02/08/2025
Share:
02/08/2025
Share:
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 2: As Kuwait marks the 35th anniversary of the Iraqi invasion, former expatriates around the world pause to reflect on a moment that changed their lives forever. Among them is Geoffrey Vaz, an Indian national who spent his childhood in Kuwait during the turbulent events of 1990.
"August 2 is not just another date on the calendar," Vaz said. "It’s a memory — raw and real. A reminder of how quickly life can change. We remember the sirens, the fear, and the abrupt disruption of everything familiar. Families like mine were uprooted overnight. Children, including myself, had to grow up far too quickly. Some of us faced days of uncertainty, while others fled with little more than the clothes on their backs — surviving only through the kindness of strangers and the resilience of our communities."
Despite the chaos, the emotional bond with Kuwait remained strong.
"Even in that upheaval, we never forgot what Kuwait meant to us," he added. "Many of us returned to India or moved elsewhere, but a part of our hearts stayed behind. The memories are still vivid: the scent of the souk, the rhythm of Ramadan, the warmth of Kuwaiti neighbors, and the quiet calm of weekend beach walks — these are fragments of a childhood deeply rooted in a land we once called home."
Vaz also paid tribute to Kuwait’s recovery in the years that followed, acknowledging the strength and determination shown by its people.
"Kuwait rose with grace and strength after the war, rebuilding with a fierce sense of purpose," he said. "And while today’s Kuwait rightly emphasizes national identity and sovereignty, our connection to it endures — shaped not by borders, but by memory and humanity."
Calling for reflection rather than politics, he emphasized the importance of honoring the shared past.
"This day is about remembrance — about resilience, survival, and a solidarity many of us never expected but will never forget," he said.
Vaz concluded with a message to the Kuwaiti people and his fellow former expatriates:
"To the people of Kuwait and its government, I offer my heartfelt respect and gratitude. Your courage, your generosity in welcoming families like mine, and your perseverance through adversity have left a lasting impression. And to those who once lived there — wherever you may be today — I know many of you feel the same quiet ache, the same wave of memories. We may no longer live in Kuwait, but Kuwait lives in us."
"May we carry forward the lessons of those times — with compassion, humility, and dignity. And may Almighty Allah bless Kuwait, and bless us all."
Geoffrey Vaz is a former expatriate currently living in Mumbai, India.
Special to Arab Times
