World Tour of Bollywood Superstar Kicks Off in Dublin

Scientology Community Centre in South Dublin hosts concert of Punjabi singer Harbhajan Mann.

Hundreds of dedicated fans from the Indian and Pakistani communities of Ireland gathered in Firhouse on 23 March for a mega concert with Bollywood’s Harbhajan Mann. This was the first event of the Punjabi superstar’s Tin Rang World Tour and his first appearance in Ireland.

The concert was organized by GK Entertainment and held in the state-of-the-art auditorium of the Scientology Community Centre.

“I can’t believe I am seeing Harbhajan Mann here today—in Dublin”, said one guest. “He is such a celebrity in India and we love his performances. Having him here is a very special occasion for our community. It’s a historical moment”.

The concert opened with a vibrant performance of traditional Punjabi folk dance by Shamrock Bhangra, known as the best ethnic dance group in Ireland. Already exhilarated, the audience hit critical mass when Harbhajan took the stage.

After Dublin, Mann appears in Birmingham, followed by his April 1 concert in London’s Wembley Arena.

“It was an honour to host a performer of Mr. Mann’s stature and to kick off his World Tour”, said Diana Stahl, Director of Public Affairs at the Scientology Community Centre. “Our Centre was created as a gathering place for the community and our doors are open to groups of any ethnic, social and religious background. Everyone who wishes to support and encourage the arts, community activity and charity work is welcome here”.

An estimated 3 percent of the Irish population is of South Asian descent according to the Ireland India Council. In the 2011 census, South Asian people were reported to be the fastest growing ethnic group in Ireland.

The Church of Scientology and Community Centre in Firhouse was established in 2017 as a hub for local activities and events, in keeping with Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s intention that all Scientology organisations are to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground for cooperative efforts. Working side by side with all denominations and other groups on civic and humanitarian initiatives to strengthen the community, the Church and Community Centre facilities—1,000-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, café and football pitch—are available to community groups and charitable organisations who share the goal of a peaceful and cooperative society. In 1956, L. Ron Hubbard lived in Dublin with offices in Merrion Square, where he launched humanitarian initiatives which continue to flourish throughout the world today. “If the weather is cold, the Irish heart is warm. The country and the people could not be improved upon”, he wrote.