From Namaste to Dosti: My Heartwarming Journey with the Indian Community
by Dr Sahar Helmi, TM
Area – 20 Director
Secretary, Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club
When I first met Indians in 2016, it was not in India — but in Dubai.
Before that, my only pehchaan (recognition) of India came through the iconic Amitabh Bachchan on the big screen.
Toastmasters was the shuruaat (beginning) and the true chamak (spark) that connected me to so many wonderful Indians. I still remember how they sikhaya (taught) me, supported me, and stood by me in my Toastmasters journey — and even socially, when I was all alone in a new country. TM Sachin, DTM Shuklah, TM Jaswin, and so many others became part of my parivaar (family).
I will never forget my dear friend Dr. Ghazala, my roomie in Dubai Medical University, as well as Dr. Shifan and Dr. Tasnim. Together, we created countless memories — food gatherings, event celebrations, and those intense but joyful scientific meeting days.
And then there were my pyaare (beloved) Indian students — bright, respectful, and full of utsah (enthusiasm). They brought energy to the classroom, always eager to learn and share their own cultural perspectives. Many of them would surprise me with mithai (sweets) during festivals, invite me to their celebrations, and even teach me a few Hindi phrases. The teacher-student bond we shared often felt like guru-shishya parampara — that deep Indian tradition of respect and learning. They were not just students; they became part of my Dubai journey, adding both gyan (knowledge) and joy to my days.
Was that everything? Bilkul nahin! (Absolutely not!)
I was already a passionate Bollywood movie lover — the colors, the dance, the heartfelt stories. I watched so many Hindi films in Dubai’s grand cinema halls — sometimes even alone — and still felt the joy. From Tiger Zinda Hai to Kalank, Judwaa, Rangoon, and Zero, each film was a safar (journey) in itself. I even met my favorite, Hrithik Roshan!
And the magic didn’t stop there. I discovered dance institutes teaching Hindi dance styles, joined classes, and even enjoyed Hindi Zumba. Slowly, I became recognized within the Indian community in Dubai. From being completely alone to, after seven years, having a strong community — not of Egyptians, but of Indians — was truly life-changing.
One of my most cherished moments was being invited to deliver a Toastmasters session where I taught them Arabic. The joy of cultural exchange was simply laajawaab (amazing).
India is not just a country. With its diversity of culture, language, vast geography, and of course, the unstoppable Bollywood vibes, India is both a nation and a continent in spirit.
In Conclusion
From my first hesitant Namaste to deep and lifelong dosti (friendship), the Indian community has been a source of learning, joy, and belonging in my life. Dubai gave me a home away from home, but India — in its people, cinema, and colors — gave me apnapan (warmth) that I will carry forever.
Happy Independence Day India and all my Indian friends
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Dr Sahar Helmi is an Egyptian doctor by profession, MOH , Kuwait. She started her career as preventive medicine physician since 20 years. A Passionate toastmaster member in 2 clubs ; Desert Pioneers Toastmasters Club and Pearl of the Gulf Toastmasters Club. She is also serving as an Area 20 Director, District-20.