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Vipul, the Consul General of India, Dubai

Vipul, the Consul General of India, Dubai, shares his views on Independence Day

by

Suchitra Steven Samuel

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Published: Mon 14 Aug 2017, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 14 Aug 2017, 8:00 PM

Independence Day 2017 marks the birth of a nation which 70 years on continues to deliver economic growth and contributes on a global playing field. Indian officials abroad ensure that diplomatic ties are strengthened at every level. Vipul took charge as Consul General in April this year and is actively into his new role. 
"I've worked on a variety of areas in my diplomatic career and I am very happy at the opportunity given by the Government of India to serve the large Indian community here in the UAE. I hope to serve them with full dedication, compassion and integrity," Vipul says in an interview with Khaleej Times. 
"We want to contribute to the growing bilateral partnership, especially on the trade and investment side and also to reach out to the local Emiratis," he adds.
"I would like to wish a very happy Independence Day to all Indians living in Dubai and the Northern Emirates on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of India's independence. There is a lot to rejoice over India's accomplishments in the past 70 years but more remains to be achieved," he notes.
The CG continues, "Independence Day is an occasion not only to celebrate but also to recommit ourselves to our beloved country's development and prosperity and to remember the leaders of our freedom struggle. This year's Independence Day is particularly special as we would be embarking on a year-long celebration of India @ 70."
The Consul General congratulates the Indian community in the UAE who have been the mainstay of friendly relations between India and the UAE. "Today, our bilateral relations are at an unprecedented high following the historic visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in 2015 and the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in January this year. I am sure that in the coming years the Indian community will continue to play an important role in the development of both India and the UAE. The community should also thank the UAE leadership for providing a great environment for Indians to work and prosper in the UAE."
Says the CG, "In line with the aim of the Government of India especially External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, we have sought to connect strongly with the Indian community and be responsive to their needs."
Vipul agrees that Social Media is playing an important role in this and besides the normal channels of communications anyone can reach the Consulate through Twitter and Facebook. "It has been our endeavour to respond to every query, suggestion or complaint with regard to the
Consulate's work."
The CG is successfully taking steps to meet his objectives. "With the sustained efforts of my colleagues in the Consulate, we've been able to reduce the passport issuance time to two to three days. We've also been able to resolve several cases related to distressed Indian seafarers, with great help from the Federal Transport Authority of the UAE. We were also able to celebrate the International Yoga Day in multiple venues and every emirate of the UAE this year. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of the community and the UAE Government and I would like to thank them for this." 
The consulate gets a number of complaints from ECR passport holders who get into trouble after coming to the UAE on visit visas for employment or with a promise of employment. "Our advice for ECR categories workers is to come to the UAE on proper employment visas through our e-migrate system. This would prevent unscrupulous agents from taking advantage of gullible workers. We also advise workers to come trained for the jobs and contact the Consulate when they come to the UAE,"
he notes.
The CG says that Dubai is a fantastic place to live and work in particularly for Indians. "It is the most global city in the world today with people from almost all nationalities living in harmony. I am extremely happy to be in Dubai and my family, wife, daughter and parents, who are enjoying every bit of life here. While it is hot right now, I enjoy the great malls in Dubai or watch movies. I take a break from work, watching and playing sports and travelling. I hope to explore more of the UAE in the coming months," he says.
Vipul was born in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India and graduated in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998 and has completed postings in Cairo, Colombo and Geneva, in addition to stints in New Delhi.
-suchitra@khaleejtimes.com


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