KUWAIT: Indian Ambassador to Kuwait K Jeeva Sagar visited Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh last week to participate in the distribution of food kits by the Indian Community Support Group (ICSG) to various Indian associations and Indian nationals.

Welcoming Jeeva Sagar, Rajpal Tyagi, convenor of ICSG, appreciated the deep concern and commitment shown by the Embassy of India in helping Indian nationals. He expressed special appreciation to the ambassador for his personal intervention in helping the distressed members of the community.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jeeva Sagar praised the efforts of ICSG members, Indian associations and volunteers for their hard word and dedication in serving members of the community who were impacted by the coronavirus. In a touching address to the select gathering of community representatives, Jeeva Sagar pointed out that in these difficult times, the significance of the community becomes apparent, and he is happy to represent a community that stands for each other.

“Even though I had the privilege of forming the Indian Community Support Group, the real effort has been done by them only,” the ambassador emphasised, urging the community to be united and work together, while expressing gratitude to all members and volunteers of ICSG.

ICSG, comprising of 14 prominent Indian community members, was formed by the Embassy of India on April 20, 2020 to respond to essential and basic needs of some sections of the Indian community during the difficult times of COVID-19. ICSG immediately raised funds from within their resources and provided food provision kits to distressed members of the community. They set up a network of volunteers including an application to register so that kits could directly reach the needy.

So far, 6,000 food kits (180,000 meals) have been distributed over a period of a month and more kits are being distributed directly and through associations. More than 40 Indian associations have come together to jointly participate in the distribution as well as contributing their resources. Chief Coordinator Suresh K P then invited Indian associations to receive their symbolic food kits from the ambassador and ICSG members.

Jeeva Sagar also thanked the Kuwait government for looking after Indian nationals as always and even in these difficult times. He also took various questions from members of the community, explaining in detail in some cases about repatriation flights, amnesty flights, etc. He also said the embassy responded to every query from the community during these times and would continue to do so.

The event was held at United Indian School in Jleeb and all health protocols including social distancing and masks and gloves were adhered to. Representatives from Indian associations and leaders of major organisations expressed their deep appreciation over the efforts of ICSG.