MINISTER of State for External Affairs, Dr. Gen (Retd.) V. K. Singh elaborated on the just concluded Haj agreement with Saudi government and steps taken by the Indian government in making the Haj more comfortable for the Indian pilgrims, while thanking the Diaspora for its contribution to Indian economy and active participation in promoting India's interest in the outside world. Dr. Singh was speaking at an interactive session with Indian Diaspora including office bearers of Saudi India Business Network (SIBN), India Forum and Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF) in Jeddah. While welcoming Dr. Singh, Consul General B. S. Mubarak recalled contributions of Dr. Singh during ‘Operation Rahat' during which 4,700 Indians and 1000 foreign nationals from Yemen where evacuated. He also highlighted the contributions of the three organizations under patronage of the Indian Consulate Jeddah in assisting people during as well as after Haj and promoting business between India and Saudi Arabia. During the session which lasted for more than two hours, Dr. Singh answered questions related to Haj, educational facility, especially higher education for children of Diaspora, steps taken by the government in helping NRIs back home etc. The majority of the people raised issues related to higher education facility for children of Diaspora while some raised the issue of training/familiarization of Hajis to make their stay comfortable in the Kingdom. The minister also explained the increased involvement of government in getting the public issues resolved besides acceptance of various documents as proofs for issuance of passport in India. He shared Twitter accounts of Foreign Ministry, which can be utilized by the Diaspora in getting their grievances redressed if not taken care by Missions abroad. Alungal Mohammed, CEO Al Abeer Medical Group, pointed out the issue of Kozhikode Airport development and how it was a hub that could benefit the Keralities. He wanted the Indian government to popularize alternative medicines, including Ayurveda in Saudi Arabia by taking up with the authorities, especially during the forthcoming visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia. He also quoted example of Qatar where alternative medicines are being permitted by the local government. He also suggested creation of a legal cell/center in the Indian Embassy/Consulate in Saudi Arabia, which can work in tandem with Saudi legal experts and provide advice to Indian investors in Saudi Arabia and Saudi investors intending to invest in India. Vijay Soni of SIBN while thanking the Indian Consulate for its selfless services, raised the issue of facilities for vocational education for the Diaspora, which he suggested, could be embedded in the school curriculum. He also raised the issue of expanding the community schools in Saudi Arabia so that all Indian children can get a chance for quality education. Aijaz Khan, president of the India Forum, quickly conveyed that there is no gap between the community and the Consualte and members of the Indian community can approach the Consulate easily and seek assistance to resolve their issues. He requested for opening branches of renowned Indian institutions to open their branches in the Kingdom. Kader Khan and Saleem Quadri elaborated on the work done by Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum and sought the intervention of government in giving orientation to pilgrims before their departure from India. Dr. Singh, after the session, assured all help to the community as he would raise the issues with the concerned ministries on his return to India. He also conveyed that the law of the land has to be strictly adhered to while taking up new initiatives. He expressed his happiness on positive response from community. The program was also attended by Aseem Mahajan, OSD (HAJ), Ministry of External Affairs, Rakesh Mohan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Anjami Kumar, Director MEA, Ms. Puja Jindal, Director, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mohd. Shahid Alam, Deputy Consul General and Consul (Haj).
