Nominations for Pravasi Bharathiya Samman Awards, 2021
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- Category: Embassy News
- Published: Thursday, 06 February 2020 13:37
Nominations for Pravasi Bharathiya Samman Awards, 2021
Nominations for Pravasi Bharathiya Samman Awards, 2021
71st Republic Day of India
The 71st Republic Day of India will be celebrated in the Indian Embassy premises at Daiya Area, Gulf Road, on Sunday, 26th January, 2020. The unfurling of the National Flag will take place at 0830 hrs, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Also School children from Indian schools in Kuwait will present a few patriotic songs.
All Indian nationals, People of Indian origin and friends of India in Kuwait are cordially invited to attend.
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Government Delegation to host ‘Study in Gujarat’ Roadshow in Kuwait in January
In order to promote Gujarat as an Education Hub of India, a delegation led by Hon’ble Minister of Education Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama along with Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education Smt. Anju Sharma will host a roadshow in Kuwait on 15th January, 2020 at Holiday Inn located at 140 Hamad Al-Mubarak St, Salmiya 22003 under the ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign.
The roadshow will provide a glimpse of the thriving education sector in Gujarat and enable the interested candidates to get a first-hand understanding of the rich resources of the state in order to pursue higher education. The representatives of 22 universities and 4 colleges from Gujarat will be a part of the roadshow to provide more details to the interested candidates. The universities include Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gujarat Forensic Science University, Nirma University and many others in addition to L.D College of Engineering, Gujarat Arts and Science College, Vishwakarma Government College and SAL College. The lead university for the roadshow in Kuwait is Ganpat University.
In the last decade and a half, Gujarat has been successful in establishing its identity as the leading educational hub of India. State of the art infrastructure, safe environment, curriculum at par with international standards and industry exposure gives students an edge during the course of their study.
Students can also connect to the Social Media handles of the Study in Gujarat campaign to learn more about the courses and universities.
The social media pages are:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Study-in-Gujarat-107322204111944/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Twitter:https://twitter.com/studyingujarat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sigstudyingujarat/
Aspirants can visit the official website www.study.gujarat.gov.in to register themselves and learn more about the courses, application procedures and universities under the ‘Study in Gujarat’ programme.
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Participation in the "Kuwait Sports and Health Day” on 20th December, 2019
at Kuwait Motor Town, 40 King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Road, from 1300-1830 hrs.
Kuwait Olympic Committee will be organizing “Kuwait Sports and Health Day” on 20th December, 2019 at Kuwait Motor Town, 40 King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Road, from 1300-1830 hrs.
Kuwait Olympic Committee has informed that it will be an open day with an amalgamation of sports and culture and will provide different communities an opportunity to interact amongst themselves.
Kuwait Olympic Committee has requested the Embassy to encourage Indian community to participate in the program. It will be good gesture, If members of your Association participates in the programme. For further details, you may kindly contact Mr. Ahmed Al Hendi, Mob# +965-98800003.
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Celebration of Constitution Day 2019
Embassy of India organized a function in its auditorium to celebrate the Constitution Day of India and mark the 70th Anniversary of adoption of India’s Constitution. The Constitution of India formally came into effect on 26 January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day of India. The event was very well attended with the presence of a large number of distinguished guests comprising a Member of National Assembly of the friendly State of Kuwait, officials from the Government of Kuwait, representatives from Academia, leading Think Tanks, Diplomats, representatives of the Indian Community in Kuwait, and a significant number of Kuwaiti and Indian students. An eminent Constitutional expert and Professor of Public Law at Kuwait University, Dr. Mohammad Al-Feeli, was the Keynote speaker at the event.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mr. K. Jeeva Sagar, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, credited the Constitution for the progress of the country governed by strong, independent democratic institutions; and for creation of an ecosystem which provides meaningful freedom for realization of true potential of an individual. Underlining that Kuwait itself is a Rule-based and Constitution-based nation, the Ambassador thanked the leadership, the Government and the people of Kuwait for their humanitarian and friendly approach towards expatriates in general and Indian community in particular. In his keynote address, Dr. Feeli highlighted the salient features of the Indian constitution, particularly the aspects of Pluralism and Secularism, Fundamental rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and the principle of separation of powers. He spoke about the farsightedness shown by the drafting members of the Constitution in providing an enduring framework of the Rule of Law to fulfill the aspirations of over a billion people.
Two short documentaries on India’s Constitution viz. “India –The Spirit of Freedom” and “Mooknayak – Leader of the Silent” were screened on the occasion. On the sidelines, a collection of photographs on the theme - “Making of the Indian Constitution” were also displayed.
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"Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC)" for the academic year 2019-2020
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Recognizing the monumental contributions made by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to humanity at large and as part of the commemoration of his 150th Birth Anniversary, the Government of India has instituted the annual “Tagore International Award for Cultural Harmony” since 2012 for promoting values of Cultural Harmony. It is given annually and carries an amount equivalent to Indian Rs. one crore (convertible to foreign currency), a citation in a scroll, a plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item. The Awardee(s) for every year is/are selected by an eminent Jury under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The First award was conferred on Pandit Ravi Shankar and the second one on Shri Zubin Mehta.
2. This annual award is given to individuals, associations, institutions or organizations for their outstanding contribution towards promoting values of Cultural Harmony. The Award is open to all persons regardless of nationality, race, language, caste, creed or gender. Normally, contributions made during 10 years immediately preceding the nomination are considered. Older contributions may also be considered if their significance has become apparent only recently. A written work, in order to be eligible for consideration, should have been published during the last ten years.
3. The nominations are to be made in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Procedure, a copy of which is enclosed seperately. The Code is also available on the Ministry of Culture, Government of India’s web-site: www.indiaculture.nic.in. All queries may please be sent by e-mail to Ms. Bandana Sharma, Director, Ministry of Culture, bandana.sharma@nic.in, Telefax No. 0091-11-23383185.
Unutilised claims in LIC, Kuwait
The Embassy informs that as per the records of Branch Office in Kuwait of LIC-International (Life Insurance Corporation) there are a number of claims lying unpaid at their end due to non-receipt of required documents from the customers. The LIC International has been sending discharge vouchers 3 months in advance to the clients where claims are payable. But due to incomplete address and wrong contact numbers, LIC International is not able to do so.
2. It may be informed that the details and address of the concerned family of the deceased is given in the attachment are shared with all Indian Associations. Some of the clients may have left Kuwait or shifted to a new country. They may be aware/unaware of their policy details. LIC International assures that all help in settling the claim will be extended from their end for the client. Moreover, if some clients have lost their original policy document then they will provide necessary assistance to get the claim amount on the basis of Indemnity forms.
3. All family members and relatives as per the list of claimants (attached) may please contact Mr. Devesh Kumar, Resident Manager, LIC International-Kuwait Branch. Mobile- 99315881 & 66894179. Telephone number-00965-22914255 and FAX-00965-22428775. Mail ld- (rm.kuwait@licinternational.com )
The Government of India has a Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) Scheme which was previously applicable to NRIs & PIOs of 40 countries for undergraduate studies. Recently, this scheme has been revamped as highlighted below:-
(i) SPDC is now applicable to 66 countries including Kuwait.
(ii) The scheme is now applicable to four categories of applicants, ie:,- Persons of Indian Origin; Non-Resident Indian; Children of Indian workers working in ECR countries; and Children of Indian workers in ECR countries & studying in India.
(iii) The number of scholarships has been increased from 100 to 150, out of which 50 seats are reserved for the Children of Indian workers in the two categories enumerated above in (ii).
(iv) The institutions that are covered under this scheme are NITs, IITs, Schools of Planning and Architecture, “A” Grade institutions accredited by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) & recognized by UGC and other institutions covered under the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme.
(v) Income-criteria is applicable to all the four categories in (ii) above.
(vi) Applicants will get scholarships after they obtain permission in the approved list of educational institutions.
2. All interested candidates for any queries, can communicate directly with Mr. P. Bharadwaj, Deputy Secretary (OIA-II), Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, Telephone no. =91-11-24197952, E-mail: dsoia2@mea.gov.in
Grant of 5-year and 1-year multi-entry Business Visa to visit India
Frequent visitors from Kuwait to India are strongly advised to avail 5-year or 1-year, multiple entry Business visa facilities to India.
2. Visas granted by Embassy have been increasing due to streamlining of visa procedures, with immediate grant of 5-year and 1-year business visas (multiple entry) and 6- month tourist visas (multiple entry) to Kuwaiti nationals (as well as foreign nationals resident in Kuwait). All visas are granted within 72 hours. Visa fee structure is as below:
Visa fees for Kuwaiti nationals
Sl. No. |
Visa Type |
Validity Period |
Number of entries |
Visa Fee (in KD) |
01 |
Tourist |
6- month |
Multiple |
13 |
02. |
Business |
1-year |
Multiple |
38 |
03. |
Business |
5-year |
Multiple |
63 |
04. |
Transit |
15-days |
Single/double |
7 |
05. |
Student |
1-year |
Triple |
24 |
06. |
Medical Visa |
1-year |
Multiple |
38 |
07. |
Medical Visa |
6-months |
Multiple |
25 |
08. |
Employment |
1-year |
Multiple |
38 |
[Exclusive of service charge of KD 3.250 by CKGS and KD 1 towards ICWF by Embassy]
3. As the visa work of Embassy has been outsourced to M/s CKGS, Kuwait since August 2014, applicants are advised to visit Passport and Visa Centres of CKGS at (a) Indian Visa and Passport Application Centre, 17 Floor, Behbahani Building, Sharq, Kuwait : Tel. No. 22440392 (e- mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com )or ; (b) Indian Visa and Passport Application Centre, Complex Kais Alghanim, 4 Floor, Mecca Street, in front of Annod Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait: Tel. No. 22909229 (e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com). (c) Jleeb Al Showaikh (Abbasiya) 2nd Floor,Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1,Street 1, Xcite building, Kuwait Tel. No. 24342428) ( e-mail: indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com). The website of CKGS, Kuwait is https://www.kw.ckgs.in/
4. The Indian Passport & Visa Service Provider, M/s Cox & Kings Services (CKGS), Kuwait has been providing visa services to Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates through their three centers – Sharq (City), Fahaheel and Abbasiya (Jleeb Al-Showaikh) as well as passport services to Indian community. The above centre functions from 8 AM – 12 noon and, thereafter, from 4 PM - 8PM on all working days. However, on closed holidays on Fridays and Saturday, the working hours are from 4 PM-8PM only. Attestation services are provided at Embassy premises only.
5. In emergency cases, Embassy will accept visa applications at its Visa Wing from applicants seeking urgent service. Embassy’s Visa Officer may be contacted at Tel. No. 22550600 Extn. 279 and for passport related queries applicants may call First Secretary (Consular) at Mobile No. 97229948.
A Flag hoisting ceremony will be held at Indian Embassy Premises in the Diplomatic Enclave on Arabian Gulf Street on Monday, 15 August 2016. The event begins at 0800 hours to celebrate the 70th Independence Day of India.
2. After unfurling of the tri-colour National Flag, Ambassador will read out the message of the Hon’ble President of India. Thereafter, cultural programme with singing of patriotic songs will take place. There is an Open House Reception where light refreshments (Chhole, Bhature, Gulab Jamun, tea, juice, water etc) will be served to all.
3. All Indian nationals in Kuwait are most cordially invited to attend the Independence Day celebrations. (Please arrive by 0730 hours.)
Repatriation of Distressed Indian Nationals From Kuwait
There has been an increase in Indian nationals seeking assistance of Embassy for their immediate return to India. Many Indian nationals continue to languish in various police stations, Detention Cell and Deportation Centre awaiting their repatriation to India. Also, there are distressed persons in Male and Female Shelters seeking early repatriation. Some of them in the Shelters are unfortunately waiting for 3-6 months and beyond for return to India.
2. The Embassy would like to clarify the following in this regard:
I. DISTRESSED WORKERS IN THE SHELTERS (MALE & FEMALE)
(i) As per local regulations, the repatriation of distressed domestic worker can take place under three circumstances; (i) the sponsor handing over the passport with valid residence visa. (in such case, the worker can return to India after booking of air-passage); (ii) sponsor filing an absconding case against the domestic workers thereby nullifying the residence status of the worker (in such case, the repatriation process/formalities may take 2-3 months after lodging of absconding case); (iii) and lastly, on the expiry of residence visa of the worker (repatriation process/formalities may take 2-3 months after expiry of visa).
(ii) Please note that distressed Indian nationals unfortunately remain stranded in Kuwait till such time one of the above three options materializes. The Embassy makes consistent efforts in expeditious repatriation of all stranded Indian workers in Kuwait. However, due to strict immigration procedure in Kuwait, the entire process of repatriation remains time-consuming as the repatriation of Indian nationals depend on the cooperation from the sponsors/employers and the local authorities which can sometimes take 3-6 months (or even more).
(iii) Therefore, those seeking refuge in shelter of the Embassy must bear in mind that the repatriation process takes a long time and that despite best efforts by the Embassy, there is no easy or quicker way out. It is not possible to arrange repatriation without fulfilling the local immigration procedure/conditions explained to above.
II. INDIAN NATIONALS IN DEPORTATION CENTRE, KUWAIT
(i) As per the local laws, expatriates detained for residency or visa law violations in Kuwait are deported to their home countries. Indians, who are not having a valid residency/visa, are detained by police authorities and deported to India. They are kept under detention at various police stations and finally at the Deportation Center, till the procedures for their deportation are completed by the local authorities. The number of such detainees varies on daily basis as the Indian detainees in Deportation Center are deported in small numbers and new deportees are forwarded to this Center by the police stations almost on a daily basis. There are presently 28,495 Indian nationals staying unauthorizedly in Kuwait (as per Data as on 15/2/2016 received from Kuwaiti authorities) due to visa or residency violations.
(ii) The Embassy, on its part ensures travel documents are issued early to Indian nationals facing deportation. In this connection, request for Emergency Certificate are received from the police stations/Deportation Centre authorities where passports are not available with the detainees or could not be retrieved from their Kuwaiti sponsors/employers. The Embassy officials visit the police stations; Detention Cell/Deportation Centre etc. to meet these Indian nationals detained, for interaction so as to verify nationality status and for issuing travel documents (Emergency Certificates) to Indian detainees not having passports with them to facilitate their repatriation to India. In recent years, the number of Emergency Certificates issued by the Embassy is as under:
Sl No. |
Year |
Number of Emergency Certificates issued |
1 |
2013 |
2,635 |
2 |
2014 |
2,789 |
3 |
2015 |
3,922 |
4 |
2016 (till June 16) |
3,127 |
(ii) In this connection, it must be borne in mind that the entire process of repatriation through Deportation Centre takes considerable time as it entails finger printing/verification and completion of other formalities/booking of tickets by Deportation Centre. It is not possible to indicate definite time-frame by which the deportees would travel to India and repatriation can only take place after completion of all formalities with the Kuwaiti authorities.
3. This is to assure once again that on receivingcomplaints, the Embassy takes up each and every case reported for early repatriation by contacting sponsors/employers and with the local authorities. To assist distressed Indian nationals, the Embassy can issue travel documents (Emergency Certificates) after verification of credentials and provide even free air-tickets for their travel to India in deserving cases. However, the process of repatriation is time-consuming and it is not possible for the Embassy to repatriate without the completion of immigration procedure and fulfillment of conditions, which may take 3-6 months or more.
Government of India invites all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin in Kuwait to participate in the competition for selecting a new logo for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. Entries have to be submitted online after registering on the portal. Guidelines about the competition, eligibility criteria and submission of entries online are in MyGov Portal at https://mygov.in/task/design-logo-pravasi-bharatiya-divas-convention/
2. The prize money is Indian Rupees 50,000/-. The last date for submitting the entries is 5th July 2016. All members of the Indian community in Kuwait are therefore encouraged to participate and submit their entries online.
Issue of OCI cards to The erstwhile PIO card holders
The Government of India has extended the date for submission of applications for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder by the erstwhile PIO card holders, till December 31, 2016.
2. The conversion of PIO cards into OCI cards will be done free-of-charge for applications submitted till 31 December 2016.
3. All concerned in Kuwait are requested take benefit from the extended dateline.
Repatriation of Mortal Remains To India and Claim Of Outstanding Dues
A system is in place for most immediate repatriation of mortal remains of Indian nationals. The Community Welfare section of the Embassy has a dedicated team which make daily visits to hospitals, Police Stations, Detention Cell/Deportation Centres etc to enquire about unfortunate death incidents and to ensure that mortal remains of Indian nationals are sent to their native town/village in the shortest possible time. The Embassy contact details are available on its Website.
2. In case of natural deaths (heart attack, sickness, old age etc.), the mortal remains are airlifted to India most quickly depending on the efforts of relatives/ employer/ friends as well as availability of flights. In case of unnatural deaths (such as suicide, drowning, fire, traumatic injury, inhalation of gases etc.) and after clearing all formalities required by Kuwaiti law, the mortal remains of Indian Nationals are airlifted to the nearest airport in about 1-4 weeks time from intimation of death. The Embassy’s website has the latest position on disposal of mortal remains of Indian Nationals since July 2014. The table below provides a break- up figures with regard to deaths gender-wise along with its causes for the period 2013 to March 2016.
Second International Day of Yoga (IDY) Celebrations on 24 June 2016 (Friday) from 0600 hrs onwards at American International School, Kuwait
You are aware that the 1st International Day of Yoga was celebrated at Embassy premises last year, with H.E. Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister for Amir Diwan Affairs being the Chief Guest for this event.
2. In order to allow greater space for performing Yoga asanas, the venue for the 2nd IDY celebrations has been changed this year to the indoor stadium of American International School, Meidan Hawalli, Kuwait. The event will be held from 0600 hours on 24 June 2016 (Friday). Our partners for this event are ‘Art of Living’, ‘Sahaj Marg’, ‘Artistic Yoga’, ‘Harmony House’, ‘Sevadarshan’ and ‘AMMA’ Kuwait, all based in Kuwait. Various Yoga asanas will be performed, followed by Pranayam and Meditation session as per Common Yoga Protocol. In addition, a team of doctors from Indian Dental Alliance Kuwait (IDAK) would be conducting the oral screening and will present a talk on the “Lifestyle and Oral health” to create awareness regarding oral health management. Indian Doctors forum will also make a presentation on the occasion. The event will be covered by K TV Channel- 2 and the local media. Registration is open to general public on first come first serve basis. All interested may kindly register at https://www.indembkwt.org/IYD/
Please visit https://youtu.be/B7XpkH6pzlgto view First International Day of Yoga celebrations held worldwide on 21 June 2015.
For Common Yoga protocol, please visit : > https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwQXyLTnGaP7UzJ3WHRDNWQycFE
3. The Embassy invites participation from one and all in Kuwait at the 2nd IDY celebrations on 24 June 2016 to make this event a grand success.
The Embassy advises all members of Indian community in Kuwait not to fall prey to such fraudsters’ calls. If any such calls are received by any member of the community, he/she should immediately contact Embassy officials in person (phone numbers are available on the website at https://www.indembkwt.org) so that necessary remedial actions are taken by this Embassy.
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