A Milestone

a period of time, the building became known as the "Gadar Ashram". After India became independent, Gadar building was handed over to the Indian Consulate in San Francisco in 1949. The building was in a dilapidated condition and was not fit for use. A suitable memorial, a two storey new building, with US$ 83,000 from the Government of India, and the rest raised from the Indian community in California, was built and named Gadar Memorial Hall. Sardar Swaran Singh, the then Minister of External Affairs, performed the ground breaking ceremony in September 1974. India's then Ambassador T.N. Kaul, performed the inauguration ceremony for the new building in March 1975. Gadar Hall is currently used by the Consul General of India for celebrating national festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day and for other official functions. The Gadar Memorial Hall is now the living symbol of the glorious sacrifices of the Gadarites who, in the words of former President K.R. Narayanan, “faced untold misery and hardships in the pursuit of their single-minded objective and even made the supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives.” In 2003, in order to create awareness among the new generation of Indian Americans, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) and Global Punjabi Diaspora organized the celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Gadar Movement, by holding a day-long seminar followed by a banquet in the evening at the Santa Clara Hilton (60 miles from San Francisco). Former President of India, K.R Narayanan traveled from India to the US to be the chief guest. In June 2011, a letter was handed over to India's Consul General in San Francisco, asking Government of India to commemorate the Centenary of Gadar Movement on a grand scale, issue a postage stamp commemorating the Gadar Movement, etc. A similar request was made to the Ambassador of India, and several other high ranking officials and ministers. GOPIO also sent in a request to the prime minister of India, followed it up through personal contact with his office, and worked closely with the ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on this. GOPIO, as well as several organizations and individuals, not to mention the descendants of Gadari Babas have been relentlessly pursuing with various agencies of the government and are overjoyed to hear the acknowledgement of the Gadar Movement by the Prime Minister of India at the annual convention of NRIs/PIOs (PBD 2013). His announcement that the Gadar Memorial in San Francisco will be upgraded into a "functional museum and library with a sculpture to honor the Gadari Babas, the heroes of the great movement" is a great welcome news indeed.

A Book, a Stamp & many thanks …

The second day of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013 saw rich tributes being paid in honor of the first-ever organized revolution against the British rule, viz., the Gadar Movement. Prof. Harish Puri, Retired Professor of Political Science and Head of the B R Ambedkar Chair, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, presented an oration on the Gadar Movement. Prof Harish Puri is also the author of a recently released book ‘Ghadar Movement - A Short History’, which has been published by the National Book Trust, Delhi. The session was moderated by M.P Veerendrakumar, Former Union Minister, and had as participants Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, and Shri Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala. —INDER SINGH

The writer is currently the Chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). He has also served as the President of National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) from 1988-92 and its Chairman from 1992-96.

GOPIO CONVENTION – JAN. 5-6, 2013, KOCHI

Photos : Sumit Singh

A Milestone

IN DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

India engages with its Diaspora at the by-now acclaimed Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) every year. This engagement, customarily held during the month of January, has been on for an unbroken 11 years now, and the accompanying the annual convention of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International always happens alongside. This has over the years become an annual pilgrimage of sorts for many, who tend to coincide their visits to India to suit these two engagements.

This year, the destination was the picturesque littoral town of Kochi in Kerala, and both events took place between the 5th and the 10th of January. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and the State Government of Kerala need to be complimented for what has turned out to be a very good and visionary PBD this 2013. Kochi was host to more than 2,000 delegates this year, embracing them to its historic and lush green bosom set against the placid backwaters of Kerala. Iconic Kochi, while a microcosmic reflection of a modern and resurgent India, is yet reminiscent of the few hundreds of years colonial raj held sway courtesy several competing European kingdoms.

A few hundred of the PBD delegates who return annually belong to GOPIO International, an NGO that traces its roots to a global convention in New York city in September 1989. GOPIO's original mandate was to champion the rights of migrant overseas Indians in the countries they made their homes over a few hundred years ago. Today it has metamorphosed into a multifaceted organization, taking on the mantle of an advocacy group that addresses issues social, cultural, academic, business, science & technology, youth and other, pertinent to Indian Diaspora. The 2013 conclave in Kochi will mark a significant milestone, as the 'Pravasis' and the government have set the tone for a concerted engagement between youth in India and in the Diaspora.

GOPIO conventions have always been held in conjunction with PBDs since the Government of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee first began the ceremonial get-together in 2003 around the date of January 9th, which in 1915 marked the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Indian shores. Nearly a hundred years hence, it is now self-evident that the modernday bond of India and its 30 million strong Diaspora shall progress forward with gaining momentum as the NextGen comes into its own. This was a conviction averred by both the Central & State Governments of India, as also by GOPIO International in the sessions and statements during their 2013 conclaves.

Statistics do tend to endorse this visionary change in focus. And it needs to be pursued vigorously and with diligence should India and its Diaspora wish to create a platform

Photos Courtesy : PIO TV

GOPIO International – Mauritius member and historian, Anand Mullo; Ashook Ramsaran; GOPIO International Coordinator – South Asia, Amb. (Retd.) R. Dayakar; GOPIO India (Hyderabad) member & Former Director of Diaspora Studies, Prof. Chandrashakar Bhat on the day of Annual GOPIO Convention, Crowne Plaza Hotel, January 6, 2013, in Kochi.

for sustainable engagement to go beyond the emotional connects, and efforts to woo investment via NRI bonds with carrots like the possible real estate windfalls and opportunities for investing in infrastructure growth in India. It is indeed heartening to note that both sides are paying heed to the changing times, in which India is half young and the Indian Diaspora now comprises at least 50% born outside India, spanning one to four generations.

Forbes magazine ascribes India’s big story to its demographic: Soon, by 2030, India will overtake China as the largest populated country in the world, and even today, it has one of the youngest populations among all emergingmarket nations. Nearly half of India’s citizens are under 25 years of age. As of 2011, the Population Council estimated 315 million young people aged 10–24 years in India, representing 30 percent of the country's population.

This cohort is healthier, more urbanized, and better educated than earlier generations. A lot of economists think that the future of India looks brighter thanks to this new generation. India's youthful populace is also contributing to it's own consumption boom. Between 2006 and 2011, consumer spending in the country almost doubled, from US$549 billion to US$1.06 trillion. No wonder then that on the inaugural day of the Pravasi Divas on January 8, 2013, the plenary session began with the compelling theme of engaging Young Overseas Indians. Speakers represented an eclectic mix of young achievers and old stalwarts from various fields, all batting for a dialogue between the young achievers in India and 'Pravasi' youth. Aptly, the session focused upon opportunities to connect with young overseas Indians who would be tomorrow's influencing 'Diaspora'.

Salman Khurshid, India’s Minister for External Affairs, led the brigade, ably bolstered by another young turk, Ajay Maken, the Union Minister for Housing and Poverty Alleviation. K.C. Venugopal, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, dovetailed into the flow to reinforce the initiative.

Diaspora members Mookeshwar

GOPIO International Annual Convention 2013, Crowne Plaza Hotel, January 6, 2013, Kochi. Member ladies and spouses of GOPIO International voice and present their support to the movement against crime on women in India and globally. Holding the placard ‘Wake Up India – Enough is Enough’. Choonee, former High Commissioner of Mauritius to India and now it's Minister for Arts & Culture; an NRI Member of Parliament, Madhu Goud Yakshi; Ambassador T. P. Sreenivasan; Managing Trustee & Director General, Kerala International Centre, Ms. Ruby Dhalla, the poised Indo-Canadian lady and former MP; Naval Bajaj, President, Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Director Symbiosis International University, Pune; and, Pravasi Samman Awardee & famous US hotelier, NRI friend of the Clintons, Sant Singh Chatwal, were all in favor. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, with Minister Vayalar Ravi at the helm through two full-terms GOPIO International Coordinator – Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & Fiji) from Australia, Umesh Chandra; GOPIO International Coordinator – Africa, Munish Gupta; GOPIO International Chairman Inder Singh and GOPIO Interof the Congress in government, ought to be credited with the many national President Ashook Ramsaran, after a GOPIO convention event on special programs that January 5, 2013, in Kochi. have been kept unerr-

ingly on track for more than half a decade. The Know India Program (KIP) run by the Ministry has just completed its 23rd iteration. Each KIP brings in more than 30 young overseas Indians on their maiden journey to India, to return having fallen in love with the country. I say this with confidence, having interacted with nearly 80% of those who go back with a strong emotional bond with their ancestral country, that they will become by far the best brand ambassadors of India for a a very long time to come than any government. The Ministry has recently also kick-started another program called the Study India Program (SIP) for slightly older youth, to study and intern in India for 3 months. The kaleidoscope of India that these youth carry back will assuredly build generations of engagement in the decades ahead.

Ashook Ramsaran, a fourth generation PIO (Person of Indian Origin), said GOPIO International, the largest diaspora organization of which he is also the global President, is now emphasizing the need to acquaint PIO youth with their roots before the interest wanes. At the same time, he is very impressed by the youthfulness of the officebearers, for example in GOPIO’s newest chapter in Durban, South Africa, and sees them making a sumptuous impact, not just in the Indian community in Durban, but in GOPIO worldwide. As the International Africa Region Coordinator and Executive Committee member, this writer was delighted that his twoyear effort to enthuse PIOs and NRIs in South Africa to come together to form the Durban Chapter has become a reality. Sudesh Mahraj, President of GOPIO Durban, pointed out that office bearers’ strong desire to connect stemmed from a unanimously agreed need to engage their youth, besides themselves, with India. India is producing more literate youth than ever before, who as providence would have it, are as good if not better, in academic, skilled and unskilled fields, than most of their peers in the rest of the globe. This latent entrepreneurial force now travels, works as expatriates and sets up businesses globally that will multiply the number of NRIs significantly. Of course, there’s

After the inaugural ceremony of Annual GOPIO Convention, Crowne PlazaHotel, January 6, 2013, in Kochi. Ashook Ramsaran; Inder Singh; GOPIO International Academic Council Co-Chair and Coordinator-cumDirector of Gujarat University International Program (Ahmedabad, India), Dr. Neerja Arun; GOPIO International member from Michigan, USA, Anasuya Prasad; Umesh Chandra; GOPIO International Founder President & Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation, Dr. Thomas Abraham; Chief Guest & Former Governor of Meghalaya and Former Union Minister of India, H.E. Mr. M M Jacob; GOPIO International Executive Vice President & GOPIO Annual Convention 2013 Convenor, Sunny Kulathakal; GOPIO International member; GOPIO International member; Former Karnataka Tourism Minister, Hon. J. Alexander; Murray Bullock; GOPIO International Coordinator – Middle East, Dr. Sai Giridhar. ample evidence to show us how Indian Diaspora youth excel wherever they live and work.

So, Indian youth, be it in India and/or in its Diaspora, are a force to be reckoned with. They represent a significant knowledge asset waiting, and yearning, to be harnessed. We feel almost certain that when connected, this youth could usher in a new paradigm change in the way the world goes around. Going by the culture, upbringing and largely the psychological mindset of this force’s ‘Indian-ness’, one could safely assume they would contribute to making the world a much better place to live in.

India’s business, social and political landscape is fast changing, with youth poised to take the reins of its destiny; and it all seems to bode well. So as a footnote, one could say that it is high time we act now to build on this critical aspect of engaging our youth on both sides of the seas. It would seemingly also be beneficial, if the Indian government considers an annual or biennial youth PBD, one in India and the next one overseas, aimed exclusively at a direct interaction between Indian and Diaspora youth. Also, the government may feel fit to include overseas Indian youth achievers for Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards for the innumerable accomplishments this NextGen is making universally and consistently. This could be a hallmark of future PBDs and provide the mainstay for an enduring and lovely engagement that’s come along a good long way!

—MUNISH GUPTA

The author is a well-known international & expatriate journalist, a co-founder of the ANI news agency in India, and currently Chairman & Managing Editor of PIO TV. He is also a founder member of GOPIO International, and currently serves on its Executive Committee in the position of International Coordinator for Africa.

Return of The Prodigal

PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS 2013

January marks the time every year when the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is hosted by the Government of India, in an ongoing effort to reach out to the nearly 30 million globe-girdling Indian diaspora spread out far and wide across nations. This annual 'pilgrimage' of sorts begins on Jan 7th, commemorating the day the Mahatma, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, returned to Indian shores from South Africa to fuel the freedom movement. The shores of porttown Kochi, fondly christened the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', was all spruced up and ready, welcoming the droves of distinguished overseas guests and NRIs from all over the world, as the 11th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas got underway. And the nation once again got down to commemorating and cherishing the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the building of a modern India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a flagship event and initiative of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, introduced first in 2003, to interact with the Indian Diaspora on matters relating to knowledge, trade, investment and social engagement. The Government of Kerala, a partner state, was host to the event this year. This year's 3-day edition just got sizably bigger, with 2,000 plus delegates and more than 120 speakers converging to share experiences, knowledge and pool expertise on various issues concerning overseas Indians and their vision for India. This time, special focus was on ‘Issues of NRIs in Gulf’, what with the Middle-East having issues that are unique to the region. Other thematic foci included seminars and sessions on ‘Tourism’, ‘Pure Sciences’, and ‘Skill Development’, featuring prominent persona from India and abroad.

Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, talking about the event, summed it up neatly: “The commercial capital of Kerala awaits to enchant you with its natural beauty of backwaters, and mesmerizing monuments of God’s Own Country. A very hearty welcome !”

Photos : K.K. Laskar

Bridging The GULF

Non-resident Keralites (NRKs) account for a total inward remittance from the Gulf region of circa INR. 60,000 crore, which accounts to more than 20% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product, and this underscores the vital role played by the NRI community in the state. Releasing the India Migration Report 2013 at the opening session of the Eleventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013 in Kochi, Oommen Chandy delivered the keynote address focussing on issues that Non-Resident Keralites face in the Gulf region.

Promising that issues would be addressed so that a resolution process can be chalked out, he said that Kerala’s role of host to PBD 2013 is a great opportunity to discuss the problems faced by the NRIs. The Chief Minister felt that the Indian diaspora holds a major stake in the economy building process and he hoped that the PBD 2013 will pave the way for charting out a proper course towards addressing all major NRI issues. He also strongly pitched for the need to improve airline and airconnectivity services from the Gulf to Kerala.

It is not unusual to hear of Kerala and the Gulf being spoken about in the same breath, given the vast number of Non-resident Gulf Keralites having a crucial role to play in the state’s economy. So neither was it unusual that an entire day was alloted during PBD 2013 to discuss issues related to NRIs in the Gulf in general, and more specifically, NRKs in the Gulf. Many issues being taken up, and Ambassadors of several Gulf countries were readily on hand, exchanging news and views freely with delegates. Vayalar Ravi, the Minister for Overseas Indian Overseas Affairs, assured all that the Government and his Ministry are well aware of the myriad issues confronting the NRI community in the Gulf, and Govt. has been taking several initiatives towards resolving these. Concerns relating to travel issues, amnesty schemes and social welfare measures, all came up for discussion. The session also saw the release of ‘India Migration Report 2013’ and the booklet, ‘Connecting with Indian Diaspora’, detailing initiatives taken by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs during the 2006-2012 period.

Tourism -

Niche Opportunities For The Diaspora

Travel & Tourism contributed to over 6.4% of GDP (INR 5,651 billion) during 2011, and this is expected to rise to 7.8% in the coming years. Tourism is known for its backwards- and forwards-linkage effects with diverse sectors of the economy, and fostering opportunities for wealth generation and employment creation.

Emerging new dimensions of Tourism include 'Golf Tourism, Education Tourism, Domestic Tourism, Luxury Trains, Wedding Tourism, Eco-Tourism and Tea Tourism. New international and domestic campaigns have also projected India in the right perspective to the global traveller, be they individuals, groups or business visitors. Today, India has the potential to be a 365-day travel destination for international markets.

With it's top-notch medical facilities that cost but one-fifth of what the same would cost compared in the West, India is fast becoming a preferred destination for Healthcare Tourism as well. Not to mention India's alternate approaches to medicine and wellbeing like yoga, meditation and ayurveda. Large numbers of medical tourists visit India today from the Middle East, USA, and Europe and from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, to avail high quality and low cost medical facilities.

Pure Sciences

Pure Sciences are disciplines that describes the most basic objects and forces of nature, as well as relations among them and the laws governing them. Technology is but a manifestation and advancement of pure sciences to the application level, which pervades the lives of common man today. So if we have no science, we ould be bereft of technology.

The Government of independent India has given especial attention to Science & Technology with an object 'to foster, promote and sustain the 'cultivation of sciences and scientific temper' in the country, with a view to securing all the benefits that can accrue from the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge' for its people.

India's excellence in a number of domains like nuclear power, space technology, satellite communications and defense is self-evident today, with nearly half of all national R&D spend going into these sectors. With a host of opportunities emerging across a broad spectrum of S&T disciplines and sub-disciplines, from supercomputing to spacetech, medicine, biotechnology, and nano-science, a continued policy thrust is vital to make the country a key player in emerging global 'knowledge' economies, even as India, along with the newly industrializing countries of SE Asia, Scandinavia and China, makes a transition from imitator to innovator. So 'Pure Sciences' was made one of the foci, and special themes that PBD 2013 took up in Kochi this year. We bring you here some thoughts of stalwarts in the field from the interactions and deliberations that took place during this seminar on pure sciences ...

Lord Bhiku C Parekh, Member of the British House of Lords, called a spade a spade when he said that the Indian pure sciences scenario is not too good, and this needs to be addressed proactively. Listing out numerous hurdles faced by the scientific community inside India, he zeroed in on scientific training, which in his view is relatively below par.

Dr Thomas Abraham, Executive Trustee of the GOPIO International Foundation, USA, underlined the need for India to look at the present status of pure sciences research at home, and see how overseas Indians may be involved in this research process. Dr S Ayyappan, DG, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted some advances made in agriculture, and collaborations India has with various International bodies, while Dr C Shekhar Mishra, Fermilab USA, spoke of the energy scenario and research in that arena, pointing out that the Indian DAE, DST and US Dept. of Energy’s “Discovery Science” collaboration could be seen as the new frontier in scientific tie-up.

Skill Development & Capacity

The seminar on Skill Development at the 11th PBD explored unique opportunities for NRIs to invest in skills-development institutions, a sector that is open to 100% external investment in the country. India, with its young 20~35 age group toting up to 60% of its population, is prime territory indeed for NRIs to capitalize upon this opportunity to develop and nurture institutions providing skills-enhancement and capacity building to this massive human capital.

Kerala's Minister for Labor, Shibu Baby John, unveiled the state’s plan to set up a credible skill development institute network through nearly 75 ITIs spread across the state. “Today we don’t have unemployment issues, but face a shortage of skilled labor.

“The government has plans to create a center of excellence in construction industry, which could provide high class training all the way from basic masonry to civil engineering and urban planning … Also, if we have to achieve the target of imparting skills and targeted-training to over 500 million youth by 2022, then it is very much important that NRIs and the private sector too be actively involved in this as a public-private partnership…

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Photos : K.K. Laskar

With the national outcry on various burning issues apparently weighing heavily on his mind, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged a "surge of expectation" from an increasingly articulate public, asserting government was determined to improve legal and regulatory frameworks. “There is now a surge of expectation from an increasingly empowered and articulate public, for more responsive, transparent, participative, clean and efficient governance,” Singh told the Indian diaspora after inaugurating the 11th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Kochi. On the economic front, Singh said the annual growth rate might fall below 6% in the current year from 6.5% in the previous fiscal, but hastened to add that strong economic fundamentals backed by sound policies would indeed enable India to return to higher growth paths. About the recently approved 12th Five Year Plan that targets an 8% annual growth rate, Singh said, "New approaches will be needed to address challenges like infrastructure, education, energy, water and agriculture." The PM likened NRIs to being like a “bridge of friendship and cooperation” between India and their adopted homes. “We in the government will do all that is possible to deepen their connection with India and advance their interests. While honoring their achievements, we will also seek to facilitate their travel, business and education and make it easier for them to be a part of life in India, enjoy due rights and participate in India's economic development … Regardless of whether they are successful professionals, traders and entrepreneurs, or second generation Indians, comfortably reconciling their two identities, or workers toiling hard to build a future for their families, they are at all times a most effective window for the world to India's heritage and its progress,” he said.

On Expat Woes

“As the Indian expatriate community develops a more global presence, they also become more vulnerable to economic crises, conflicts, civil unrest or just senseless hate crimes. At a time of turbulence in many parts of the world, the safety and security of overseas Indian communities are uppermost in our minds. We derive comfort from the assurances that we have received from governments in the countries of your residence that they will do everything for your safety and security …

On Safety Concerns

“Apart from physical safety, we are also concerned with the social and emotional well-being of our overseas brethren. We have therefore launched an insurance scheme for workers, established welfare funds in our embassies for distressed Indians, and created mechanisms to help vulnerable women abroad … This protection and promotion of the rights and interests of Indian businesses, professionals and workers abroad is also a key task for our Missions in various countries. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and Social Security Agreements with a number of countries play an important role in this regard … On NRIs as Vital Partners

I also believe that the overseas Indian community should be a vital partner and participant in India’s social and economic development. Whether you wish to invest or share your knowledge, technology and skills, whether your enterprise takes you to the cities or your compassion brings you to a remote village, I assure you of our continuing effort to support your endeavors. Let me assure you that as India continues to grow, as our external engagement increases and as we assume higher international responsibilities, Pravasi Bharatiyas will continue to remain close to our hearts, as partners in our national efforts and as vital links to the outside world …

Address of Chief Guest

Rajkeswur Purryag, President, Mauritius

“India, the land of our ancestors, and Mauritius, have always shared very close and special ties based on historical foundations and common values. We in Mauritius highly value the selfless support of India for our continued economic progress. The theme of this Convention, ‘Engaging Diaspora: The Indian Growth Story’, is very fitting and appropriate on many counts. The theme reflects the increasing recognition of the importance and relevance of the Diaspora’s potential contribution to the sustained growth of India.

“I wish to seize this opportunity to reiterate the unwavering support of Mauritius to the legitimate bid of India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. With these words, I thank you for your attention and wish the event a great success.”

Wherever The Indian Goes... He Takes A Bit of India with Him

“Getting back to a robust growth mode is going to be a major aspect on the Twelfth Five Year Plan that has just started. During the next 4 years, we can’t have a robust export growth, but we can have robust economic growth. India is under-invested in. Once the signal is clear that the government is open to investment, it won’t be tough for growth …

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission

“India invites contributions from the younger generation of the NRIs. The Government is making plans to attract the youth among the Diaspora in this regard. The future Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclaves will also need to include youth under 35 years of age so that their participation is ensured …

Salman Kurshid, Union Minister for External Affairs

“Indian economy is growing despite the economic crisis that engulfed the world. The country’s GDP will grow in the coming years, generating new job opportunities. The FDI policy is made more rational and friendly. The national investment rate is around 33-34%, and by the end of 12th Plan the aim is to increase to 36% …

Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry

“India is facing challenges in infrastructure development, especially in the urban sector. Today, around 430 million people are residing in cities and in the next decade, the number will increase to 600 million. Similarly, at present, there are 53 cities in India, and this will rise to 72 in the next decades, each having a population of one million …

Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs

“Rapid urbanization has increased in the country, and this situation calls for better infrastructure development. The Non-Resident Indian youth can lend their skills and expertise so as to get more involved in the infrastructure development of the country …

Ajay Maken, Union Minister for Housing and Poverty Alleviation

Photos : K.K. Laskar

India Revisited : Cultural Extravanganza

Cultural activity was not left lacking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this year. “India Revisited”, a rhythmic fusion of live art, dance and an exhibition of diverse artists of India, was showcased during the conclave, which got many an accolade. The event was conceptualized and curated by Mithu Basu, Founder of DOLNA, for the delegates. The Collage presented here is an attempt to reflect the vibrance and color of the extravaganza …

PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARDS 2013

GIVEN TO COUNTRY DOMAIN

H. E. Rajkeshwur Purryag Mauritius Public Service Australia India Society of Victoria Australia Community Service Prof. Gursharan Singh Chhatwal Germany Science Ashok Shambomal Vaswani Guinea Community Service Indian Doctors' Forum, Kuwait Kuwait Community Service Jan Sri Ravindran Menon Malaysia Community Service Dr. Rasik Vihari Joshi Mexico Literature Dr. Satendra Kumar Singh New Zealand Community Service Gilbert Canabady Moutien Reunion Island Business Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi Saudi Arabia Business Ismail Ebrahim Ebrahim South Africa Public Service Bawa Pandalingal United Arab Emirates Community Service Ms. Patricia Maria Rozario United Kingdom Music Dr. Narendra Ramakrishna Kumar United States of America Healthcare Subash Razdan United States of America Public Service

Photos : K.K. Laskar

Photos : K.K. Laskar & Sumit Singh

VAYALAR RAVI Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs

Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, shared information on some of the major initiatives that his ministry had launched during the past, in his speech to the participants of the PBD 2013 at Kochi, on the inaugural day ...

“The initiative of holding regional PBDs has been well received by the Indian Diaspora. In the year 2012, we had a very successful regional PBD in Mauritius. For this, no words are enough to thank our Chief Guest of today, Hon’ble Shri Rajkeswur Purryag, President, Mauritius, his Government, and the people of Mauritius, for their love and support, which made this regional PBD such a success.

“My Ministry has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) which now covers all the missions abroad. We are using ICWF funds to assist Indians who are leaving UAE under the amnesty scheme announced by the Government of UAE recently; we support the building of cremation and burial grounds for Indians at Sharjah; the building of a multi-purpose center and crematorium at Ajman, UAE; and the building of the Indian social center at Umm Al Quwain, also in the UAE. In short, the Indian Community Welfare Fund is being effectively used for the welfare of the Indian communities abroad.

“An important aspect of protecting the interest of Indians abroad is the signing of Social Security Agreements. During the last year, we have been able to sign four new Social Security Agreements with Finland, Canada, Japan and Sweden. Two more SSAs with Austria and Portugal would be signed in the next couple of months.

“One of the concerns of my Ministry, and this gathering, has been the merger of the OCI and PIO cards. I am happy to report that this merger may become a reality very soon …

PIO Speak

Diversity is a wealth and is not an impediment and this philosophy has helped Malaysian society. Continuity on culture is about absorbing changes with time and still maintaining traditional values …

Dato Seri Dr. S Subramaniam, Minister of Human Resources, Malaysia

The Indian Diaspora has added value to wherever they go. Every time India rises, the Diaspora realizes that they are also rising. I feel, the Indian Diaspora, along with business, should get involved in political processes too…

Ms Sandeep Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, the UK

No matter how far the water flows, you can’t ever, ever forget its source. That is heritage, that is culture. Collaboration of Nigerians and Indian Diaspora would help all of us and will decide our future. It will also prompt a better relationship between the two countries…

Ms Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee

The presence of the Indians in all corner of the world is notable. In Canada, the Indian community is over a million strong. The Swaminarayan Mandir, showcasing the ancient culture, is now hosting thousands of Canadian school children each year. Thank you for enriching the tapestry in Canada…

Jason Kenny, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Canada