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Time of India
02-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
S Korea eyeing Indian healthcare professionals to address ageing crisis
New Delhi: South Korea is looking to India's healthcare professionals to help tackle its looming demographic crisis , as the country fast becomes one of the world's oldest societies, Lim Sang Woo, Charge d'Affaires at the Korean Embassy here, said on Friday. With life expectancy in Korea projected to reach 87.2 years by 2040, the diplomat said the country is simultaneously battling the world's lowest fertility rate, which stands at 0.72. Pointing to India's demographic strength, Lim said, "You are the most populous country in the world, and you don't have low birth rate problems like us. You have a lot of talents. Why don't we have all these great Indian people in Korea? We have schools shutting down because there are no more students, and I know there are a lot of great healthcare personnel in India. Why not let them come to Korea?" He was speaking at the National Conference on Ageing in India. Outlining his country's efforts, Lim said Seoul has rolled out five-year plans since 2006 to tackle both low birth rates and ageing. Policies include up to three years of parental leave for both parents, subsidised childcare, housing support for newlyweds, and financial incentives such as Incheon city's scheme that provides families up to USD 72,000 per child until they turn 18. On support for the elderly, Lim highlighted universal healthcare, contributory and non-contributory pensions, and a long-term care insurance scheme launched in 2008 to provide home and daycare services. Pilot projects for integrated community-based care are also being rolled out. Despite these efforts, Lim admitted that results remain limited. "We had some short-term results at best... last year we saw an increase from 0.72 to 0.75, the first in nine years, but we still have a long way to go." The session, chaired by NITI Aayog member Dr Vinod K Paul, was part of the inaugural of Shaping Futures: Preparing for an Ageing Society, organised by Sankala Foundation with support from NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and NHRC.
India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Korean Cultural Centre hosts discussion on Abhay K's book 'Nalanda: How it Changed the World'
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Centre in New Delhi hosted a thought provoking book talk on 'Nalanda: How It Changed the World.' The book was written by author and diplomat Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The event was held at the Korean Cultural Centre and was participated by scholars, students and literature enthusiasts. The book talk followed a conversational format, with Lim Sang Woo, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Korean Embassy, engaging the author in a series of insightful questions. The discussion touched upon inspiration behind the book, the historical significance of Nalanda as a great center of learning and its enduring relevance in today's global context. The conversation explored a wide range of themes, including the origin of the book, Nalanda's contributions in the field of education, philosophy and spiritual thought, lives of prominent monks and scholars who once lived and studied there, and its lasting impact on the world. A highlight of the discussion was Nalanda's deep-rooted connection with Korea. In particular, Ambassador Kumar recounted the journey of a prominent Korean monk Hyecho from the Silla Kingdom who travelled to India in 723 CE to deepen his understanding of the language and culture of the land of Buddha and studied at Nalanda. His travelogue 'Wang Ocheonchukguk Jeon' or 'A Memoir of the Pilgrimage to the Five Kingdoms of India' offers a valuable account of his experiences in India, including his visit to Magadh, Kushinagar and Varanasi. His writings remain a lasting link in the centuries-old connection between India and Korea. Nalanda: How It Changed the World by Abhay K (pen name of Ambassador Abhay Kumar) presents a compelling narrative of how Nalanda evolved into a renowned seat of learning and how its legacy not only changed the world but had an enduring impact on Korea's spiritual foundation. This book is a well-researched work and offers a rare insight into the legacy of Nalanda for the readers who are keen to explore its historical and cultural significance. The Korean Embassy looks forward to continue its collaboration with India to deepen its multi-faceted ties, with a shared commitment to preserving and prompting the legacy of Nalanda as a symbol of enduring cultural and historical connection between the two countries. (ANI)
