Different Dialogues: Interview with Extended & Enlarged Interviews of Surender Singh Kandhari – Founder & Chairman of Al Dobowi Group, Dubai (UAE).

Everyday, people converge at the Guru Nanak Darbar – the Sikh Temple in Dubai-UAE. Men, women, children come regularly to pray to the Almighty. Some of the people are visitors who with the thrill of anticipation want to know why the place is considered as an enchanting gem on the map of UAE. I can imagine travelers standing motionless, knowing they have made a worth-it-trip to understand the meaning of peace and sublime grace after they have arrived at this divine place.

One early morning, in the warm month of September 2015, I was in my car – taking a trip to Jebel Ali where Guru Nanak Darbar is situated. I was meeting Surender Kandhari – the chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar to catch up with him to learn and understand more about the iconic organization.

My mind reeled with thoughts of our previous dialogue when we had discussed the making of the temple. I was returning for another interview after a gap of 19 months.

As I entered the grand building, its towering presence profusely offered me a renewed tranquility. Once inside, I took off my foot-wear, washed my hands and went towards the grand altar. The sacred Granth Sahib – the holy book rests in radiance over there. I sunk to my knees, bowed my head on the carpeted floor for blessings that I should come here again and again.

Such is the charisma of Guru Nanak Darbar!

Within a few minutes after my prayer, I was ushered upstairs by a staff member to the conference room – where I awaited Surender Kandhari’s arrival. Within no time he was present to greet me with his perennial smile, and we immediately began our interview.

Of course, at the start of our conversation, I hitchhiked back to the earlier interview so that both of us could follow and continue the story-line with a sense of greater clarity.

Surender Kandhari’s opening lines were: ‘Guru Nanak Darbar’s doors are always open to one and all. Everyone can come – regardless of creed or religion’. He pauses and begins again: ‘Let’s get together and do something. Let us promote peace. This is the need of the hour. There is One God, only One God. We must bring peace through religion’.

Over the years, I have discovered that the seed of spiritual inclination is rapidly increasing in Surender Kandhari. His zest to do more and more for society is very obvious. No doubt, though he is immersed in large businesses and enjoys a solid standing – the charitable inclination in his nature remains priority. He is a man who wants to stand solidly for actions which can cement relationships with: harmony and better understanding amongst people of different cultures and communities.

He is also stout in his belief that peace and greater understanding amongst nations is the most important part of universal life – and more so, today. I have seen him appreciating with deep gratitude the kind gesture of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum who gave permission for the erection of Guru Nanak Darbar. I absorb what Surender Kandhari is saying and re-endorse his thinking. Indeed, the leaders of UAE are visionaries. They certainly want to do their best to promote peace and progress by building bridges from the spirit of pure positivity.

As an Indian, I also know that the Indian community cherishes the bond between India and UAE.

Coming back to the subject of strife and turmoil, yes, it is a fact that almost all of us are torn, disappointed and agonized by the present situation where divisions by hatred and imbalances are causing large scale devastations, universally. It has become a fact of living that moral values are declining and we need to fix things… and to fix things… each of us has a role to play. We can make our world a better place, provided, we open the windows of our hearts and conscience.

Surender Kandhari elaborates on this subject and says, ‘Religions are supposed to bind mankind together. Is it happening?’ He continues, ‘We must all do our best to bring harmony around us. We must also change our mindset. Our slogan should be: Peace and Acceptance, rather, than Peace and Tolerance’.

While we are conversing, a plate of snacks (prepared in the Gurudwara’s kitchen) and tea is served to us.  Without blinking, I go for the hot tea and it is delicious!

With a gaze of thanks, I continue to ask Surender Kandhari several questions – on various topics.  I ask him, ‘How do you balance your business affairs with your goals of self-realization?’

He replies, ‘Modern business trends are very complex.  We are totally professionalizing our business.  My family and me will be on board as directors and advisors’.

I learn about his company’s latest development: The Battery Plant which has been set up most recently in UAE. It is one of its kind! Kays Trading FZCO is a state-of-the-art Automotive Battery Plan with a capacity of: 1.0 million batteries per year.  It is the most modern plant in GCC in collaboration & a joint venture with Exide, U.S.A.

Surender Kandhari has enjoyed additional laurels. In the year 2014, he went as a representative of UAE government to attend G20 Inter-Faith Summit held in the Gold Coast, Australia. In 2015, he was in Malaysia, as a delegate of the UAE government to promote Inter-Faith Harmony and Tolerance.

He draws me back to the topic of peace and harmony.  He shares his thoughts and says, ‘We all have good intentions but few follow up with actions’.

I agree wholly with his statement.  Yes, at the end of the day – who wants strife and war and hatred to reign over us and our families?  Everyone wants to live in a state of harmony. However, wishing alone is not going to bring results.  It is our efforts… individual efforts and team-work that can bring tremendous results. I tell him so, reaffirming my own belief.

Surender Kandhari spoke at length about a peace-program with which he is connected – to achieve success… and success he will achieve, I truly feel!

He spoke about: World Peace linked with HWPL in South Korea.  Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization registered under the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs that transcends differences in culture, beliefs and regions to engage leaders and youth in sustainable and comprehensive solutions for peace.

Moreover, HWPL is committed to community development through volunteer outreach, women advocacy, and cultural and religious exchange through International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and youth engagement through International Peace Youth Group (IPYG).

Surender Kandhari beamed and said, ‘You know, as a pledge towards humanity and community development, Guru Nanak Darbar in partnership is linked with HWPL. Speakers from different religious backgrounds come and speak and we have scholars in discussions.

I reflected and said, ‘That is what the Sikh Gurus believed in – the doctrine of Sikhism promotes universal harmony’.

In 2012, in London, Surender Kandhari received an award of “Sikhs in Seva”.  Seva means: Selfless Voluntary Service.  The award came from: The World Sikh Awards, UK.

In the year 2014, the British Sikh Association honoured him by presenting “Sikh Jewel Award”, for his exceptional service, dedication and commitment to the Sikh Community.

On 22nd June 2015, Guru Nanak Darbar invited Al Manar Centre for the second time to continue and promote the Inter-Faith-Dialogue and Iftar.

My interview must include the name of Bubbles Kandhari, spouse of Surender Kandhari.  The lady dedicates long hours for the social activities of Guru Nanak Darbar by handling the administration of the Gurudwara.  Bubbles Kandhari organizes the community-meals, social events, such as, Anand Karaj.   Free food is served daily to approximately 1000 visitors, and on Fridays around 10,000 visitors dine.  During festivals and public holidays the number of diners can soar up to 30,000. People of all religions are welcomed.

Later, long after the interview, I reflected on Surender Kandhari’s statement.  It was a profound one; yes, we must learn to ‘accept’ other faiths. 

If people were to ask me the significant question on: How can we bring the environment of congenial acceptance, where we can respect and understand the value of Inter-Faith-Acceptance?  I would tell the people to keenly follow the remarkable example and efforts of Surender Kandhari!

Yes, it makes complete sense to follow him because he is someone who is outstanding in contributing excellently to society in different wonderful ways! 

In conversation with Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari – Founder & Chairman of Al Dobowi Group, Dubai (UAE).

Educational Background: Graduated with Honours in Commerce from Loyola College, Chennai (India).

Professional Background: He is the Chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar – Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Silhouetted against the expanding skyline of Dubai – a regal landmark stands in tranquility – embossing the true spirit of UAE. Every time I go there, I am mesmerized by the aura of the place. From then on what I am enjoying is a tremendous mood of fulfillment and peace.

Having myself known the importance of visiting holy abodes, I have always respected and understood the spiritual sentiments which are attached to sacred monuments.

I felt a surer faith of relevance, when I thought: what could be a better place to have a dialogue with Surender Singh Kandhari – than under the roof of a holy shrine?  More so, when the gentleman has been privileged to be associated with the whole developing scheme of the Gurudwara…Guru Nanak Darbar. He saw it developing from the first brick to the last! In every sense of the word, Surender Kandhari has carried the responsibility with wishing extended prosperity of Indo-UAE friendship – through the birth of Guru Nanak Darbar.

Second only to The Golden Temple in Amritsar (India), Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara located in Jebel Ali, South West of Dubai, flourishes to remember and narrate the lineal philosophy of wise rulers, like: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has been gracious to grant permission for constructing the revered Sikh shrine.

It seems, by the will of God Almighty, Surender Kandhari was the ‘chosen’ man to start and complete the monolithic project. I learn from him, amidst other governing yardsticks of principles, once the basic concept of sangat and langar - spiritual congregation and community meals was explained, and how the ideas of equality in Sikhism match with Islam, were exchanged with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs – things began to roll in a systematic order to commence the erection of the blessed sanctuary.

Surender Kandhari exclaims in appreciation, ‘The permission is one thing, but His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gave us 25,400 sq. ft. of free land – for the community.’

He tells me in a committed tone, ‘The making of the Gurudwara – it was literally, a journey to the unknown for me. Sheikh Mohammed’s generosity and tolerance towards other religions is very commendable.  He has always respected other nationalities and different cultures.’ 

This is a well-known fact.  Thus it is this philosophical foresight and tolerant approach of the Emirati Leaders – which is providing boost to the advancement in UAE. I would say that Islam is displaying what is true of Islam! Of course, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is not the only example in evidence – in the region.

During our racy discussion in the Conference Room, over delicious snacks and tea prepared in the Gurudwara’s modern eatery – talks on different subjects began. More specifically, I was now focused on the life and achievements of Surender Kandhari. For part of the interview, his spouse, Bubbles sat with us. The lady herself is devoted in serving the community by giving many regular hours in supervising the various social events, like, kirtans, weddings, meals, prayers – the routine of this nature is continuously taking place in the holy premises.

Surender Kandhari is a well-respected Indian businessman in Dubai, who has taken his company’s operations to 65 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.  He is the founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Al Dobowi Group in the business of tyres and retreading.  Apart from this, Al Dobowi is in the field of batteries and rubber products. The group’s leading brand partners are: CEAT, Good Year, Pirelli, Caltex, Exide, Hankook, Bandag and many more.

Furthermore, Surender Kandhari emerges as a leading global player in integrated tyre management, batteries, lubricants, conveyor belt systems, and technical rubber products. Taking the group into its next phase of growth – he is set to expand Al Dobowi into the South East Asian region, Australia, the UK and India.

As we spoke, I was beginning to realize more staunchly than ever – how well success in business, and spirituality can go hand in hand! This type of a combination has given people an-all-round-contentment. We have numberless examples of men and women who have achieved stunning results – both for themselves and community development, in the process.

This cannot happen overnight because it is like the stages in metamorphosis – a gradual process of transformation … a change over a period of time. For the stages of metamorphosis, there are factors and influences which are responsible in gradually shaping the newness.

This is exactly how Surender Khandari evolved – taking me back to his grandfather Atma Singh’s profile – who himself had helped build a Gurudwara in Vijaywada in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. He remembers fondly the profile of his grandfather. He states, ‘My grandfather was very religious, and very practical. He did six months of business and spent the rest of his time in charity-projects. He used to say, “What the right hand is giving away, the left hand should not know”. This is how he was.’

I could easily make out that the childhood impressions for community service left a deep positive mark on Surender Kandhari.

Interestingly and historically, Surender Kandhari’s paternal grandfather moved from Pakistan to Kandhar – in Afghanistan. It is at this point, somewhere, the ancestor adopted the surname ‘Kandhari’ from the fond recognition of his new homeland.

Talking about his reasons to shift from India to the UAE, Surender Kandhari says, ‘1976 and the following years offered many opportunities because Dubai was growing.  I decided to shift here after having been groomed into the family business.’ Hence, it was a conscious and an independent decision which he took for the big change.

I also understood from him that there were recessionary trends in India by 1974. The climate of the country was tense – politically; some fundamental changes had taken, or were taking place in his life, too. His younger brother had tragically died in a car accident. So, all these factors propelled the young man to move to newer horizons – who by now was already in business for 6 years.

‘Governing laws in Dubai have been very pragmatic and conclusive for good business. This has helped us grow in Dubai for 38 years. We have expanded in China and other international countries,’ Surender Kandhari says with a confident expression.

In our conversation, Surender Kandhari mentions with admiration – names of Dr. Paramjeet Luthra – a mature resident of UAE. He also warmly recalls his association with Ramesh Khanna (retired partner of AF Ferguson & Company residing in Mumbai). ‘He was a godfather to me’. To that I reply, ‘The world is small – he’s my first cousin and we reside in the same building.’

The main topic of the interview again reverts to human faith… sentiments in our beliefs. Surender Kandhari confides with pride, ‘I didn’t ask for any donation for the construction of the Gurudwara. As I followed my dreams of building, support flowed from the community. Today, this is an iconic monument. I simply followed my elders’ example and the example of Mother Teresa.’

He pauses and then repeats, again, ‘The generosity of Sheikh Mohammed is never to be forgotten.’ 

Hearing these words, I am deeply moved because my first hand experience – as a longtime resident of Dubai brings gratitude towards the local leaders, also. Indeed, they are far-sighted and benevolent in their vision. I also know that the Indian community, especially, the Sikh and Sindhi members are applauding the gift of the Gurudwara!

As regards to the Sikh culture - a Gurudwara is more than a holy shrine.  It is the hub – demonstrating and conducting the right-code-for-living to celebrate the spirit of universal harmony. Because Sikhism is based on love and peaceful existence – it does not follow the rigid and narrow theories of blind religious theories which incite unrest.  The Sikh spiritual ideology is based on rich values of building society.

The local initiative has certainly reaped a rich harvest! Today, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is on the map of UAE. Therefore, by the day and the night, the temple is delivering the finest message to the worshippers, and the world. Directly or indirectly, the monument stands tall as a beacon of goodwill and gratitude.

Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai was inaugurated on 17th January 2012 and fully functional now. Construction of the Darbar started from May 2008 and completed in December 2011.

As we drew to culminate our talks, I asked Surender Kandhari, as to what were the key recollections… past memories which he would like to share with me and my readers. He said, ‘We felt we had to respect elders. Ma Piyo di izzat – respect for our parents.’

Later, Bubbles took me for the entire round of Guru Nanak Darbar, including the ultra-modern kitchens, the freezer room, and well-kept storerooms stacking fresh vegetables, spices, lentils and other ingredients that go to make wholesome and full of flavor meals for the langars.

Many weeks later, I was sitting down to compile the salient points of our conversation. Additionally, I had the opportunity to read lines from the revered Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture Book. Sentence by sentence, the beauty emerged like the bloom of the most fragrant rose!

“There is One God of all; there is no other at all. By Guru's Grace, the Lord comes to abide in the mind; in the heart of such a one, He is revealed”

“The One God is pervading and permeating each and every heart; the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is revealed to the Gurmukh.”

Beautiful words … shining light on those who believe in them.

Q 1. What has been the turning point of your life?
A. First turning point was when I got married to a wonderful partner – Bubbles and this changed my outlook to life. I became more responsible, mature and caring. My moving to Dubai to expand our business was the second turning point. I became more international in my outlook and Dubai gave me the opportunities to grow professionally, commercially, financially and socially. The last turning point was the establishment of the first Gurudwara in Dubai with the help of all the community. This made me very spiritual.

Q 2. If you could go back in time, what would you want to do?
 A. I would love to be a preacher. I would love to lead people to the right path of life. With the modem ways of corruption, scandals and extravagancies, I feel people are not making use of a beautiful life given to them by the Almighty. We should be grateful to God for the wonderful life we have, and we should start thanking HIM – instead of complaining always.

Q 3. What are your future dreams?
A. Serve humanity and the community while I still continue to be in my business career. I would not like to retire and do nothing. I would rather work, strive to higher goals and learn everyday about the new developments in technology, life and well-being. There is God in every human and if we serve humans we serve God.

Q 1.   In your view, what is most important in life? Accordingly, name three aspects, important in life.
A.   1. Simple living – high thinking.
2. Serving humanity.
3. Keep up your good name – at the end only your name remains; rest all disappears.

Q 2.   If you were not doing what you are doing now, what would you be doing?
A.    I would be a priest – teaching people the good side of life.
Asking people to be grateful to God Almighty for all what they have.

Q 3.   What motivates you to achieve your goal?
A.   Self-satisfaction & gratitude to God, these two things are most important in my life to achieve my goal.

Q 4.   How do you handle stress and pressure?
A.  I leave it to God. Whenever I am stressed I say a prayer (Mool Mantar) and I get solace and peace.

Q 5.   Which of your qualities would you want to pass down to your child / children?
A.    Sincerity and dedication to whatever you do.

Q 6.   Who is your favourite author? Which book of your favourite author have you enjoyed the best?
A.  Dale Carnegie. My favourite book by Dale Carnegie is: How To Win Friends And Influence People.

Q 7.   What are you pursuing currently, by the way of a light hobby, or by the way of a serious goal?
A.     My hobby and passion is Golf.
My goal is to do ‘Sewa’ – service for the under privileged by way of education.

Q 8.   In the last 1 year, is your particular goal advancing? Which is that goal / dream?
A.     My aim in life is to serve the community, serve mankind. I started a charity in Delhi for orphan kids in 1984 by helping out a few Sikh families. The charity has grown big and we now educate 30-35 students. We take care of all their needs – education etc. Some of them are even employed here in Dubai.

We sponsored several students for an Engineering course in Bidar.

We now plan to serve the masses by giving them vocational/technocrat training to the below average level students.

To know more about Guru Nanak Darbar-Dubai-UAE, kindly click on: http://gurudwaradubai.com
To know more about HWPL, kindly click on: http://hwpl.kr

Geeta Chhabra