GRA submits request to Dr. Arati Krishna requesting financial assistance for retired Gulf workers
Mangaluru: The Deputy Chairperson of Karnataka NRI Forum, Dr. Arati Krishna, was met by a delegation from the Mangaluru Gulf Retirees Association (GRA) during her visit to the city. The delegation, led by the Association's President Hamza Mittur, submitted a request regarding financial assistance for retired Gulf workers facing health and educational challenges.
The petition highlights the plight of many individuals who, after working in small jobs in Gulf countries and contributing to the state's foreign exchange earnings, now struggle with health issues and lack financial resources for their children's education. The delegation pointed out that the state of Kerala annually provides grants of Rs. 350 crore to non-resident Indians for various projects, including pension schemes, health insurance, accident insurance, and scholarships for children.
The Gulf Retirees Association also requested her to take up this matter with the Hon'ble Chief Minister and request him to consider similar measures for Karnataka's non-residents and retirees in the upcoming state budget.
The delegation included Vice President Salih Koya Thangal, Satish Kumar Bajal KSA, Mohammad Hussain, Vice President Adam Beary, Secretary Jamaluddin, Treasurer Bawa Abdul Khader, Secretary Yusuf Aladka, and Advisors Sahul Hameed Thangal and Mohammad Beary Bollai.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Shashi Tharoor praises PM Modi’s energy, dynamism; Calls him 'prime asset' for India
New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again drawn attention with his pointed praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "prime asset for India" in the context of India's diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor.
Writing in a column for The Hindu, Tharoor highlighted Modi’s dynamism and willingness to engage as crucial strengths that enhance India's global standing. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remain a prime asset for India on the global stage, but deserve greater backing," Tharoor wrote.
Tharoor’s remarks come shortly after his return from the diplomatic outreach as part of Operation Sindoor, an initiative aimed at rallying international support for India's position on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism. His inclusion in the delegation had sparked political friction between the Congress and the BJP, particularly after Tharoor publicly commended the government’s efforts.
Reflecting on the delegation’s visit to the United States, Tharoor also took a subtle dig at Pakistan. "Even as a Pakistani delegation was simultaneously present, we found US representatives, including those who met the Pakistani officials, echoing our concerns and urging decisive action against terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed," he wrote in the column.
"We consistently highlighted the severity of the threat from across our borders, aiming to build global consensus to hold perpetrators accountable," he added, calling the outreach a success.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP noted that the U.S. acknowledgement served as validation of India’s consistent diplomatic efforts, which were backed by verifiable facts and consistent advocacy, and were cutting through the noise and reinforcing the legitimacy of India’s position.
He further emphasised that India’s international strategy should be anchored in what he termed the "three T’s" — tech, trade, and tradition — to help build a "more just, secure and prosperous world."
Tharoor was one of a dozen opposition leaders who were part of the delegations, which included high-profile figures such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, and DMK’s Kanimozhi.
