BRIDGING FAITHS: SIKHISM'S UAE ODYSSEY
Urban Melange|April The Sardars
Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Al Dobowi Group and his wife, Bubbles Kandhari are the pioneers of Sikhism in the UAE.
BRIDGING FAITHS: SIKHISM'S UAE ODYSSEY

Their journey began with a childhood promise and a palm reader’s prophecy, leading to the establishment of Gurudwaras in the Middle East. Through challenges and triumphs, their dedication to community service and interfaith harmony shines brightly.

What inspired you both to embark on the journey of establishing gurudwaras in the UAE?

It all started more than 58 years ago when my grandfather Atma Singh, who himself had helped build a Gurudwara in Vijayawada, in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, in 1956, told his eight-year-old grandson Surender Singh Kandhari, that one day he too must help build a Gurudwara when he grew up.

I was just eight-years-old at that time and it struck me as a bit odd that my grandfather should ask me to do something as huge as that.

A Gurudwara is not just the house of God for us, it is the life force that ties the whole Sikh community together and our lives revolve around it. That was missing here

Then strangely, when I was 12-years-old and studying at Hyderabad Public School, an itinerant palm reader told me that by the age of 45, I would become a priest. I promptly told him “no” as I wanted to run our three generation old family business in automotive spare parts in India. I had no intention of giving it all up. However, that incident stuck in my mind and often made me think about what my grandfather said to me years ago.

Denne historien er fra April The Sardars-utgaven av Urban Melange.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April The Sardars-utgaven av Urban Melange.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA URBAN MELANGESe alt
ULTIMA COLLECTION: REDEFINING GLOBAL LUXURY STAYS
Urban Melange

ULTIMA COLLECTION: REDEFINING GLOBAL LUXURY STAYS

In the world of luxury hospitality, where grandeur meets exceptional service, the Ultima Collection stands out as a beacon of exclusivity and elegance. This distinguished collection promises extraordinary stays in the globe's most coveted locations, redefining luxury travel.

time-read
1 min  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
TRICITY INSTITUTE OF PLASTIC SURGERY WHERE FITNESS FUELS PRECISION AND DEDICATION!!
Urban Melange

TRICITY INSTITUTE OF PLASTIC SURGERY WHERE FITNESS FUELS PRECISION AND DEDICATION!!

The Tricity Institute of Plastic Surgery (TIPS) stands as a beacon of excellence, where the confluence of art and science transforms lives. The institute's foundation is built upon the expertise of four remarkable doctors-Dr. Ankur Sood, Dr. VD Singh, Dr. KD Aneja, and Dr. SS Makkar. These professionals are not only masters in their field but also engage in diverse co-curricular activities that enrich their lives and enhance their practice.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS
Urban Melange

EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS

Unlocking the power of travel, Liqo Electronics' follows a forward-thinking approach to employee engagement and their recent expedition to Rishikesh stands testament to the same!

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
DR. KM KAPOOR: SCULPTING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION
Urban Melange

DR. KM KAPOOR: SCULPTING EXCELLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION

Dr. K M Kapoor stands at the pinnacle of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery in India, his reputation built not only on his surgical expertise but also on his remarkable contributions as an educator.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
EMBRACE THE GLORIOUS PAST WITH FUTURE TECH IN MADHYA PRADESH
Urban Melange

EMBRACE THE GLORIOUS PAST WITH FUTURE TECH IN MADHYA PRADESH

Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the heart of India, is a treasure trove of heritage tourism that seamlessly intertwines its rich cultural legacy with cutting-edge technological innovations. Under the theme \"Discover and Experience Diversity,\" this central Indian state beckons travelers to explore its vibrant tapestry of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and culturally significant locations.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
EMBRACE SIMPLICITY AND NATURE, THE SUSTAINABLE WAY!
Urban Melange

EMBRACE SIMPLICITY AND NATURE, THE SUSTAINABLE WAY!

Nestled at 1,800 meters above sea level on the Plose mountain above Bressanone, South Tyrol's boutique wellness hotel FORESTIS offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Boasting 62 suites and an expansive 2,000 mÎ spa, FORESTIS stands at eye level with the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites, providing guests with an immersive experience in one of the world's most pristine landscapes.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
INDULGE IN DEIRA'S CROWNE PLAZA LUXURY
Urban Melange

INDULGE IN DEIRA'S CROWNE PLAZA LUXURY

In the heart of Dubai's vibrant Deira district is Crowne Plaza Deira that stands as a beacon of modern comfort and traditional Arabian hospitality. This upscale hotel, part of the renowned InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), offers an inviting retreat for both business and leisure travelers. Let's take a closer look at what makes Crowne Plaza Deira a standout destination in Dubai.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
IT'S TIME TO TRAVEL THE SUSTAINABLE WAY!!
Urban Melange

IT'S TIME TO TRAVEL THE SUSTAINABLE WAY!!

In a world where conscious travel is becoming the norm, finding hotels that blend luxury with sustainability is a true delight. From Italy to Thailand, these five exceptional destinations offer unforgettable experiences while prioritizing the planet.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
INDULGE IN LUXURY-MUST-VISIT HOTELS THIS SUMMER
Urban Melange

INDULGE IN LUXURY-MUST-VISIT HOTELS THIS SUMMER

As summer beckons and wanderlust stirs within us, the allure of luxurious escapes becomes irresistible. As you plan your summer escape, consider these exceptional hotels for a journey filled with luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Whether you crave the excitement of a cosmopolitan city or the serenity of a tropical paradise, these handpicked destinations promise an indulgent retreat like no other.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue
ARENCO GROUP: PIONEERING DUBAI'S LUXURY HOSPITALITY
Urban Melange

ARENCO GROUP: PIONEERING DUBAI'S LUXURY HOSPITALITY

The Arenco Group has been a trailblazer in Dubai's hospitality industry, launching the renowned GOLDEN SANDS brand and establishing a significant presence in the hotel apartment sector. From opening the iconic Hilton Dubai Jumeirah in 2000 to managing a diverse portfolio of 20 hotels with top international chains, Arenco's journey is marked by innovation, resilience, and success. In conversation with Urban Melange, Vijay Raghavan, Director, Golden Sands Hotels Co. (LLC) talks about his inspiration and his experiences.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2024 - Travel Issue