Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that New India has emerged as a “Land of Opportunities” due to rapid reforms across various sectors, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology. He was addressing Indian students at the Samarkand Medical University during his visit to Uzbekistan as head of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) for the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
According to an official statement, Birla said that national initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat have opened up vast opportunities in India’s healthcare sector. As the scheme continues to expand to include both public and private hospitals, it is creating more avenues for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) to gain hands-on experience and contribute to India’s growing healthcare system, he added.
Birla also pointed out the rapid growth in medical education and research in India, saying it offers students ample opportunities to work with academic and research institutions.
He praised Indian students studying abroad as “ambassadors of Indian values and culture,” noting that despite living far from home, they remain rooted in Indian traditions and play a role in strengthening India’s ties with their host countries. Birla said these students are cultural and educational representatives of India and are instrumental in building cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
The Lok Sabha Speaker assured the students that the Government of India is committed to supporting the welfare of Indian nationals abroad. Citing the ‘Help’ portal and proactive support from Indian embassies, Birla said the government ensures that overseas students do not face obstacles in their education, safety, or career development.
“Indian doctors have a global identity,” he said, encouraging students to uphold this legacy. “India has always produced exceptional medical professionals, and your global experience will shape the future of healthcare worldwide.”
He urged the students to not only develop their academic expertise but also embrace values such as dedication and compassion.
Later in the day, Birla interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan. He described their affection for India as “inspirational” and said their continued efforts strengthen India’s global identity.
Highlighting India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing economy, he said that the diaspora has an important role to play in India’s development journey. “Through investment and innovation, the Indian community abroad can contribute to building a developed India,” he said.
On the sidelines of the IPU Assembly in Tashkent, Speaker Birla also held a meeting with Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia. The two leaders discussed strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and deepening cooperation in trade, tourism, and innovation.
Birla thanked Georgia for its support to India at multilateral forums and appreciated its hospitality towards the Indian community. He emphasised the cultural bonds between the two nations and proposed enhanced youth exchange programmes, digital collaboration, and stronger people-to-people ties.
