“These core groups will then provide training to other students to become responsible socially committed citizens,” he said. “We’ll also train them to provide voluntary services at times of crises and catastrophes,” he added.

Speaking to Arab News after meeting Indian Consul General Syed Ahmed Baba, Maritheri said: “We hope everybody will cooperate with us in our efforts to bring up a new generation of Indians who are capable of confronting challenges courageously.”

Ahmed Baba extended his full support to IVSS, adding that he hopes it will be able to play a significant role in developing the capabilities of Indian students and youth in cooperation with other licensed international organizations.

“IVSS can play a great role in the country’s development by providing proper training and direction to our youth,” the consul general said. He also advised IVSS to cooperate with the Ministry of Youth Affairs in New Delhi in order to benefit from its youth development programs.

“You can conduct a variety of programs for students and youth in the Kingdom in association with the Indian ministry,” Ahmed Baba told Salah Karadan, chief patron, Maritheri, EP Obaidullah, chief program coordinator, and Saju Joseph, coordinator.

Speaking about the organization’s mission, Maritheri said the IVSS aims to integrate young people into the community and help them recognize that they are valuable and important.

“IVSS is an innovative, community organization that provides diverse, quality programs to help young people develop their skills and potentials,” the director said.

“All our activities and projects are geared to nurturing a sense of social service and responsibility amongst the Indian expatriate student-community,” he said. Projects include formation of emergency response teams, blood donor’s forums, training programs and workshops, resource sharing and holding various competitions.

IVSS offers a group-based, out-of-school time model for youth aged between 11-18 to serve their communities in various ways.

“We’ll help them explore career possibilities, learn new skills and feel good about themselves,” Maritheri said.