Author:
Publication: The Times of India
Date: February 17, 2001
New York - Former US president Bill
Clinton has agreed to serve on the board of the American Indian Foundation
(AIF) formed by prominent US-based Indians here to render relief to quake-hit
victims of Gujarat by adopting villages.
The adoption of villages was suggested
by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when Clinton talked to him to convey
sympathy within hours of the deadly quake.
"I am honoured to serve on the American
India Foundation board. The Gujarat earthquake has brought about tremendous
human suffering. It is important to harness the management skills, financial
resources and entrepreneurship that resides in the Indian community in
the US and use these to benefit India in its hour of need," Clinton said
while agreeing to be on the board.
The foundation with several community
leaders and eminent businessmen on its board, was formed Saturday and aims
at utilising US private, corporate and academic resources to aid in the
rehabilitation of 100 afflicted villages. The first phase would focus on
40 villages in Gujarat.
"The idea for this foundation was
fostered after the massive earthquake in Gujarat, and it is our strong
desire to provide sustainable support for the future. AIF will survey regional
priorities so that immediate and long-term projects are aligned to the
national effort," Kailash Joshi, a trustee of AIF, said.
Clinton had also attended a fund
raiser for the relief of quake victims Thursday night which raised $125,000.
(PTI)
