'I witnessed independence of India, and birth of UAE'

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I witnessed independence of India, and birth of UAE

Mahendra Asher and his wife Bharati refer to the UAE as their first home. - Supplied photos

Dubai - In the UAE since 1971, Mahendra Asher says he gave up his green card dream to live in Dubai

By Saman Haziq

Published: Tue 24 Jan 2017, 8:07 AM

Last updated: Tue 24 Jan 2017, 6:15 PM

"I let go of the opportunity of getting a green card as I just could not imagine being away from Dubai for long." This is how Mahendra Asher, who landed in the UAE in 1971, describes his attachment to the UAE.
Born in Mumbai in 1942, Mahendra Asher saw India gain independence in 1947, and in 1971 he also saw the birth of the UAE. "I was at the Union House when the signing of the declaration of unity took place.
Asher, a chartered accountant, came to Dubai in August 1971 to take up a job with Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla (of the Al Mulla Contracting Company). The reason he decided to join the Gulf bandwagon was to take his competency to the next level. And in some time, he moved into banking and joined the Commercial Bank of Dubai.
Calling Dubai his first home, Asher recollecting the early days. "I am from the Dubai when there were no dirhams but the currency of the country was Qatar Dubai riyal. I have seen the Dubai where everyone knew everyone, where the locals played chess with us expats under the streetlights, where we could attend the majlis and interact with the ruler directly and share our concerns. I have seen the Dubai when there were no roads, abra was the only mode of transportation and all the emirates had different stamps because the UAE was not formed yet. The visa stamped on my passport was that of Trucial States (present UAE). That was the Dubai I landed on.
"Although it was a small place, it was closely knit where everybody practically knew everyone. I stayed with my wife in the same house (opposite Dubai Museum) for 35 years and we never could imagine Dubai would be like what it is today."
Reminiscing the past, Asher said that only a small vicinity of Bur Dubai and a little bit of Shindagha on Deira side was occupied. "Sand dunes were all over, even in front of our house we would see cars getting stuck in the sand. Al Maktoum was a toll paying bridge where we used to pay 25 fils, and it used to be lifted on some occasions when there was a ship coming from Bahrain with some guests. So there was no alternative route to the airport once the bridge was lifted, therefore one had to leave well in advance for the airport, just in case the bridge was closed."
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Starting his career in 1969, he set up his own firm, Mahendra Asher and Co. in 1983 in Dubai.
"During the course of my career, I travelled extensively to 45 countries with my wife (mostly work-related). And although at that time Dubai was just a laid-back fishing village, there was something about it that just got into your system. It had and still has a different charm, a lure that cannot be described."
Since Dubai-India connection dates back to centuries, language was never a barrier. "Although we didn't understand Arabic, the locals either understood Hindi or English. In fact, there was a custom that every Thursday night there was a Hindi movie telecast on TV33, the prime time channel. So you can gauge the popularity of Hindi and Bollywood movies in the region."
The US lure
Asher applied for the United States visa in 1969 as he wanted to study in the top most university there. "To take admission in Wharton University, I required at least $4,000 a year. So I thought I would work in Dubai for two years, earn my fee and then go to the US."
But his two-year stay in Dubai proved so satisfactory for Asher (owing to his high position in the bank and a good rapport with the locals) that he kept postponing his visit to America, even after being repeatedly called. "Finally I was told if I didn't go till the end of the year, my green card status would be revoked. So I resigned in 1978 and moved to New York and joined Merrill Lynch International and Co. After staying there for five years in 1983, I thought why not start my practice in Dubai?"

The Ashers have been in the UAE since the 1970s. Even when compared to India, the UAE offers more safety to residents, they say.
"I realised that I may physically be away from Dubai but the city had become a part of me. Dubai remains in your system. And this has been experienced with many such people who migrated to Canada, England but then eventually came back to Dubai and I was one of them. I would say that there is something in the water of Dubai, once you drink it, you will have to come back here again and again."
His wife Bharati, a housewife, says: "Life is peaceful here and the weather is also comfortable as compared to the US where it is extremely cold during a few months. It can get depressing and lonely out there as we don't have much social life. But Dubai was a pleasant contrast, where we have safety, security and blissful life. Our temple is a stone's throw from our house, we can interact with our neighbours, our houses remain open always and there was no fear. Even if you compare it to India, Dubai promises us much more safety that we do not want to move from here.

The Ashers out on a picnic with friends. The couple is in love with the weather and the great outdoors here.
Calling safety and security the strength of Dubai, Asher said: "In the US when I used to take interstate buses there was always a threat of getting mugged. So you had to keep some mug money in your pocket and you could be robbed at any time. But in Dubai, no one will bother you even if you go out in the middle of the night. We are free to practice our religions. The Shaikhs come forward to inaugurate our religious places."
Hailing the newly introduced ministries in the UAE, Asher said: "Which country in the world has Ministry of Tolerance and Ministry of Happiness? This speaks volumes about our liberal, loving Ruler, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. They respect us." saman@khaleejtimes.com

Dubai, my first home
Mahendra Asher describes his journey in the UAE as rewarding and fulfilling.
"Dubai is home now, my first home I'd like to say. We get respect, great facilities; I have a practicing license so I can carry on. All these comforts will help us live a long and healthy life. So I'd say we have been spoilt for choice here. Anytime you want any service, Dubai gives you.
"I have a car but I prefer the Metro. I walk to the Metro, which is just a 10-minute walk and reach my office. I come back home for lunch and afternoon siesta and go back to the office. This is a luxury for us. Where will we get this in the world?
"So many channels have been established between India and UAE, both on the government level and individual level. Any Indian coming to UAE is the ambassador of India and any Indian going to India from UAE will always have great things to say about their life in UAE."
Asher believes that the visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India for the Republic Day celebrations is going to be the high point in the UAE-India relationship.
Why the Ashers are happy here: