DUBAI: An Indian businessman in the UAE, who has spent over USD 4 millions to help free prisoners languishing in jails due to non-payment of debts, has been honoured with the country's prestigious "Community Service Medal".
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, Lt General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honoured Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant with the "Community Service Medal" on Monday.
The award, which is given in the form of a medal, was given to Merchant in recognition of his efforts to serve the community in the country and beyond.
This is the first time any expatriate community member has been given this prestigious award.
Since 2008, Merchant, founder and chairman of Pure Gold Jewellers, has spent Dh 15 million (USD 4.08 million) in paying off the debts of 10,940 prisoners languishing in the country's jails due to non-payment of debts.
The prisoners belong to all faiths and nationalities and were in jail because of their inability to clear debts even though they have completed their jail terms.
Merchant dedicated this award and medal to his countrymen living in and outside the country.
"I am sincerely thankful to the UAE government for acknowledging my efforts. Whatever I have done, and will continue to do, is for the love of the UAE and India. I represent my country India and the UAE is my second home. I will do whatever I can for this beautiful country and its people,” he said.
Merchant said he is helping those who are the victims of circumstances.
"These people (prisoners) are not criminals. They are in jail because they unfortunately accumulated debt and have not been able to clear them," said 59-year-old Merchant who began his gold business in 1989.
Speaking on the occasion, Nahyan, said he was very happy with the philanthropic work being done by Merchant and would want him to continue his noble work in future too.
He also applauded Merchant for his good deeds and said that it makes him feel proud to have expatriates like Merchant in his country who selflessly and tirelessly working for the betterment of the society.
He assured Merchant all necessary cooperation from the government as and when required.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lt General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, who was also present during the award ceremony acknowledged Merchant’s philanthropic activities and considered him to be a great human who had always stood by the less fortunate.
Besides the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lt General Saif Abdullah al-Shafar, Major General Salam Al Shamshi and many senior police officials were also present on the occasion.