Indian Association Sharjah – Supporting the Indian Community in the UAE
Introduction
The Indian Association Sharjah is one of the most prominent community organizations serving the Indian diaspora in Sharjah, a major emirate in the United Arab Emirates.
Established in 1979, the association was founded on the philosophy expressed in the Sanskrit verse “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu,” meaning “May all beings everywhere be happy and prosperous.” This vision of universal brotherhood has guided the association’s mission to unite people and promote social harmony.
Over the decades, the Indian Association Sharjah has evolved into a leading platform for social, cultural, educational, recreational, and humanitarian activities for Indians living in the UAE.
Vision and Objectives
When the founders created the Indian Association Sharjah, they had several important objectives:
- Strengthening Indo-Arab friendship
- Promoting education for Indian expatriate children
- Organizing socio-cultural activities
- Providing charitable support for community members in distress
Although participation was limited during its early years, the association gradually grew into one of the most respected organizations among Indians in Sharjah and nearby emirates.
Contributions to Education
One of the most significant contributions of the Indian Association Sharjah has been its commitment to education.
The association manages several educational institutions that serve thousands of expatriate children, including:
- Sharjah Indian School
- Indian School Juwaiza
- Gulf Rose Nursery
These institutions provide quality education to children of expatriate families living across the northern emirates.
Sharjah Indian School
The Sharjah Indian School initially started in a small rented villa with limited staff and students. It was created to meet the educational needs of Indian expatriate families living in Sharjah and nearby emirates such as:
- Dubai
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Umm Al Quwain
Later, the school moved to a larger campus after Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, generously donated land for its development.
As demand for admissions increased, the association established another campus in Juwaiza to accommodate more students.
Gulf Rose Nursery
The Gulf Rose Nursery, managed by the Indian Association Sharjah, currently educates around 500 young children.
Due to increasing demand for early childhood education, the nursery continues to expand its programs and facilities to support the expatriate community.
The association also has plans to launch a specialized school for differently-abled children, which would greatly benefit families seeking inclusive education in the region.
Affordable Quality Education
The educational institutions managed by the Indian Association Sharjah follow a philosophy of providing world-class education at an affordable cost.
Compared with many other schools in the region, these institutions offer:
- Lower tuition fees
- Modern infrastructure
- High academic standards
This approach has helped many expatriate families provide quality education for their children.
Cultural and Community Activities
The Indian Association Sharjah plays a major role in organizing cultural celebrations and community events.
In collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Dubai, the association celebrates important national and cultural events such as:
- India Day
- Constitution Day
- Independence Day
- Republic Day
In addition, major cultural festivals are celebrated, including:
- Eid
- Onam
- Christmas
- UAE National Day
These events bring together people from different backgrounds in a spirit of unity, harmony, and cultural exchange.
Recreational Activities and Community Facilities
The Indian Association Sharjah also offers recreational and wellness opportunities for members.
The association constructed a community hall on land provided by the Ruler of Sharjah, which serves as a venue for social gatherings and cultural programs.
Sports and Wellness Facilities
Members can enjoy several recreational facilities including:
- Shuttle Badminton Club
- Health Club
- Community recreational spaces
The association also organizes medical camps and health programs through its health committee to promote wellness within the community.
Recognition by NORKA
The Indian Association Sharjah has been officially recognized as an overseas center by NORKA Roots, the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department of the Government of Kerala.
Plans are underway to establish a full-fledged NORKA office within the association campus, which will provide important services to non-resident Keralites in the UAE.
Additionally, the association serves as a nodal centre for the distance education project of the Kerala Government, supporting the Saksharatha Mission’s equivalency examinations for Class 10 and 12.
Social and Community Services
Beyond cultural and educational initiatives, the Indian Association Sharjah is actively involved in social welfare.
In coordination with the Indian Consulate, association representatives visit jails and hospitals to assist Indians who require support.
Some of their social services include:
- Financial assistance for individuals in distress
- Support for repatriation of inmates with free air tickets
- Community outreach and charity programs
Crematorium Facility
In a significant humanitarian initiative, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi allocated land to the association to build a crematorium for the Hindu and Sikh communities.
This facility enables families to perform traditional last rites in a respectful and serene environment, which was previously a major challenge for expatriate families.
Consular Services
The Indian Association Sharjah also offers document attestation services.
Officials from the Consulate General of India, Dubai visit the association regularly to provide consular assistance.
Service Schedule
- Tuesdays – Evening sessions
- Fridays – Full consular service
This makes it convenient for Indian residents to complete official documentation without traveling long distances.
Contact Details
Indian Association Sharjah
P.O. Box 2324
Sharjah, UAE
Phone: 06-5610845
Fax: 06-5610805
Email:
president@iassharjah.com
apro@iassharjah.com
Conclusion
Since its founding in 1979, the Indian Association Sharjah has played a vital role in strengthening the Indian community in the UAE. Through its dedication to education, cultural preservation, social welfare, and recreational activities, the association continues to enrich the lives of thousands of expatriates.
With its strong vision of unity, compassion, and community service, the Indian Association Sharjah remains a cornerstone institution for Indians living in Sharjah and across the northern emirates.
