Is There Life after Gulf?

Aug 23, 2009

It is but natural for one who has worked in the Gulf to think what the future would be like! After the end of ones career in the Gulf, and particularly if one happens to be reasonably young and has a few years left for active service to return with the desire to work in India.

Well, do not take it to heart, where there is a will there is a way; all that you need to do is to keep yourself fit both in body, mind and spirit and the rest will take its course if only you have the will to work and utilize fruitfully the fleeting time.

I did have my fair share of worries while I worked in the Gulf for several years, from 1973 till 1987 with a two-year break between 1975-1977 till I could take it no more, or at least that was how I felt then and ultimately decided to resign and return to India. I was employed in an oil company and if any job of that company was to be advertised in India, as was subsequently done in the accounts department, innumerable applications would have come pouring in. I decided to have none of it, I just made up my mind that enough was enough, hence I was going back to be with my family and enjoy the rest of my days.

To begin with, no sooner had I landed a job in the Gulf in the beginning of 1973, after quitting a decent job with Tatas in the Bombay House, than I began to feel lonely and to miss my family. And this was all the more aggravated by the fact that there was absolutely no chance of getting my family to the Gulf during those days when Oman was in the developing stage and where housing was virtually non-existent. However, I had this luxury of getting the air and taxi fare up to my door anywhere in India, every six months with 33 days leave (3 days to make up for the travel time!).

I was still young and my marriage was only 10 months old when my wife was left behind alone in a rented flat in Bombay (now Mumbai). Moreover she was expecting our first baby, hence the urge to be with my family got all the more acute and finally things got the better of me. After working for two years, I quit my job.

My colleagues thought I had committed a Himalayan blunder. But I did not regret it at all. On the contrary I thought they had every right to think so, particularly because a stream of applications was coming in response to a job that the company advertised in the accounts department!

But I would have none of it, and quit my job and returned to India. The last nail in the coffin was hit and my decision having been made after I happened to visit a large club assigned exclusively for some privileged class of people where drinks flowed generously, where women danced in the arms of their partners till they were sozzled and I being a TCN felt like a misfit in such an 'august' society. Some even looked at me in askance.

It did not take much time for me, after I ended my tryst with the Gulf and I soon got employed in India, during my short sojourn, particularly in Lucknow. Within a span of three months I changed my job thrice and finally settled down only to find myself drawn back to the Gulf and, yes, this time, for a change, the Gulf got the better of me and I, rather meekly, went back to Oman after working for two years in Lucknow.

While I was returning to the Gulf these words were still on my mind and getting the better of me. You will return in no time; go back to India! This was what my boss told me while I was determined to resign the job. How very prophetic he was. The factor that pulled me back to the Gulf was that during the course of my stay in India my family expanded, my expenses increased, and I lived in fear that my dream of owning a house may never come into fruition. So, the only alternative was to put my career in reverse gear and head back to the Gulf!

Yes, to the Gulf I did go at the end of 1977, and this time I worked for a construction company quite a climbdown from an oil company to the construction field but all the while my sight was fixed on a firm of my earlier standing, to work for and as luck would have it, I had an understanding employer, who went out of the way to place me in a firm of international repute.

I could by now see that things were falling in place according to my liking and prayers. I could easily save some money for my dream house, I got feelers that my wife might be absorbed in the Central School if ever she were to make it to the Gulf. My family had by now thanks to those two years' break had expanded to five, three children, and we two.

My family landed in Oman in early 1983. My wife having taught for years in reputable schools managed to pass the interview and got into the teaching profession, and she went to school with all the three children in tow. I soon became the owner of a Toyota Cressida, and things started to fall in line with my humble wish. Then there came a sudden twist and I wonder if even the gods could get envious of human happiness at times.

In 1986 there was a sharp decline in oil prices and my company lost most of the international projects to the competitors and started retrenching staff one by one. Finally the axe fell on me and I would not go in for a job where one had to cut all possible corners and it was beyond me to live the life of a miser if I were to pull on in the Gulf. I confided in my wife of my decision to quit and return to India and she gave me a free hand to do what I thought was the best in the interest of the family.

My children initially were studying in Lucknow in their formative years, and when I decided to settle in Chennai rather than in Mangalore, I did not have much savings to counter the huge financial burden that was thrust upon me. I was unemployed, so was my wife and then the future of my three children would be at stake, if one of us were to fall ill? I felt as I was groping in the dark.

To make matters worse, neither my wife nor I could get suitably employed job in Chennai, a place where most of the people migrate to Bombay or other places in search of employment and here I had to do just the opposite. My children could get admission only in sub-standard schools in Chennai, and I then went to Mangalore to explore the possibility of settling there but I was not greeted with open arms as I expected besides my children had to face the language problem. So I finally decided to settle in Lucknow where my children were born and had their initial schooling in reputable educational institutions.

Soon after I returned to Lucknow in 1987 from Chennai, after withdrawing my children from their two-month-long schooling in Chennai, I finally decided to stay in a rented house and in no time things began to fall in place in my favour. I had an understanding brother-in-law who with my sister-in-law, sheltered my family for three months till I got a rented house and till my children got admitted in the renowned schools in Lucknow.

At last I was virtually called in and offered a pensionable job in an autonomous body of the Government while my wife got employed in a well-known girls convent school in Lucknow.

Now the question arose about owning a house. With what little money I managed to save while in the Gulf, I did not hesitate to invest virtually almost all of it in the house that I built and again the value of the property around my house, being in a VIP area, started to escalate.

So with my dream of owning a house having been realized, I tried to focus on giving the best possible education to my children. Both my sons wanted to study abroad for a while and for that they had to work and save to become an IT Engineer and a fashion designer.

Prudently they saved enough for their foreign sojourn and studied in the UK and Columbia University USA, and are well settled now. As for my wife and myself, we keep busy with our coaching career which has helped us financially and also helped us to educate our children and get our daughter happily married. She has taken after her mother and teaches in a reputable school; she is married to a boy of her own choice, and now she is the mother of two children.

As for my wife and me, we both live on our own coaching, age no bar, and yes the sons have been settled satisfactorily abroad while we still continue to work on our own, not to speak of the benefit of my Government pension.

Life in the Gulf is only a stepping stone to a better future and all one has to do is own a house, provide good education to the children and to settle them in life, thus making the best use of what limited finances are left, either by investing in real estate and then not being complacent but to keeping healthy in mind and body and utilizing the God-given talent to work until one can possibly do.

Life, as a matter of fact, starts after returning from the Gulf, provided one is wise enough to explore and make use of the God-sent opportunities that come ones way.

*************

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'Heart - Thoughts':

By Jimmy Noronha, Lucknow
(Jimmy Noronha originally from Belloor, Bantwal has extensively travelled abroad and is now settled at Lucknow. Here he shares his own experience in life after spending a few years in the Gulf and tries to allay the fears of the post-Gulf insecurity syndrome.)
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Comment on this article

  • Sunil, Saudi Arabia / Mangalore

    Sat, Jun 01 2013

    First of all Mr. Jimmy Noronha, Sir you edit every overseas employees life part and put on the paper, we delighted to read and experience the way you passed.

    Last paragraph about utilization of after retirement life.
    All Over seas employees should open all the gates of opportunity. Rest depends on Gods blessings.

    It's nice Article...it's all about every Overseas employees...

  • Alwyn, Manglore

    Fri, Sep 07 2012

    Very good artilce

  • Vivek, Haveri/Muscat

    Sun, Aug 30 2009

    Its very nice article. keep it up! pray god to give good health.

  • Anil Moras, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 30 2009

    Is there a life in Gulf??

  • Roland Pinto, Mangalore/KSA

    Fri, Aug 28 2009

    It is a good article full of inspiration and still relevant if we consider the exploitation of expatriates. We have to look at the things in larger perspective. Today the contribution of Indian Professionals in Gulf region in the various sectors and even in business is remarkable.

    Even the Arabs recognize the indians capabilities openly.In this process even Indians have gained a lot by exposure to the International technology and systems and in the present era of globalization,Lot of Indians are in key decision making positions and generate lot of business to Indian companies. So it is not entirely true that Indians are making the Arabs rich but Indian Industry and economy is also gaining.

  • Geoffrey, Hathill

    Thu, Aug 27 2009

    Very honest autobiography. Moral of the story is :Man proposes, but God disposes. I''ve come across umpteen number of similar cases with different twists in the tales though.

  • Frederick Pinto, SHIRVA

    Wed, Aug 26 2009

    The article of Mr. Jimmy Noronha, Lucknow ''Is there life after Gulf'' Yes, there is a plenty of life here too. Do not worry faith with God. Once our age of 55 the time is retirement but still we support our family. Younger age many of our brothers sacrificed their young days to support their families. Indian government sets up ICWF to help overseas Indians workers in distress.

    Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund[ICWF] for overseas Indians workers in distress in Gulf or foreign countries. It hs become operational at Indian Missions in all the 17 Emigrations Clearance Required (ECR) countries from January 1st, 2009. Finally thank you very much for sharing your experience and enjoy a happy retirement life. God bless you and your family.

  • Vas, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 26 2009

    Read the signs of the time. Do not quit your job if you have one.

  • Sunita D''souza, Brahmavar/Muscat

    Wed, Aug 26 2009

    Indeed a courageous act.we always think gulf is be all and end all.but you have proved it to be wrong.  Your article gives boost to youngsters like u

  • Charles D''Mello, Pangala

    Wed, Aug 26 2009

    Where ever you are, if you do not forget your culture and your past...you can survive...! If you forget your mother tongue and your life style of past...then only you can land in trouble..! As Lydia Lobo feel (assume) that education in gulf is of poor standard and the food is rich in calories is not true... Everything and anything available in India is available in Gulf. You can get mangalorean fish and kerala kappa as well as jackfruit seeds (Bole) in the gulf.....If you wish to get more calories by eating KFC, Hardees, Dairy queen, McDonalds..then you will land in trouble.....!!

  • Victor Machado, Kundapur/Canada

    Wed, Aug 26 2009

    Just a simple comment. It''s always different for differnt people! I would say ''Luck by Chance'' Not every one who returns to India or migrates to a western country (Canada, UK. US, Australia etc.) ends up with ''cushy'' jobs in their line of experience, qualifications etc.

    It''s always a question of continuos effort, of course prayers, confidence in yourself..and being ''in the right place at the right time'' Whatever happens to one person does not necessarily be the same to another one...if you understand what I mean! Of couse I would say that Mr. Jimmy Noronha wa ''Lucky by Chance''...as he put in the efforts of what he wanted to do, had an educated supportive wife, an understanding bro-in-law & family etc.....but how many such Mangaloreans family exist in the present world?

    We Mangaloreans, by nature are always jealous of our relatives progress (including brothers and sisters) and there are really a very ive lucky few who help each other at times of need! Do you readers agree?

  • Roselyn D''Sa, Mangalore/Mumbai/Muscat

    Tue, Aug 25 2009

    Lydia Lobo Kadri, your comments on Gulf education "AND ABOVE ALL THE STANDARD OF GULF EDUCATION IS VERY LOW". Here in Gulf, Indian schools follow CBSE Board. Is CBSE is a low standard of education?

  • Praveer, Lucknow

    Tue, Aug 25 2009

    Nice article,never been to gulf but after reading this article I must say that you are a very Brave man Mr. Noronha who dare to quit not once but twice where every one wants to go only for money.I am proud to be related to you.

  • A.D''Cunah Shenoy, Mangaluru

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Mr. Noronha, well and simple written article. Most Indians who go to Gulf to make quick money and save some to come back to OUR Motherland. Indeed in the olden days was justified but today. And many who went to the Gulf never returned only to go to Other western countries only to forget what they lost from Mother India. Indeed people make the choices and the choice you made is a courageous one to go back to India and live in India. India has so much to offer and many of us indeed have not seen India and its vibrancy. Being well travelled I compare and rate my mother land second to none. We enjoy the freedom, second to none. and we enjoy simple lifestyle second to none. Today India has become the envy of the world and perhaps some of us may not pay much attention. But believe me it has everything and again second to none. Next century belongs to India.India is the place of opportunities for our children. And trust me if we Indians dedicate themselves and work hard in India like they churn outside we will make ourselves proud. Mr. Noronha you are a great example for Gulf and migrated Indians perhaps for a second thought.....

  • reena, saudi

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    hi, nice to read the expirence, it will give us same feed back ,what we have to do , for a better life thank u

  • Lui Vas, Qatar/ Muscat/ Dubai/Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    My good old friend Jimmy, Your article is well documented and presented. I was very much involved in recruiting you and knew your predicament after arriving in Oman, leaving your young wife in India. Before you resigned from Shell, I gave you a lot of advice, not to leave the Shell job in Oman but you had your reasons stronger than your job. I am happy to note that you''ll are well settled in Lucknow. All the very best to you & your family. Love & Best wishes Lui Vas

  • Eisen, Kemmannu/Bangkok

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Dear Mr. Noronha, At the outset, I appreciate the sincerity and the crystal clarity of your life experience. By virtue we Indians do not wish to come out of a adapted life style and tend to make it permanent.

    I wonder how many of us would be as bold as you.Some of the decisions taken by you are indeed commendable. While in the gulf, one looses sight of his near term and long term goals.Pride & Wealth replaces simplicity & thoughtfulness.

    Remember any country for that matter is just your stepping stone.If your have a plan in place then everything will fall rightly.. like they PLAN YOUR WORK AND WORK YOUR PLAN... Eisen

  • RICHARD MISQUITH, UDUPI/SHARJAH

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Nice article, well, I know so many families in uae who don''t have any savings, it''s always wise to save and lead a low profile life, try and get back to india as soon as possible.. So save for a better life.

  • Antony Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney Australia

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    I enjoyed the subject article by Jimmy Noronha of Lucknow, narrating his life story - his working experience in the Gulf and later settling back in India, and also passing on his valuable advice to other people working in the Gulf States. While Jimmy Noronha was a little lucky in that he had a well educated wife with a teaching profession as a back up to boost his confidence and support him (though she had to bring up their three little children on her own),

    I wonder how many people will fall into such category. I had an opportunity to go to the Gulf way back in 1986, when I was working in a private company in Pune, but could not simply make up my mind to take up the lucrative job there mainly for two reasons, one being I was employed by a good company in a secured job, even though the salary I was drawing was not all that flashy, and secondly, I had a young loving family - my wife and two little boys, - and found it difficult to leave them behind and move away.

  • Mrs. M. Munro, Dubai

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Hats off to you Mr. Noronha, your article really impressed me and gave me lot of confidence specially at this stage as I am nearing my retirement. Believe me, after reading your article I am not afraid to go back to my own country and reside in my own home town which is mangalore as I believe that India has so much to offer during ones retirement.

    Thanks again Mr. Noronha for presenting us with such a lovely article of your life time experience both India and abroad and help me to decide what is best for me at this stage – Mrs. Munro, Dubai

  • Mrs. M. Munro, Dubai

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Hats off to you Mr. Noronha, your article really impressed me and gave me lot of confidence specially at this stage as I am nearing my retirement. Believe me, after reading your article I am not afraid anymore to go back to my own country and reside in my own home town which is mangalore as I believe that India has so much to offer during ones retirement stage. Thanks again Mr. Noronha for presenting us with such a lovely article of your life time experience both India and abroad and help me to decide what is best for me at this stage – Mrs. Munro, Dubai

  • Liza, Mangalore/Al Ain

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Well narrated and very well picturised the true story of almost all Gulf employees. Its a nice article Moreover,I can say a true Life Story. Motivating and Inspirating thought for the yougsters like me. Thank you very much for sharing your experience n for a wonderful article.

  • Mohan Frank, MANGALORE / MUMBAI

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Wonderful article which has motivated us to live our life when things are bad.

  • Shilpha, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Nice article by Mr.Noronha,It has given confidence & courage to those people who would like to return to our homeland permanently,not only from gulf countires, because all Indians outside India they are pardesees, whether they are in Gulf, Canada,Austrilia or America.I have seen so many people after working many years in gulf countries, moved to other countries instead of returning to our homecountry India. I read one comment Mr.Jerry Moras from Canada asking why make Arab''s rich. But migrating to Canada,Are you making Canadians rich?.

    Instead of that by returning to India you could have made your India rich. I know to return to India after staying so many years in abroad, one needs more courage, because everything he has to start from begining and it is not that easy. Mr.Noronha proved it through his life and this article. Our brothers and sisters who are working in gulf & other countries are sacrificing a lot for their faimlies. Let us all help & accept them in open arms when they like to settle in India.Hats off to you Mr. Noronha.Have a wonderful life in our India

  • Balakrishna T. Shetty, Palladakody/Mangalore/Riyadh

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Really very nice article......90% of the gulf workers are just like burning candle. They are burning themselves and giving the light to their family, relatives and to others. Most of the gulf workers are married but living as bachelors until their retirement from their job as well as from their life. After the marriage his wife becomes burning thread in that candle. But who knows about his sorrowful life. They all know only that "Mage Dubaid" !!!

  • Veera Monteiro, Bajpe, Doha/Qatar

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Well everyone in this world wants to make money and live a luxurious life. But only few get that chance or luck. After reading this article, I felt that most of the expatriates have to leave Gulf one or the other day. But there is no need to worry if you are determined to live your life the way you have planned for it. I know Mangalorean families who lived in Gulf and migrated to other western countries, where as some have gone back to India and live happily, thanks to their wise investments.

  • RiteshPinto, Shirva

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    This article is nothing but the real story of most of the people working in Gulf countries. I would like to share my views on this.... In home country whatever we get is natural, but in Gulf we get everything but artificial(readymade).

  • Tom Madanda, Canada

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    My wife is a sister-in-law of Jimmy Noronha. As a family she and her other three sisters witnessed Jimmy''s efforts to give his family a comfortable and stable life. To this effect Jimmy spent many years on his own in the Gulf until he was able to take his family there. They had a very close family life thereafter and have now settled in Lucknow with the great pride of having their 3 children pursuing nice careers and also enjoying their 2 beautiful grand children. We are proud of you Jimmy.

  • Max & Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore/Houston, Tx

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Mr.Jimmy Noronha has rendered a tasteful msg on "Is there life after Gulf?" thru his own personal success story of 12 years in Oman. Life in the Gulf, of course, as an Expatriate has lot to ponder. The spirit of patriotism added with perseverence and persistence plays an important part for your survival and growth in the Gulf area.

    Many in the Gulf region do not know that the life in the Gulf has taken a downward change since 1979 when all the Oil Companies were nationalized followed by the era of Khomeni and the demise of the Shah. The organizational performance in the Gulf displayed a different ideology with a non-Western context. Most of the expatriates had to share their dedication and responsibilities under the concept of new thought for localization.

    The hard work, the loyalty and the integrity of most of the expatriates was to some extent taken for granted by the host countries who cared the least for the pains and sacrifices of tons of expatriates who came from so many countries, including India.

    Its amazing and admiring that Hundreds of thousands of wives have lived in their countries as single parents due to the education of their children while their husbands sacrificed so much as bachelors in the desert countries.

    Make no mistake, today India is an emerging Economic Power, and so long as each one of us plan our strategies well, most of the Indians could prove themselves equally happy and successful when they return home with a sense of optimism and use their talents and experiences to be productive Citizens, and be part of the mainstream of India. Until then, remain united wherever you are, and be patriotic in whatever you do in this world of challenge.

  • Simon Lobo, Mangalore, Dhahran

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Interesting article and well narrated. I work for Saudi Aramco with a western country passport that helps me to some extent. Initially worked in Kuwait Oil Company for 20 months during 1980-81 and migrated to a western country basically due to harsh treatment of Indian passport based issues and benefits assigned. I also left Saudi in 2001 after 12 years of service and returned in 2007 for personnel reasons, some of which are narrated in the above article. Life in Gulf is not easy and as Lydia Lobo, Kadri pointed out there is lot of slavery and hardship. Most of the people who return after their lengthy service in a gulf country have difficulty to adjust to family life, life style, boredom, and unemployment upon their return.

    As Hassan, Mangalore pointed out most of gulf people are not well prepared for life style adjustments and plans for possible future income / expenses. The concept of budgeting and financial planning is not well understood and fall prey to sweet talk of business proposals in the areas that not familiar to them. Well, the times and expectations are considerably changed. There are better work prospects and professional environment in India than 20 or 30 years ago. It is more challenging to live in India now due to steep rise in expenses and cost of living.

    We used to have bottle of beer and two steaks for 18 rupees in Mangalore William Pereira Hotel in 1979. All said and done, this is all history. As part of our community, we need to look forward and provide specific steps and support process to extend help to those who return from Gulf or western countries and like to settle in India. There should be trust, honesty, friendliness, and empathy to those who are struggling and like to live a simple life and had sacrificed their younger days to support their families.

  • Jerry Moras, Kuppepadavu, Canada

    Mon, Aug 24 2009

    Best scenario is to build to duty stand by plans. Don’t place all eggs in one basket. Keep another plan. While I was in Dubai for 10 years (1997 – 2008), I did MBA, married (had raised 2 kids) and kept plans for migration to Canada. I was totally focused and did my homework and hard work well. Every effort was paid off. Entry easy and exit difficult : What is common in gulf : Entry to gulf is easy but exit is really difficult due to artificial comforts one gets. Feel like one has achieved everything one begins to realizes some $$$ in their accounts.

    Week-end parties, new friends, easy shopping, frozen foods, high rise buildings makes that life in Dubai is better than India (compare ) and gets to conclusion I can’t earn same money, comforts elsewhere. Many did advised me you don’t go to Canada – very cold, many coming back from Canada, life to be restart all over, no jobs in Canada (might have to sweep the road ) but proved wrong… Secondly what excites in Gulf is $$$ and cost of buying when compared to India. While every pay cheque builds confidence in Gulf I used to question at what costs? It is sad such $$$ can be made else where (in India or North America.

    We live in Global world… Why make arabs rich ??

  • hassan, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    75%of the article is common among the gulf employed.only 25% make use of the opportunity given by Almighty.

  • Lawrence D''souza, Kalmady/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Think twice before taking any hectic decision after going through this article.

  • Clarence Arun, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    First of all it is a very good article. Thanks daijji and Mr.Noronha for sharing their life story. Now like Mr. John I am also confused with what to do now. Because its just one month to my gulf career and i am still young.

  • Arun Menezes, Udupi / Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Great article, really inspiring and motivating and i surely would not read it if not for a gentleman making negative comment, Thanks Joe!

  • Thomas D''Mello, Kundapura, Udupi Dist.

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Your article is interesting. I myself leaving a Govt job (Indian Navy and ISRO) I joined a oil company in Muscat. My 28 years there have been wonderful and full of adventures. At the age of 58, the time retirement came and I too was worried how I would settle down in India. Thanks to my wife who has been very patient, principled, encouraged me to return despite several offers outside the Oil company.

    Now it is 15 years in India, I am now 71. I am enjoying my every bit of retired life with social work in Rotary and in the church (CAP Cell).Also a scotch over the weekend!! Gentlemen those who think of retiring, please do not worry. There is plenty of life here.

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Mr. P. Chidambaram whole heartedly acknowledged NRI''s contribution towards India''s financial situation in a need like recession. Whereas, NRIs are taunted by their fellow Indians for accepting slavery of Arabs in exchange of money. This article exhibits sufferings of NRIs as to how their future is uncertain though it does not highlight the life of families who separate until next vacation could be after two years.

    A Gulf employee is addicted to high calorie food available there as a result he is home to various diseases. Worst are their children who cannot get accustomed to our language/culture and above all the standard of gulf education is very low. An NRI may return with a bagful of savings which gets over within a couple of years.

    Lucky are we who in India work hard, save our health, earn good education for our children and reap pension at old age. Let us not envy the NRIs - if the govt was able to provide jobs to every Indian, none would have left India for slavery.

  • shridhara achar, Puttur/ Bangalore

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    It is a thought provoking article by Noronha saab about work and life in Gulf countries. For many it has given life, for others Gulf is a mirage. I know thousands from coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod districts who found job opportunities in gulf have not only cleared off their debts and countructed roof over their heads.

    This would not have possible had they languished back in their native place. But Noronha saab has some words of caution also. Any how article is guide to those who are already in gulf and for those who intends to go there.

  • John Pereria , Mumbai/ Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Well what you have mentioned is true but I am still struggling to make decision with this article you have encouraged me to return back home soon

  • sujithpolali, polali,k s a

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Really nice article.  Thanks for sharing your experince openly

  • joe, dubai,mlore

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Really "PAKKAO" article.

  • Inayath, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    What a wonderful article. Motivating and inspiring to lead a happy starting n retired life.

  • BRYAN BRAGGS BIJEI, BIJEI MANGALORE

    Sun, Aug 23 2009

    Very well scripted article giving consolation and comfort and encouragement and guidance for the numerour mangaloreans employed in the gulf. The gulf war had really shaken the people who were working in kuwait thoroughly when they were caught unaware losing their jobs because of the war.  Your article will be a guide line in such unforeseen circumstances to carry on at home and life rightly starts after returning from gulf.hats off to you Mr Noronha


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Title: Is There Life after Gulf?



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