Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Homecoming of Indian Diaspora: President of India

President Confers Samman Awards

"Pravasi Bharatiya Divas signifies the homecoming of the Indian diaspora", said Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India, while addressing the Valedictory session of the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas organized jointly by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of NCT of Delhi and the Confederation of Indian Industry. In the face of the increasing income gap in the world of free markets and globalization, Smt Patil applauded the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas's attempt to focus on issues of social development, rural entrepreneurship, women empowerment and urged the diaspora forum to "transform and implement" the ideas and partnerships that have emerged from the various sessions of the two day conference.

Emphasizing the fact that "social development is vital for stable growth", the President of India asked overseas Indians to contribute to their motherland in terms of education, healthcare, rural entrepreneurship, infrastructure projects etc. as much more remains to be done in these areas of growth. She said that the Indian diaspora has become a significant "socio economic, cultural and political force in the world" and they should work on keeping up this image of the Indians abroad.

Mr Vayalar Ravi, Hon'ble Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, in his address said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas marks "a watershed in the relationship between India and the diaspora". Mr Ravi said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has "gone beyond the narrow boundaries" of investments, business networking and treaded the path of social development with knowledge, philanthropy, culture, women empowerment, rural entrepreneurship engaging the diaspora over the past couple of days.

Mr Ravi also said that his ministry will work on for the implementation of the India Development Foundation, establishing of the Global Advisory Council of the PIOs, PIO University as recommended by the Prime Minister of India.

Earlier, Mr Nirmal Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, welcomed the President and other dignitaries. Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, President, Confederation of Indian Industry and Chairman and Group CEO, Bharti Enterprises, presented the vote of thanks.

Twelve distinguished Pravasi Bharatiyas were honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President for outstanding contributions to their home countries and to relations with India.

Dr. the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius, was cited as a leader with genuine concern for the disadvantaged sections of society and for nurturing and strengthening the bonds between Mauritius and India.

Mr Neville Joseph Roach, chairman of TCS-FNS, was honoured for effectively advocating the cause of India and PIO in Australia.

Dr Ravi Pillai was conferred the award for being one of the largest employers of Indians abroad and for welfare projects in India.

Mr APS Mani was recognized for his pioneering work in community welfare in Japan.

Judge Ajit Swaran Singh received the honor for actively facilitating new migrants from India to settle in New Zealand.

Mr Rafiudin S. Fazulbhoy was awarded for his work in the field of education in Jeddah for children of Indian origin and service to Haj pilgrims.

Mr Bicky Chakraborty was honoured for his work in India and Sweden as a philanthropist.

The National Council of Indian Culture (Trinidad and Tobago) has been instrumental in creating awareness of Indian heritage among people of Indian descent.

Mr Krishnamurthy Kumar is recognized for his work on Indian diversity and religious harmony in the UAE.

Lord Karan Billimoria, Chairman of the Indo-British Partnership, has pitched for closer and deeper business relations between India and the UK.

Dr Thomas Abraham organized the first convention of People of Indian Origin in New York, and helped establish a number of NRI/PIO community organizations.

Dr Joy Cherian received the honor for guiding US business missions to India and for public service. He was the first Asian to be appointed to a sub-cabinet position in the US Government.

9^th January 2008
New Delhi