Dubai Based Billionaire Ropes In India's Metro Man E Sreedharan To Rebuild Flood Ravaged Kerala
Kerala, August 25: Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, a Dubai based Indian origin billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who had earlier pledged Rs 50 crores to rebuilt flood ravaged Kerala has got one of India's most respected infrastructure experts to do the job.
Shamsheer, the founder and managing director of UAE-based VPS Healthcare said India's Metro Man E Sreedharan will be joining their task force to rebuild Kerala.
#MetroMan - Dr. E Sreedharan, we are humbled and delighted that you are joining our Task Force for #Kerala in spite of your busy schedule. Your experience and insights will be invaluable in helping shape the #recovery, #rebuilding and #rehabilitation programs. #rebuildingKerala pic.twitter.com/Jcgr1tyOdF
— Shamsheer Vayalil (@drshamsheervp) August 22, 2018
According to Shamsheer, Sreedharan will be a part of the group's activities related to rebuilding and rehabilitation in Kerala.
The announcement comes at a time when Kerala is trying to recover from the worst flooding in nearly a century which battered the entire state for nearly two weeks.
Though the flood waters have more or less receded, the damages suffered to the infrastructure is enormous.
AFP
Across the state, roads, bridges and other infrastructure have taken a massive hit and it is estimated that it will take at least a good few years to restore them and expenses running into thousands of crores.
Earlier, announcing a Rs 50 crore package for the state, the 41-year-old Kerala-born businessmen said the group will work in partnership with key stakeholders, including local authorities, and experts – in education, health care and housing — to use best practices and innovative strategies to ensure these vital ecosystems can recover quickly and efficiently.
He had also indicated that the money will be spent throughout the state and certain areas have already been identified for immediate help.
Shamsheer who is estimated to be worth $1.5 billion is regarded as one of the richest Indian businessmen in the Middle East.
Earlier this year Shamsheer and his wife Dr. Shabeena joined The Giving Pledge, a campaign founded by Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett, to encourage the wealthy to contribute their wealth towards philanthropy.
He is also the son-in-law of MA Yousuf Ali, a successful Malayali businessman in the Middle East and the chairman and managing director of Lulu group who himself has donated Rs 5 crore to the flood relief in Kerala.
Courtesy: www.indiatimes.com
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
