Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (LDS)
Mangaluru, Jul 2: An interaction with foreign nationals residing in Mangaluru city Police commissionerate was held at the Roshni Nilaya Campus here on Saturday July 2, under the aegis of Police commissioner N Shashikumar.
Delivering the keynote address, police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said, “It is overwhelming to witness such a diverse population. This is the very essence of India. Mangaluru is not just a corporation, but a land which replicates true India. We have had people from various countries. The only requirement is that one must keep their documents clean and not get involved in any illegal activities. I must mention at this instance that our foreign nationals residing here haven’t been booked in a single case as yet.”
The city police chief said, “We have been given the responsibility of your peaceful stay here. Please reach out to us at any time. Please call 112- the emergency response system, and within a span of 15 minutes, the police officials will reach your location with help. I wish you all a happy stay in Mangaluru city. There have been citizens from Germany, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Philippines, UK, Yemen, and about 50 other countries, and we are here to help you in any way possible,” he said.
Florine Hislow opined that one must keep the right documents and be honest and that way, one can stay away from any trouble. “One must always keep away from doing wrong things. I take pride in calling myself an Indian citizen and I’ve always been awed by the diverse cultures and warm hospitality received in this city, which showcases vivid pictures of diversity. We must live happily and responsibly. We must not indulge in any controversial happenings and as far as possible try to be on good terms with the police as they are ever ready to serve us,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal School of social work Roshini Nilaya Dr Juliet CJ said, “I express my sincere gratitude to the police department for rendering selfless service. It is uncommon to witness a diverse community of people as is gathered here today. If we all abide by the laws and obligations, Mangaluru can become a harmonious city with peace loving inhabitants.”
Godfrey Joseph from Tanzania who is pursuing PhD here said that he loved all the aspects of the city. “The police are very helpful. But my only concern is when I need to rush while crossing roads as the drivers are speeding and are not quite bothered about the lives of the pedestrians and walkers. I request you to kindly address this issue”, he said.
Issues raised by foreign nationals residing here were in the perspective of addressing the ease of document procedures and owning cars in one’s name besides other issues.
Farkhandu Akhbari, an Afghan student at Mangaluru University said, “I am honoured to be here, and this place has always been like a home to me. I have learnt various things from India. It’s a great experience. It feels more like home. I would like to thank the commissioner for organising such a meeting.
Currently, there are 336 foreign nationals in Mangaluru studying and working, out of which 210 are males and 126 are females. About 180 of the foreign nationals attended the interaction. There are foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iraq, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, UAE, United Kingdom, USA, Yemen and Tanzania besides other countries.