'Smart idol' means a lot for these blue collars

Participants rejoice at the Smart Idols 2016 held at Shaikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai last week.

While the region may still be only warming up to the concept of celebrating Labour Day, Dubai is at the forefront of such efforts ensuring employees' basic needs are catered to in a timely fashion.
Among those working for the uplift of labourers is Vinod Mehra, president of Smart Life, who five years ago began an initiative - the Smart Idol - to find talent from among the working class in Dubai, mentor them and give them a platform to showcase their talents.
"There is tremendous talent around us but due to financial constraints the workers don't get the opportunity to prove themselves. We select talent from workers accommodations in Dubai. We went to 15 accommodations and 25-30 people from each were selected and mentored. It's a transformation for them," he said.
Rigorous training sessions and mentoring by professionals prepared the 14 finalists to participate in the Smart Idol 2016, on April 22. The finale was sensational and the stage was fired with each performance of seven vocalists and seven dancers.
"My work is my celebration and singing is my passion; I try to balance both. I am enjoying the International Labour Day with my colleagues," said this year's winner, Diana Namayanja, a Ugandan bus conductor.
"Smart Idol has changed my life; I am getting many offers now. For a blue collar worker like me winning smart idol means a lot."
For Indian Fahim Khan who won at Smart Idol in the dance category, every day is a celebration of his work.
"We celebrate each day as a Labour Day. It is not what we are but what we can do that makes a difference," he said.
"I work as an electrician here and I am just 23 years old. Still I get a good salary and facilities in Dubai. I work in night shift and live my passion during daytime because I want to improve my talent and showcase it to the world."
Several companies in the emirate celebrated International Labour Day, which falls on April 1, on Sunday.
"We organise a mini get-together once in a month for employees, conduct talent shows filled with fun activities and distribute prizes to boost their morale. Timely payment, high level of health and safety standard are maintained for the employees," noted Anand Kumar, Executive Director, Abra VM & SD International.
The emirate is constantly setting the standard for labour amenities, an effort in which the public and private sector work hand in hand.
Labourers play a vital role in the emirate's infrastructure, manufacturing and service industries.
 ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai