Rebounding with full force

With the pandemic presenting a challenging year for both UAE and India, Dr Aman Puri, Consul-General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, tells us about the various campaigns both countries are undertaking to return to normal.

On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings to all my fellow Indian expatriates living in Dubai and Northern Emirates of Sharjah, Aj­man, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fu­jairah. It was an occasion of immense pride for all countrymen when India declared herself to be a Sovereign, Democratic, and Republic Nation on January 26, 1950, by enacting a constitution. Let's pay our respectful tributes to our great free­dom fighters and dignified members of the draft­ing committee of the constitution, who had con­tributed immensely and laid a solid foundation for our democracy.

Preamble, the soul of the Indian Constitution echoes the core sentiments of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, that build confidence among us about our system, which is based on true values of democracy in real terms. Despite several socio-economic-political crises in the country, our constitution has always remained the guiding principle for all policymakers. The Gov­ernment of India has always strived that princi­ples of the constitution are reflected in practice. In every step undertaken under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, adherence to the Constitu­tion of India has been the guiding principle.

Numerous developments have touched the lives of people in our country in the last seven decades. At the same time, favourable public policies - AADHAR linkages with various cen­trally sponsored schemes, access of LPG cooking gas to every household under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana, the building of crores of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, strengthening infrastructure by focussing on the five wheels of highways, railways, airways, waterways and i-ways - have not only partially changed the socio-economic landscape of the country, but directly or indirectly touched the lives of ordinary Indians.

Humanity has faced a global health crisis last year. Despite the rollout of the vaccine for Cov­id-19, there is a long way to go in terms of full economic recovery, as well as universal vaccina­tion, which is a gigantic task and needs strategic planning with proper execution. The Indian healthcare system and pharma industry have risen to the occasion once again to provide a timely and cost-effective solution to become the pharmacy of the world and we all should be proud of our scientists, doctors and entrepreneurs for adding another feather to our cap. The Govern­ment of India truly believes in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and recently sent vac­cines for Covid-19 to neighbouring countries under Vaccine Maitri.

As a nation, the UAE has been a shining ex­ample in some of the best practices and role model for the contemporary world. Visionary and futuristic leadership at the helm, coupled with passion, to serve the entire population, including expatriates, and principles of tolerance and co-existence, has made a visible difference in the UAE. The UAE aims to vaccinate 50 per cent of its population by the end of March, which is an outstanding number and shows the deep com­mitment of the UAE leadership in looking after their native population, as well as the expatriate community. That's why the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities and offers ample oppor­tunities for their wholesome development as well, and at the same time exhibits true values of care and compassion.

India will be celebrating the platinum year of its independence in 2022. From now till August 15, 2022, there is much to do and much to achieve for us. We all have to work comprehensively to put the economy back on a healthy growth trajectory and ensure that growth is inclusive, with lower-income households enjoying the benefits of rapid growth too, by making a 'self-reliant' India. We have to tap new opportunities in changing the global environment as well. All youngsters have to play a significant role by carrying out their duties with full determination and dedication, which would help in realising the dream of Young India: New India. We all have a sense of responsibility towards our younger generations to ensure that their energy is channelised into a constructive and collaborative manner in all walks of life.

A number of Indians have lost their job in UAE soon after the outbreak of the pandemic, but we are happy to note that a number of them have returned, after the resumption of economic ac­tivities in the country. The consulate is closely working with key stakeholders including aca­demia and industry and has developed the first prototype of an upskilling centre for Indian blue-collar workers, which was launched by Shri V. Muraleedharan, Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, India, at Delhi Private School Dubai. We hope to repli­cate this model with other institutions very soon. We have received tremendous support from UAE authorities, along with our community associa­tions in various Covid-19 relief works. As the situation seems to be normalised to the larger extent now, I would like to urge all fellow Indians to take full precautions against Covid-19 and fol­low all safety norms and protocols issued by the local health authorities strictly, as we are yet to win the battle against Covid-19.

Due to these Covid-19 protocols, we are not in a position to celebrate our Republic Day 2021 and flag hoisting ceremony as we have celebrat­ed in previous years. But we are well aware that all of you are connected with us from your hearts with the same feelings and emotions with which you have visited the consulate every year on the morning of January 26. I am sure that I will have the opportunity to meet you in person on the forthcoming celebrations and expect all of you to kindly celebrate Republic Day with the consul­ate by joining us through a live telecast of the function on Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools.

I once again extend my best wishes to all In­dian expatriates and friends of India on this aus­picious occasion.

Jai Hind!

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