The Forgotten Citizens in Foreign Lands with Kanwar Randhawa

What does it mean to belong to a nation?

Is national identity simply a badge we wear, or does it carry responsibilities and promises that transcend borders? Does a nation’s duty toward its citizens change once they step onto foreign soil? And how far should a government go to protect its people abroad?

Governments proudly celebrate their citizens excelling worldwide, branding them as global ambassadors. Yet, when crises emerge, why do these same governments often fall short of providing aid to their most vulnerable abroad? 

This week on “My Thoughts Exactly”, Rajan Nazran dives into the unfolding geopolitical and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon with Kanwar Randhawa, co-founder of Humanitet. Together, they unpack the harsh realities faced by migrant workers—many from South Asia and Africa—who arrive in Lebanon seeking opportunities but find themselves ensnared in a modern-day slavery system. Stripped of their documents, working for meagre wages, and battling systemic racism, these individuals face unimaginable hardships, often with no support from their own embassies.

Amid Lebanon’s economic collapse, refugee influx, and ongoing conflicts, this episode raises pressing questions: What does it mean to hold a passport if it doesn’t guarantee safety or dignity abroad? And how can nations step up for their people when they need it most?

Tune in to explore these critical issues and join the conversation.

Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.

Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran

Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/SilverIllusionist)

About Kanwar Randhawa

Kanwar Randhawa is a seasoned Humanitarian, CSR, and Charity Consultant, as well as the Co-Founder of Humanitet. With over a decade of leadership experience, he has been at the forefront of global aid initiatives in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones, including Gaza, Ukraine, and the Belarus-Polish border. 

Renowned for his expertise in managing complex humanitarian operations, Kanwar excels in coordinating emergency responses and ensuring the efficient delivery of aid in high-risk environments. He emphasizes transparency and community involvement, focusing on delivering resources—such as clean water and essential supplies—directly to those in need during acute crises. His work extends to supporting displaced families and managing supply chains under extreme conditions.

Kanwar collaborates with philanthropists and organizations to maximize the impact of their resources through carefully crafted, community-centered strategies. His dedication to global impact is evident in his ability to design and implement effective solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

With extensive field experience, Kanwar has a proven track record in achieving fundraising goals, enhancing leadership capacities, mitigating risks, and overseeing projects from conception to execution. His commitment to meaningful, results-driven humanitarian efforts continues to make a significant difference in communities worldwide.

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