Describing education and health care sectors as essential pillars of a society, President Pratibha Patil has asked NRIs in Cyprus to participate in social welfare programmes launched by the Indian government.
"We are expanding our education and health care sectors as essential pillars for building a human resource that is educated and healthy," she said at a reception hosted for her by Indian High Commissioner, Ashok Kumar, in Nicosia Friday evening.
Addressing the members of Indian community gathered at the event, the President said the government has taken up social welfare programmes in whose implementation, civil society and NGOs are important partners.
"This is another field in which Indians abroad can play a role. I hope that you will support these efforts," Patil, who is here on a two-day visit, said.