Media Release
New Delhi, Apr 19: Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) chaiman Dr Sam Pitroda recently held a video conference with senior IOC officials across Middle Eastern countries to review the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic among Indians residing in the region. Almost all speakers appreciated the efforts initiated and implemented by respective governments to contain spread of the deadly virus as well as measures taken towards welfare of the people affected by the lockdown.
IOC presidents Mohammed Mansour - Bahrain, Abdullah Manjeri - Saudi Arabia, Dr J Ratan Kunar - Oman and Girish Kumar - Qatar highlighted the quality treatment of patients and financial aid provided by governments and other authorities. Bahrain IOC president Mansour also apprised about the 'Food for Needy' drive in association with KHK Heroes Foundation, initiated by Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and quality treatments as well as financial aid to local and expat residents.
Anura Mathai, IOC global event coordinator spoke about certain problems faced by Indians in the UAE. IOC Middle East convener Mansoor Palloor emphasised and requested IOC chairman to urge the Indian government to arrange immediate repatriation of Indians stranded in Gulf countries. AICC secretary Himanshu Vyas, IOC secretary Dr Arathi Krishna, Dr Arshi Malik (Abha), Mohiuddin Sirajudeen (Jeddah), advocate Joseph Palathara (Dammam) Prasad Kodru, Jayati Maitra, Ziyad Ahmed (Qatar) and Khursheed Alam (general secretary - Bahrain) also apprised the participants about various issues relevant to the pandemic and suggested further initiatives to be undertaken.
Dr Sam Pitroda briefed about sustained and consolidated efforts by all IOC members during this unprecedented situation facing the world and assured that he would convey IOC concerns to the government and try his best to ensure all possible help is made available to all needy Indians abroad.
Dr Sam thanked the Congress fraternity for participating in the video conference.