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For the parents of NRIs

When children live on foreign shores, it helps knowing other parents who are in the same boat as you

KEEPING IN TOUCH The association helps the NRI parents remain connected

Pratap Gokuldas patiently cuts out interesting titbits of news about Coimbatore and snail-mails it to his children, both of whom live in the U.S.

"I want them to read what I have sent at leisure and take in the contents," he says.

What kind of news items are these? About real estate, lucrative investment deals and the like.

"They should know what is available to them back here and, somehow, reading about Coimbatore always gives them a sense of being connected, or so they tell me," he says.

Gokuldas is one of the many people in Coimbatore who has children abroad, especially in the U.S.. And, about three years ago, he came up with the idea of starting the Association of Parents of NRIs from North America.

He thought it would be a good way to be connected. What began as a casual get-together of parents exchanging notes about their children gradually gathered steam.

Savithri Ramanathan, whose son and daughter live in the U.S., says, "At any given time there is someone or the other travelling to or from there. So, things like getting medicines across here or sending something there becomes easier. Also, the forum is helpful to those who are travelling there for the first time and want some advice."

A comfort zone

NRI mom Meera Rajagopal reiterates that meeting the other parents is comforting.

"In every meeting, those present introduce themselves and speak about their children abroad. Often, it is in these meetings that people discover they have children living in the same city in the U.S.. Parents going abroad also take time off to visit the kids of their `new' friends," she says.

The NRI association is still nascent and has a long way to go before it gets as active as those in Bangalore or in parts of Andhra. In the aftermath of 9/11, many NRI parents associations provided tremendous support, help and comfort to those who had children there.

"A couple from Bangalore came here and spoke to us about how the NRI parent association works there. Of course, they are a lot more active; they go on picnics and meet more often," says Meera.

The Coimbatore chapter also does its bit for its members.

"Banks sponsor evenings when they come and speak to NRI parents on investment opportunities, special banking facilities, etc. This comes in very handy as many of us have children sending back money to invest here," says Gokuldas.

One of the more interesting and informative sessions the Association had was when it invited advocate N.V Sreejaya to talk about issues like laws of inheritance, buying and selling of property, the power of attorney, repatriation of money and even rules of marriage and divorce that NRIs were subject to and should watch out for.

"In many matters the laws, rules and regulations governing NRIs are very different and their parents should be aware of these," says Sreejaya.

The NRIs who come visiting often attend the Association meetings and share their experience with the parents and provide valuable insight into the foreign world they inhabit.

The Association (it is in the process of being registered) is working to add to its membership.

"A lot can be achieved if we have more voices speaking up," says Gokuldas.

Some sops

What NRI parents would like the most are international flights from Coimbatore. And, some sops from airlines in way of baggage weight, etc.

"After all, these NRIs provide so much of business to the airlines," reasons Gokuldas.

Negotiations are on with some airlines and, hopefully, something might come out of it, he says.

Currently, 30-odd couples make up the association. And, everyone there is hoping the number swells.

"I recommend it to anyone with kids abroad," says Meera. The greater the strength, the better the spin-offs.

Most importantly, this networking provides a source of comfort to parents whose children are so far.

"It makes them feel they are not alone," concludes Gokuldas.

Membership comes at a one-time payment of Rs. 500.

The annual fee is Rs. 250.

For details, contact Pratap Gokuldas at 98422-31945 or 0422-2541695.

PANKAJA SRINIVASAN

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