LETTER TO HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA

FAX TO: 011-23019545 FAX FROM: NRIPA, VADODARA

To, The Prime Minister of India
Government of India, New Delhi.

Dear Honourable Shri Manmohan Singhji,

We are worried and concerned parents of Indian students studying abroad. Our Association represents the parents of such students.

Of late, as has been reported in the media, a large number of Indian students have been targeted in some countries. As parents of NRI students and children, we wish to know about the measures that the Government of India must have taken in this matter of the security of our students. We may give the following suggestions for improving this situation:

1. The Indian foreign missions should have complete details of the students studying abroad, which can be obtained from the universities in those countries or from the Immigration desks at Indian Airports.
2. Our foreign missions should have a help desk at every international airport during the last ten days before the starting of the academic year abroad.
3. As soon as it is feasible, the foreign missions should invite the new students to a welcome session with consulate General or some responsible officer to guide them about the customs, culture and safety precautions that they need to take.
4. The Government should appoint an Officer In-charge of the Students’ Affairs in each foreign mission that has a sizeable student population of Indian origin.
5. Local Indian associations should be invited by the Indian Missions abroad to participate in welcoming the students from India.
6. In case of any dangers or violence, the students should be alerted and protected by our Missions.
   
   We trust that you will kindly issue necessary directive to the concerned Ministries of Government of India.
   
   We also request our Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hon. Minister for Overseas Indians to take appropriate steps.
   
   
   Yours faithfully,
   Om P. Juneja, Ph.D.
   Senior Vice President
   NRI Parents Association, Vadodara, Gujarat
   Vadodara: 8 February, 2008