few of them.. ofcourse Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan & Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachan and his wife the sweet little lady Jaya Bachan. The beautiful Aishwarya Rai mesmerizes me. Kajol and Kareena Kapoor are my other favourite actors. for me.

SP: Name some Indian films you have seen? Any favourite songs?

FJB: In my childhood days and during my holidays I always made it a point to visit the video shop and buy many Indian film cassetes. I have a library of them now.

My all time favourite is Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gum which I have it on My Favourite List on my TV and possibly I am the only one in the world that has watched this movie about a 100 times and still the count is increasing. The songs are a big hit for me. The recently released movies Dilwale and Bhajrang Bhai Jaan is another favourite movie. Another movie I remember is Chori Chori Chupke ChupKe.

My favourite songs are all in the above films.

SP: If you are asked to visit India, which place in India you wish to visit?

FJB: Taj Mahal is on top of my list. New Delhi the capital of India and Kashmir.

SP: Why do Kuwait and India enjoy such friendly relations?

FJB: Most of our older generations travelled to India for trade and established shops and business joints both in India and in Kuwait. Therefore, the friendly relations between these two countries are very old and going strong.

Maha Al-Khudairi(MAK) is a young engineer working in Kuwait Oil Company. She has a special appreciation for Indians and she has special liking for Indian movies. She belongs to a respectable family on Kuwait. Their family always helps people who are in need and in poor condition. The family believes in only hard work and in being sincere and humble.