Dubai - Khaleej Times reached out to a cross-section of prominent Indians and residents across the UAE who expressed their desires for India in the years to come.
Published: Thu 24 Jan 2019, 9:29 PM
Last updated: Thu 24 Jan 2019, 11:36 PM
From expatriate welfare programmes to passport reform, and from better healthcare facilities back home to new developmental projects, several Indian expatriates are proud that India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day on January 26 this year.
Khaleej Times reached out to a cross-section of prominent Indians and residents across the UAE who expressed their desires for India in the years to come.
Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said: "On India's 70th Republic Day, we are not only celebrating our constitution which stood the test of times but reiterating the unity in diversity."
Moopen added: "There is a long way to go in areas like healthcare, though the future looks bright. Rising income levels, greater health awareness and improved access to insurance will be the driving forces in India's health sector growth."
He also touched upon the world's largest free healthcare scheme to cover 500 million people, called Ayushman Bharat, a programme that is likely to transform the sector. "The private sector continues to be a vibrant contributor to the healthcare sector - we are proud that we have become one of the major players in India with presence in five states," said Moopen.
"We have made great strides over the years and today India is in the forefront in all spheres. It is time to remember with gratitude the contributions of all our leaders in guiding our nation forward," said Dhananjay Datar, chairman and managing director of Al Adil group.
Joy Alukkas, chairman and managing director of Joyalukkas Group, said: "Today, India is at the forefront of global leadership in various sectors and many of our countrymen are leading the next phase of the global revolution. As a nation, India continues to grow leaps and bounds each passing year in every sphere. Congratulations to all Indians on this memorable occasion and wish our nation be blessed with peace, prosperity and progress all times."
Residents speak
Shivani Agarwal, a writer and marketing professional, said: "There is always hope. We are somehow living, working and co-existing. Things won't get better on their own, besides the need for a clean leadership, we require commitment from us all to move forward. Participation in NGOs, helping the smaller communities, chasing growth and development rather than tolerating the paradigm of corruption. The change has to start with us."
Vivek Menon, a cinematographer based in Dubai, said: "Very happy to be celebrating India's 70th Republic Day. Our country has come a very long way, and it has miles more to go. I wish more welfare and equal opportunities should be launched for Indians and NRIs who wish to pursue a career in arts and cinema."
Vinayak Sid, a businessman, said: "It would be good if more incentives and rebates are given for NRI businessmen who want to expand their businesses in the Gulf to India. A lot more can also be done to help expats remain beneficial to society once they retire and head back home to India."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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