Indian man stranded in Bahrain for 42 years, finally returns home

Gulf News

26-04-2025

Dubai: After 42 years stranded in Bahrain, Gopalan Chandran, an Indian man from Kerala, is finally set to reunite with his family. His long-awaited return became possible thanks to the intervention of the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), a Delhi-based NGO that advocates for the rights of Indians facing injustice abroad.
Chandran arrived in Bahrain in 1983, hoping to secure a better job to support his family in Kerala. However, shortly after his arrival, tragedy struck when his employer passed away, and his passport was lost. Left undocumented, he became stranded in Bahrain for over four decades.
Despite his difficult situation, Chandran managed to evade detection until 2020, when he was detained by Bahrain police following a dispute with another expatriate from Kerala.
PLC steps in
Chandran's story gained widespread attention when it was featured on a Malayalam television program in 2020. Through this broadcast, Chandran learned that his mother was still alive, reigniting his desire to return home.
The Pravasi Legal Cell, along with well-wishers, worked tirelessly to gather the necessary documents and help Chandran navigate the legal procedures needed for his return to India.
The organisation collaborated with the Indian Embassy and Bahrain's Immigration Department to overcome obstacles and reunite Chandran with his family.
In a Facebook post, the Pravasi Legal Cell shared how they worked relentlessly to bring his story to light, providing shelter, tracing his long-lost relatives, and coordinating with authorities to ensure his safe return.
Long-awaited homecoming
After decades of hardship, Chandran's return to India was finally secured. The 64-year-old boarded a flight to Kerala, where he was reunited with his 95-year-old mother, whom he had not seen in over four decades. Tragically, his father had passed away in 1985, just two years after Chandran left for Bahrain.
Life of lost time
Despite the emotional joy of returning home, Chandran expressed a deep sense of loss and uncertainty. "I've returned empty-handed. Even my air ticket was arranged by the embassy," he shared.
"The future is bleak, and health is not on my side," Gopalan, who remains a bachelor, told The Indian Express. "The world I left behind has changed, and if I go out, I will get lost."
Reflecting on his bachelor status, Chandran noted the passage of time during his absence. "Two generations have been born in my family, yet my life remains unchanged," he added, feeling disconnected from the life he once knew.
Community support
The Pravasi Legal Cell's efforts were crucial in navigating the complex legal processes that made Chandran's return possible. The NGO described his story as one of perseverance, loss, and compassion, highlighting the tireless work of the team and the support of Bahrain's authorities.
'Gopalan's return is a symbol of hope for countless migrants whose stories often go unheard,' the NGO said in a statement. 'His journey from despair to dignity is a testament to the power of community support and relentless humanitarian effort.'
Looking forward
Chandran now lives with his elder brother Mohanan's family in Kerala. While he has returned to the land he left behind, the emotional and physical toll of 42 years of separation is undeniable. Despite the challenges, he hopes to find peace and rebuild connections in a world that has changed significantly during his absence.