Nation-Building Is Every Citizen’s Duty, Says Former Kerala DGP Rishi Raj Singh

NEW YORK, Sept. 12: Serving the nation is not solely the responsibility of government officials, police personnel or the armed forces, but a shared duty of every citizen, former Kerala Director General of Police Rishi Raj Singh IPS said while addressing the Global Indian Council’s Independence Day celebration.

Delivering the keynote address as chief guest at the virtual event, Singh called upon Indians worldwide to express their patriotism through integrity, discipline, civic responsibility, environmental stewardship and service to society.

He said members of the Indian diaspora have a particularly important role in enhancing India’s global standing through their character, professional achievements and contributions to the countries in which they live.

A Global Celebration of India

The international celebration, organised by the Global Indian Council (GIC) via Zoom, brought together more than 100 participants from different parts of the world. The gathering reflected the organisation’s expanding international presence and its commitment to fostering unity, patriotism and community engagement among Indians overseas.

The programme featured Independence Day greetings, patriotic reflections and messages highlighting India’s democratic values, cultural heritage and continuing progress. 

Global General Secretary Sudhir Nanbiar summarized the growth of GIC, and Dr. Tara Shajan introduced the Chief Guest Dr. Rishiraj Singh to the meeting.

Unity Beyond Differences

In the presidential address, Global President P C Mathew, and other GIC leaders reiterated the organisation’s commitment to bringing Indians together beyond political, religious, regional and cultural differences.

The address underscored GIC’s mission of strengthening cooperation among the Indian diaspora, preserving cultural values, recognising outstanding community service and supporting humanitarian initiatives across national boundaries.

Members were urged to translate the organisation’s ideals into meaningful action by serving their communities with sincerity, compassion and integrity.

Distinguished Leaders Address the Gathering

Several prominent personalities delivered felicitation addresses during the programme.

Among them were Jija Hari Singh Madhavan IPS (Retired), former Director General of Police of Karnataka and Global Goodwill Ambassador; Jose Abraham, Supreme Court Attorney of India, New Delhi; Dr. Mohan Lamba from Africa; environmentalist Shivkumar; and filmmaker and community leader Trilok Malik.

The speakers congratulated GIC on its growing international reach and praised its efforts to unite Indians worldwide through cultural engagement, humanitarian service and constructive community leadership.

Qatar Chapter Joins the GIC Family

The celebration also marked a significant milestone with the formal recognition of the GIC Qatar Chapter, recently coordinated by GIC PRO Santy Mathew; further strengthening the organisation’s presence in the Middle East.

Qatar Chapter leaders participating in the programme included President Abdul Sathar, Secretary Adv. Manjusha, Vice President Sonal Sunny, Treasurer Jesni Mulankattil, Sanu, Regi Thuruthicad, and Dr. Ajil Abdulla, father of the GIC Spelling Bee Champion.

The chapter representatives expressed their commitment to advancing GIC’s vision by promoting unity, preserving cultural values and undertaking community-oriented initiatives among Indians in Qatar.

‘More Than a Chapter—an Addition to Our Family’

Delivering the vote of thanks, Tom George Kolath said the establishment of the Qatar Chapter represented far more than the expansion of an organisation.

“More than a chapter, the Qatar Chapter is an addition to our family and a source of greater strength to the Global Indian Council,” he said.

He thanked Rishi Raj Singh, the distinguished speakers, Qatar Chapter leaders, organisers and participants for making the international celebration meaningful and memorable.

The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to serve India and humanity through unity, goodwill and compassionate action—reaffirming the central message of the celebration that genuine patriotism is demonstrated not only through words, but through the responsible service of every citizen.