A Simple Gesture, A Powerful Message

Anything done in excess eventually creates imbalance. Whether it is overeating, overdressing, or overplaying breaking news, too much of anything can quickly turn counterproductive.

For the media, the challenge during critical moments is to balance speed with accuracy. News must be delivered quickly, but it must also be responsible.

During the recent regional tensions, several media outlets across Asia appeared to exaggerate or circulate unverified war-related stories. Such reports created unnecessary worry among the families of expatriates living in the Gulf, with many receiving anxious calls from relatives abroad.

Within Bahrain, however, the response was different. Many residents chose calm over panic, and some expatriates even responded with humour on social media, gently mocking the exaggerated narratives circulating elsewhere.

A particularly reassuring moment came yesterday when His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, visited Lulu Hypermarket. The visit immediately resonated with the public.

Videos of the visit quickly began trending on social media. Local digital channels collectively recorded millions of views, while television networks in India and other countries also aired the footage. On the NewsofBahrain platform alone, the video reached nearly 300,000 viewers.

More important than the numbers was the message. The Crown Prince’s presence among the public projected calm and confidence at a time when rumours and speculation were circulating widely.

Bahrain has witnessed similar moments before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, His Royal Highness was among the first leaders to publicly receive the vaccine — a gesture that reassured residents and encouraged many to follow suit.

Leadership in uncertain times is often reflected not only in policies but also in simple gestures that inspire confidence. Once the message of stability spread, many of the rumour-driven narratives began to fade. The tone of the discussion shifted, and speculation gradually gave way to a more balanced perspective.

There is a well-known story about Mahatma Gandhi that captures the importance of calm in times of uncertainty. During a train journey in a hill station, the train reportedly developed a fault and began rolling backwards down a slope. While passengers panicked, Gandhi continued speaking calmly to his companions.

When the driver eventually brought the train to a safe stop, his followers asked how he remained so composed.

Gandhi replied, “I do not know how to drive the train or stop it. I trusted the driver when I boarded. Either the train would stop safely or it would not. Why waste time worrying about what is beyond our control?” The lesson is simple: focus on the work that lies within your responsibility.

Having lived in Bahrain as an expatriate since 1994, I have witnessed how the Kingdom’s leadership has guided the country through challenges with stability and wisdom. Today, Bahrain is home to thousands of expatriates, many of whom contribute to the nation’s progress.

For those who wish to contribute further, the new volunteering initiative(volunteer.gov.bh), launched under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, provides an opportunity to step forward and support national efforts.

Bahrain’s strength has always been its unity between citizens and residents. Perhaps that is why many expatriates often say: “A difficult day in Bahrain is still better than a good day elsewhere.”

(P. Unnikrishnan is the Chairman & Managing Director of The Daily Tribune)