News Trail did an interview with Dr Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairman of NRI Forum in Karnataka. Pravasi Samwad publishes the interview since Dr Krishna, also known as the ‘Repatriation Queen’ of the Middle East because of her uncommitted service to the specific needs of the NRI diaspora, spoke about her pivotal role in forging connections and nurturing the dreams of NRIs.
Highlights/ India/ NRI
Pravasi
Q: How does the NRI Forum in Karnataka shoulder the responsibility of acting as the bridge between NRI citizens and their homeland?
The NRI Forum is a statutory body that continuously looks into forging relations with the Indian. It also promotes art and culture among the NRIs/ NRKs, skilling, and encourages Kannadigas to take up overseas employment among the many initiatives.
I have insisted on including and starting a separate NRI ministry. The forum has also requested the Chief Minister to allot a substantial budget to carry out required activities.
Keeping in mind the welfare of the NRI/ NRK communities we have many policy measures that include: NRK identity cards that provide special discounts at hospitals and hotels, accident covers etc, encouraging Kannada Kootas all over the world through networking to promote and preserve Kannada language and culture.
The other policies include welfare services to migrant workers and NRIs/NRKs returning home.
The most prominent is the ‘Namma Ooru- Namma Nadu’ initiative to upgrading their schools and local temples as developmental work.
Q: Leading the charge as the Deputy Chairman of the forum, state a few major problems faced by the NRIs/ NRKs across the globe?
With great pride I can say that I have helped lakhs of NRIs during the Covid pandemic with my personal capacity.
During the crisis in Afghanistan we brought back many Indians from Karnataka who were stuck there. Later we did it in Ukraine with the smooth evacuation of Kannadigas.
Q: You are the daughter of a former Karnataka Minister, Begane Ramiah. Has this helped with your success?
I do not think so. My accomplishments are all my own. I was married at the age of 18 and moved to the United States where I began my career.
I have worked with the Embassy in the US for 12 years and was in touch with Indians all over the US I did not try contesting till the last parliament elections.
During the coalition government’s term in Karnataka, although my name was in the final list I refused to contest from JD(S) as the party does not have much presence in my district (Chikkamagaluru).
I am with the Congress and my position as the Deputy Chairman of the NRI Forum is a party affiliated post. However, lately my name has been suggested for the Rajya Sabha MP seat.
Q: Any particular problems faced by Kannadiga expatriates across the world and in the Gulf? Any policies to help them?
In fact, I have been named as the ‘Repatriation Queen of the Middle East’ as I have helped thousands get back to their hometowns.
During the pandemic a lot of pregnant women, elderly and students wanted to get back to India. The embassy arranged special Vande Bharat Mission flights and charter planes and accommodated as many as possible to be sent back to their homes.
The Kannadiga NRI population is more in the Gulf. We are continuously engaged with over 150 Indian associations and 15 odd linguistic based associations. I have made arrangements for philanthropic contributions for setting up an exclusive building for a Kannada Association office in Bahrain, the first in the world.
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