Salma, we'll miss you!

CHARITY champion Salma Bala is leaving the kingdom after 30 years of dedicated community work having won the hearts and admiration of countless labourers who have toiled in all conditions to help build a brighter Bahrain.

The social worker, practising lawyer and founder of 'Helping Hands' - an organisation primarily involved in helping migrant workers - was often described as the 'Mother Teresa of Bahrain' - much to her embarrassment and denial.

She is returning to her native city of Hyderabad in India this month having inspired many other people to volunteer their time and energy to help the workers who live in labour camps on the island.

From distributing clothes, food, bedding, heaters, air-conditioning units to solving countless labour disputes, Mrs Bala has been on a mission to support the workers who have been the backbone of building the network of roads, glitzy developments and the maintenance of the all important infrastructure of the kingdom.

She is a devout Muslim and believes that 'two hands are holier than two lips that pray'. Apart from helping labourers who often work gruelling hours for little reward, Helping Hands also helps distressed maids and needy Bahraini families.

Mrs Bala became a familiar face throughout the kingdom's labour camps.

"We see her like our mother, someone who cares for us," said labourer Amir Ul Islam, 35. Another worker, Lal Chand, 38, was thankful to Mrs Bala for his life as she and her helpers helped secure an operation for him when he was stricken with a bladder condition. "She saved me," he said. "Ever since I arrived here 10 years ago she has brought us rice, water, oil, sugar and warm clothes."

Although Mrs Bala will be departing soon, Helping Hands will continue its social work.

Gita Krishnan, an active volunteer of Helping Hands who has been involved with the organisation for eight years, told GulfWeekly: "Salma Bala's name alone brought us a lot of goodwill. She has been the driving force behind the organisation.

"There will be a huge void with Salma's departure both in the community and the organisation. We have our team of active members and are planning to carry on her good work in Bahrain."

Presently Helping Hand volunteers are distributing jackets and warm blankets to labourers working outside in the cold weather.

As for Mrs Bala, her farewell message was clear: "Bahrain gave me so much for so many years that I shall always cherish my stay here. It gave me the opportunity to serve humanity.

"I am grateful to everyone who cared and shared with me the noble cause of social service. Thank you for appreciating and recognising my efforts, boosting my morale and making me a part of your lives." To help Helping Hands continue its good work contact Gita Krishnan on 39683130 or Rasila Sawani on 39467494.