HRH Prince Salman: True leader of the people

By P Unnikrisnan

Chairman and Managing Editor, The Daily Tribune

As a resident of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the past 25 years, I have long been a staunch admirer of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Under the fruitful reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman has helped to steer the Kingdom towards global prominence and unprecedented levels of prosperity, and it continues.

I have been to many majlises hosted by HRH the Crown Prince, and there I have experienced first-hand his warmth, intelligence, generosity and down-to-earth personality.

The care, love and comfort the Kingdom of Bahrain has offered to its expatriate community are second to none, and it is a true reflection of how HRH the Crown Prince has treated us. We have come here looking for opportunities to better our lives, and have been given ample chances and opportunities to grow by contributing to the vast development of all aspects of the nation.

This country is truly blessed to have leaders such as HRH Prince Salman, and we foreign nationals want to make it clear that we have the utmost appreciation, respect and love for them too, especially for HRH the Crown Prince.

Yes, for expatriates Bahrain is always a home away from home. When it mattered most, Prince Salman was always there on the streets with the Kingdom and its people, showing them the way forward.

A few weeks back, when he came forward to administer the vaccine, for the greater good, he became the face of courage for many people, bringing a much-needed change. For he had shown the world countless times that leadership is all about being courageous enough to set aside the beliefs that are no longer relevant.

I understand that makes him the Prime Minister of the People of Bahrain. As His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said the other day, “We are happy and proud with, who you are today thanks to God’s grace and to your sincere actions to elevate the status of Bahrain and its honourable people.”

“We are confident in who you will become, God willing, in the future with your ambition and renewed thinking that you will use to lead to a new stage in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s development process.” Those who have never been here to Bahrain may not have realised the significance of his presence there.

To have a leader of his stature, a man for the people, was a true honour, and I felt pure joy in my heart to be part of his experience in India. Bahrain is making great strides day by day, and HRH the Crown Prince, under the rule of HM King Hamad, is at the forefront of this unprecedented progress.

The Kingdom of Bahrain, to me, has always been a country of happiness and peace. I offer to you, Your Royal Highness, my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on your royal appointment. May the Almighty protect and guide you always.