Milestone visit - India Club, Dubai, UAE

PEOPLE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE
MOHAN VALRANI
– The Action Man
By Jawahar Chhoda
A bright vision combined with the zeal and
desire to fulfil his dreams has made Valrani cross
many milestones in his fruitful life
Mohan Valrani is the senior vice chairman of the Al
Shirawi Group of Companies. Apart from being one of
the most successful Indian businessmen in the UAE,
Valrani is also actively involved in several philanthropic,
community and social activities. He is a
Founder-Trustee of the India Club and has been its
Chairman twice in the past. Mohan Valrani is also a
founder-member and is on the board of trustees of the
Indian High School (IHS).
Along with his fellow founder-trustees, it was Valrani’s
vision and far-sightedness that led to the expansion of
the India Club and took it to where it is today – one of
the largest Indian clubs in the world.
When Valrani first arrived in Dubai in 1966, India Club
was located in small premises in Bur Dubai near the
then customs office. Then the late and generous Ruler
of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum
granted a bigger plot of land for the new premises of
India Club to be built at the spot where it is located
now. “Since I was in the construction business, the
community accorded me the responsibility of building
the first phase of the new India Club premises. I was
also the Chairman when the club moved to its present
location,” said Valrani.
So what was it that made these community leaders
think of building an India club in Dubai? “When we
first arrived here, we came as bachelors, so there was
no sense of community as such. But as more and
more families began arriving, the need for a
community centre where these families could meet
and socialise grew. So the club was started and then
it just kept on growing. I am proud to say that many
eminent personalities from both the UAE and India
have visited our club and today it is one of the best
Indian clubs outside India. We never imagined that a
100,000 sq. ft. plot would be small for us. Our
membership has grown from 100 to 2,500 and is still
growing. We would have expanded further had it not
been for the space constraint.”
With all these achievements, India Club has
established itself as an institution among the Indian
community in Dubai, but isn’t it true that many former
regulars now choose to go to other places for
entertainment? “The fact that our membership keeps
on growing speaks for itself. When the club was
started, there was nowhere to go for families, no
entertainment options. With this club, we developed
community spirit and today as a community centre,
we are very active. Several luminaries keep on visiting
the club regularly and we also celebrate all the
festivals with great gusto and enthusiasm. There are
dedicated clubs for various nationalities in Dubai but
no other club matches ours. But at the same time,
times have changed. With the advent of new technology
our best friend now is the iPad so there is not
much time for socialising.
Dubai has grown in all directions and many people
have shifted to new Dubai. And the proof of the
pudding lies in its eating. So we have to introduce the
right facilities and create the right environment for
more and more people to want to come to the club.”
So is there any plan of expanding India Club? “Well,
space is the keyword here. Expansion is on the cards
but our main problem at the existing premises is the
space constraint. The trustees are discussing this
matter seriously and we feel that we need to start a
branch in a new location preferably in new Dubai,”
Valrani said with a touch of excitement. Given the fact
that the youngsters need to drive the growth of the
club, surely the trustee must be seeking their opinions
too? “Today’s youngsters are more active and very
quick to send their suggestions. And we receive so
many e-mails with suggestions from members to
improve the facilities. This ensures that our members
are actively involved in whatever happens at their
club.” In recent days, under the Chairmanship and
guidance of Dr Ram Buxani, the club has launched
several new initiatives. “True! Dr Buxani is doing
an excellent job. He has introduced the business
networking evenings, the Friday brunch and other
fresh ideas. I think the club is on the right track.”
Given that he and his companies have played such
an important role in Dubai’s progress, how does
Mohan Valrani envisage the future of Dubai? “Despite
the ups and downs, Dubai has emerged as a
world-class city. Today it is counted among the top
three cities of Asia and the top 10 cities of the world.
I see a very bright future for Dubai and feel that it will
continue to grow in the years to come.”
Mohan Valrani with HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin
Saeed Al Maktoum at the inauguration
of the MNC & Ashoka Complex in the year 2000
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