MANAMA, April 26: After more than 40 years of being stranded in the Middle East, an Indian man will finally reunite with his family in Kerala, ending a long and heartbreaking journey of survival and resilience. Seventy-four-year-old Gopalan Chandran, an expatriate from India, had been stuck in Bahrain for over four decades after moving there in search of better job opportunities.

A native of a small village near Powdikonam in Trivandrum, Kerala, Gopalan had arrived in Bahrain on August 16, 1983, full of hope and ambition to support his family back home. Like many migrant workers, he chased the dream of a better life, but destiny had other plans. Shortly after his arrival, his employer passed away unexpectedly, and Gopalan lost his passport. Left without documentation, he found himself trapped in Bahrain’s immigration system, living in a state of legal limbo for decades.

For years, Gopalan survived quietly on the margins of society until his plight caught the attention of the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC)—an NGO comprising retired judges, lawyers, and journalists who advocate for Indians facing injustice both at home and abroad.

Sudheer Thirunilath, President of PLC's Bahrain Chapter, along with his team, worked tirelessly with the Embassy of India in Bahrain and the Kingdom's Immigration Department to navigate the complex bureaucracy and arrange Gopalan’s return.

"Gopalan finally returns home to see his 95-year-old mother, who never gave up hope of seeing her son again. He boarded his flight this morning with no belongings—only memories, tears, and the dream of reuniting with his family. This is more than just a man going home; it’s a testament to humanity, justice, and the power of relentless compassion. It’s a beacon of hope for countless unheard migrants. Welcome home, Gopalan. You were never forgotten," PLC shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.