India’s Ambassador to US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu praised the Indian-American community for being the source of strength during the tough times of the pandemic. Singh said that they have stepped up during these times of need and come forward to lend helping hands to those in need.
“The Indian community in the United States has been an extraordinary source of strength and support for our Embassy since the time this crisis broke out. You have stepped forward and shown leadership in difficult circumstances and demonstrated the strength of the Indian diaspora,” Sandhu exclaimed in one of the video conferences that was conducted.
Sandhu applauded them for the kind of community service they have been doing and how proactively the community has come together to help those in need.
He further praised the Indian-Americans saying that they are not just setting an example for India but for the United States too. The selfless service that the Indian-Americans have been providing their community with has been heavily appreciated by the leaders here in India, Sandhu included.
“Needless to say, Indian-Americans are leading this country in the fight against Covid19. Whether as healthcare workers; doctors; scientists, business-owners — you are leading the charge against Covid and your contributions will not go unacknowledged,” Sandhu said.
Sandhu described every single Indian-American as an important stakeholder in the India-US relationship, saying that it is the community that brings both the countries together.
Given how many Indian students have been stranded in the US because of the closure of the universities and schools, Sandhu has requested the authorities to let them continue in their accommodation because of the lack of available options around. While some universities have lend a helping some, some could because of their closure.
When these students and even other stranded Indians had nowhere to go and were almost homeless, the Indian hotel owners have stepped in and let them stay in their hotels without any worry. They have been able to arrange over 5000 such rooms for people’s accommodation.
The Indian-American community also came forward with all the daily needs and provisions when the students struggled to find the same.
“Many of our stranded Indians here in the United States are elderly, visiting parents. One of the main problems they are facing is shortage of prescription medicines due to their extended stay. When they approached us, due to your support, we were able to connect them with Indian-American doctors,” Sandhu further reported.
With respect to that, AAPI has also set up an e-mail helpline to assist the individuals who are in immediate need of medical prescriptions. They have collaborated with Telemedicine to further facilitate the delivery of these medicines.
Several of the Indian-Americans have also started individually or even as a group to start helping the people around. Sewa International is also working with the students to provide them with the support that they need.
And, even the NRIs in USA have praised the proactive efforts that Sandhu has been taking to keep everyone connected and helping the ones in the time of need.
