(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Thousands of workers who have left their homes to work in the UAE are the unsung heroes of the society and they need to know they have not been forgotten, a forum heard on Monday.
Twenty organisations and people who have contributed to promoting peace and coexistence in the UAE were honoured by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, at the forum titled 'Strengthening the Role of the Government as an Incubator for Tolerance'.
Sheikh Nahyan said the contributions made by the people, who are from different entities, cultures and backgrounds, are the epitome of co-existence, and have not only made this year's Labour Day event at Yas Island a great success for the 10,000 workers who attended, but have helped workers in various camps feel welcomed, appreciated, and not so far away from their own homes.
"The effective promotion of tolerance requires an active engagement and participation of all the country's stakeholders - the government, its citizens and even non-citizen residents. Tolerance for all means exactly that," said Sheikh Nahyan.
"Thousands of workers were treated to a wonderful night of entertainment and enjoyment (during the International Labour Day earlier this month). It is these sorts of events that change lives and perceptions and help embed tolerance in the wider community," he added.
Businessmen, philanthropists among honoured "We want the workers to know that they are remembered and appreciated, and to not feel lonely. They need to know that there are people out there who support and understand them," Shetty told Khaleej Times. "Workers come to the UAE to make money. They left their families in their home countries, so we're always trying to take care of them whenever they're in difficulty."
Shetty, who was born in Kerala, said it is important for the communities to contribute to those in need, adding that even the smallest gestures can help make the greatest difference.
"We go to the camps, we talk to the workers, entertain them, bring out their talents, and conduct competitions," he added.
US couple Jeff and Sandy Singer, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, were also honoured for their contribution to the workers in the UAE.
"We have to help people in need, regardless of their religion and nationality," said Sandy, who came to the UAE from the US.
Mohan Jashanmal, also received an award by the Ministry of Tolerance on Monday.
Jashanmal, whose family businesses have been operating in the Middle East for nearly 100 years, when his father first began its operation in Iraq back in 1919, said showing everyday acts of kindness helps societies grow and flourish.
"Today is about honouring the workers, because they have helped build what's around us," he told Khaleej Times.
"Think about the people who have contributed to the country - we are enjoying the benefits of everything, but we must not forget who helped build what we're enjoying."
Neeraj bhargava, principal of Abu Dhabi Indian School, also received an award for contributing to Labour Day.
Students from his school sang the UAE National Anthem at Labour Day and provided dance, entertainment and games for thousands of workers.
"We have been taking part in Labour Day since the year it started, because it's about giving back to the society."
"It's crucial for students to learn to respect the workers," he said.
Jordanian singer, Zain Awad, who took part in Labour Day, was also awarded for her kind gesture.
Awad spent three weeks working in various camps, in order to help bring out hidden musical talents in the workers and put smiles on their faces.
The Jordanian singer added: "My mission was to perform on stage with the workers and to sing songs in their own languages. The workers were first shy and reluctant to sing, but they opened up once they saw how enjoyable it is, and I discovered that many of them have incredible talents."
Serving home-cooked meals for 20 years Sathyapalan P., from Sathya Sai International Organisation, has been providing home-cooked meals to thousands of workers in various camps throughout the country, for the past 20 years. He was one of the recipients who was felicitated at the forum by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, on Monday.
His organisation includes 250 families who cook home-made meals, which is then distributed to more than 1,400 workers in around eight camps.
The food distribution takes place during the last week of every month, and Sathyapalan has been leading the initiative for the past two decades in the UAE.
"My message is: Love all, serve all," he said.
"Most of the workers here are without their families and without home-cooked meals. So we collect the food and serve the food in different camps, to make them feel at home."
He noted that he will continue to do what he can to contribute to the society, simply because making others happy, also makes him happy.
"Love is the fundamental unseen undercurrent. When you see the happiness that you give to someone, you will enjoy it."
KT NANO EDIT UAE celebrates unsung heroes
The UAE is a land of opportunities, where people celebrate hard work and perseverance. The leadership, especially, acknowledges the contribution of workers who toil hard and have helped transform this city into a mega metropolis, and ensure comfortable living for people here. By reaching out to them, the UAE is showing it cares and values them.
MENAFN1505201800490000ID1096860702
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.