This month, PRAVASI INDIANS looks at two crucial issues with a holistic perspective. The first is the problem that Indian migrants, domestic and overseas, faced during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021, and how the central and state governments geared up to cope with the challenge. But the problem was gargantuan. In a two-day conference jointly organised by NITI Aayog and the United Nations in New Delhi, the issue was discussed by experts in great detail, taking into consideration all possible ramifications. The reverse migration of labour during the pandemic was an important learning experience for the migrants, businesses, and governments.
The other important story is about the increasing number of real estate companies filing for insolvency to the detriment of property buyers, including resident as well as overseas Indians. Both stories have been written by Executive Editor Vishal Duggal, with a clear plea that the right lessons need to be drawn from the pandemic-induced migrant crisis, and the unsavoury trend of real estate firms landing up at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which results in nothing but a moratorium on all pending civil, consumer and RERA cases, including execution of refunds, until a resolution is achieved. The IBC process requires homebuyers to file claims within a stipulated time. If they fail to do so, they stand to lose their investment for good. Clearly, there is a need to do away with such a long, complex and protracted resolution of real estate insolvencies through the NCLT. Instead, the government should strengthen the statutory platforms such as RERA and Consumer Forums to protect the interests of real estate buyers.
Malati K. Vijay, writing about interiors, redefines luxury as “creativity, authenticity, with focus on personalisation”. She moves away from the general perception of luxury as “anything that is expensive and exclusive”. It is well worth pondering for people who build homes where they would like to spend most of their time. Rukma Saluja touches upon the fascinating topic of fashion that has emerged in the aftermath of Covid-19, climate change and the environmental crisis and comes up with the emerging mantra of ‘upcycle’ which is “wear to last rather than wear and throw”. It is an excellent lesson to be learnt.
Notwithstanding apprehensions about yet another virulent wave, the world is all set to open up and everyone is looking outwards. Curiosity, camaraderie, and excursions are back on the cards! But we have words of caution for our readers: do tread warily and practise Covid protocol to the hilt. Enjoy the May 2022 issue of PRAVASI INDIANS!
