E-Paper
Celebrating the success of global Indian
From days of working as slaves in alien countries to making a mark as achievers in the same, Indians are finally making giant strides in the global arena. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a tribute to those brethren who have done us proud through their endeavours and achievements. As they gather for the annual event at Hyderabad, Meenakshi Iyer takes stock.
The strength of the diaspora is the strength of India and the strength of India will be the greatest source of strength and safety for the global Indian family. -LM Singhvi
As the fourth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas closes in, the words of LM Singhvi still reverberate in our minds. The eventful day is not merely about the past and its problems or the present and its challenges...It's about our resolve to contribute to our common future.
It's the urge to dream together... a dream of a prosperous, developed and powerful India.
People at the helm of affairs seem to have kept that in mind.
With the Indian economy already on the bull run, PBD 2006 is designed to focus on business, investments and implementation of ideas that overseas Indians will bring to the table and celebrate the success of our brethren across the globe.
A key change in PBD 2006 is the direct involvement of state governments as stakeholders. Interactive sessions between the delegates and different state governments will create opportunities for investment and technical collaborations. The key sectors are health, education, infrastructure and real estate.
PBD INITIATIVES FOR 2006
Millions of PIOs will be given Overseas Indian Citizenship that will help them to invest in land and property here.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs may unveil a policy on institutional partnerships with various apex industry bodies.
Another major initiative will be the launch of Indian disapora knowledge network in partnership with Nasscom.
The ministry plans to open a single-window investment cell to provide hassle-free environment for NRIs keen to invest in India
The Government has also indicated that NRIs may get voting rights.
The journey has just begun and there is much we can do together a lot more to script a successful global Indian story.
To conclude in the words of Singhvi again, "The Indian diaspora is a rainbow, and my head soars with a fond aspiration when I behold the rainbow of India and Indians over the globe".
