Art from the Heart
Popular Indian Restaurant Mughal Mahal held a ceremony recently to honor the frontline workers in Kuwait. In a first of its kind commemoration, Mughal Mahal painted the entire façade of its restaurant in Sharq with images of frontline workers. The mural, painted by a prominent Kuwaiti artist, is a tribute and a mark of gratitude to all those who risked their lives and served both Kuwaitis and expatriates during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kuwait.
A small ceremony held at the restaurant included some of the frontline workers, as well as Mughal Mahal management. The chief guest on the occasion was Indian Ambassador H.E. Sibi George and Guest of Honor was Dr. Hussain Al Dashti, Head of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Kalra, Managing Partner of Mughal Mahal, extended a warm welcome to the guests and expressed immense gratitude to all the frontline warriors who served the country during the crises. He said this significant but small gesture was an attempt to honor and thank them.
Mughal Mahal, which is situated in the heart of the city and located right next to the tallest building in Kuwait, Al Hamra Towers, is currently adorned by beautiful images of frontline workers, all designed and painted by Kuwaiti artist Dr. Reham Al Raghaib and her team.
Mr. Kalra also thanked the government of Kuwait for their wholehearted support to all the communities during the pandemic, and for rising to the occasion in one of the most difficult periods faced by the people in the country.
Elaborating, Mr Kalra noted that credit for the genesis of this entire Art from the Heart project went to his partner, Jatinder Suri. “What began as a concept in his mind steadily evolved through his enthusiastic efforts into the marvelous mural that will leave our facade resplendent. He was ably supported in this venture by the Mughal Mahal team especially Gaurav, Prashish and Tshewang Lama.
Ambassador George, in his address to the gathering, also expressed his appreciation for the gesture and congratulated Mughal Mahal for taking such an innovative initiative in expressing gratitude on behalf of the entire expatriate community.
Pointing at Mughal Mahal’s long-standing reputation for serving authentic Indian cuisine, which is well loved by locals and expatriates, Ambassador George added that Mughal Mahal had also indulged in food diplomacy by bringing people and communities closer with the love for their food.
For his part, Dr. Dashti was quick to acknowledge and thank the entire Mughal Mahal team for their gesture of gratitude. He appreciated the role of Mughal Mahal over the past 35 years in bringing people closer through their delicious food.
Mughal Mahal, which opened its first branch in Sharq almost 35 years ago has become a household name for quality Indian food over the years. Having introduced Mughalai cuisine in Kuwait the restaurant has over the past several years expanded to 10 branches all over Kuwait and gained a reputation for being the most popular Indian restaurant in the country.
Khalid Jumiyan, former minister of social affairs and telecommunication, and chairman of Mughal Mahal Group, emphasized in his address that Mughal Mahal would always be at the forefront of community service and this was one such gesture of support.
Artist Al Ragaib, who transformed the Mughal Mahal management’s idea into reality, said she was extremely happy to be part of the project and was honored to be associated with Mughal Mahal. She personally thanked managing partners Ashok Kalra and Jatinder Suri for their encouragement.
Dr. Alia Hussein, from Jaber Hospital, which was at the centre of treating Covid patients, said this was in fact a surprise that she never anticipated and expressed her sincere thanks for the kind consideration and recognition that has been given to frontline workers in such a beautiful way.
Dr. Brookes from Al Jahra hospital was also overwhelmed with the show of gratitude and said he was thankful for the recognition and wished Mughal Mahal all the very best.
The event, which was held in line with social distancing norms and adhering to all health protocols, was attended by select businessmen, ministry representatives and doctors who were honored by the recognition and gratitude bestowed on them Plaques of appreciation were given to some of the frontline warriors by managing partners Ashok Kalra and Mukesh Kumar.
Staff Report