Speech by Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Valedictory Function of the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and Conferment of the Pravasi Bharatya Samman Awards

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to be here this evening in the midst of a wide cross section of 'Global Indians' from across the world. Let me begin by wishing all of you a very happy New Year and congratulating all those who have been conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

Every year we celebrate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9th January to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India on this day in the year 1915. That a large number of delegates from over 50 countries are attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an encouraging sign. Each of you by the dint of hard work and determination overcame many a difficulty in far away lands, to carve out a niche for yourself in your chosen fields. We are proud of your achievements.

The story of overseas Indians across the world is best captured in the words of Vishwamitra Ganga Aashutosh, the renowned poet from Mauritius:-

                    "No gold did they find,

                    Underneath any stone

                    They touched and turned,

                    Yet, every stone they touched,

                    Into solid gold they turned."

I am confident that with your calibre, creativity and enterprise you will continue to contribute to the advancement of human civilization, particularly as your roots lie in this, one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, in which acquisition of knowledge and universal welfare have been laudable objectives.

As we turn the corner of the first decade of the 21st Century, it is in fact, becoming more and more evident that we live in an increasingly inter-connected world. Such a world requires that each one of you must play the responsible role of a global citizen. Moreover, it is now clear that we are living in a knowledge based society in which knowledge is the resource and knowledge workers the dominant work force. One of the driving forces of change has been the globalization process - the movement of people, business, industry and skills in the global market place. This process itself has been made possible by the spectacular advances in information, communication and technology. What then are the challenges to human progress in the 21st Century, which has all these characteristics?

In this century, human society faces the daunting yet inspiring task of forging "sustainability," in all its activities, so that while meeting current human needs, the requirements of future generations are also safeguarded. Poverty, hunger and disease still exist in significant parts of the world. Global trends of increased threats from terrorism, economic disparities and environmental degradation are among issues of growing concern. How do we work to promote development that is just, humane and inclusive? How can the vast reservoirs of knowledge be utilized to improve human conditions?

Overseas Indians estimated at over 25 million and spread across the world, have come to be recognized as the 'Knowledge Diaspora'. The knowledge, expertise, skills and resources of this vast and diverse Indian community can be an important input in India's march to becoming a developed country.

In the social infrastructure sector as also physical infrastructure development, India is looking at investment increasingly in the public-private partnership model. Our infrastructure financing needs are estimated to be over US Dollars 500 billion in the next five years. We are focusing on improving the quality and quantity of education at all levels of the education pyramid. The expenditure on healthcare infrastructure in the country is projected to grow at 5.8 per cent annually. This presents an unprecedented opportunity, including for our overseas community to participate and benefit in India's unfolding growth story.

The Indian growth story is an absorbing, exciting and a continuing one. We are a big and a growing market. We have a strong capital market regulator and a strong Central Bank. Our banks and financial institutions are based on 'best practices' in fiduciary responsibility and are well-regulated. All this enabled us to cope with one of the worst economic downturns in recent history, better than many other countries and it has also meant a quicker recovery. India posted a growth of 6.7 percent in 2008-09 and we will achieve over 7 percent this year. In the post-crisis world, India is increasingly perceived as one of the principal engines of growth, a safe destination for investment and an emerging educational and technological hub.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is immense capacity that you have both in talent and in financial terms, that can be invested in India. We hope to see your greater participation in the coming years in the development of India. Of course, India's remittances from overseas Indians, estimated at over US Dollars 50 billion last year, were the highest in the world. What is less known, though, is the fact that nearly forty percent of these remittances - about US Dollars 20 billion annually - come from overseas Indian workers in the Gulf consisting of temporary contractual skilled and semi-skilled workers. They often face harsh living and working conditions and are separated from their families for long periods of time. I take this opportunity to salute Indian workers in the Gulf.

I would also like to congratulate Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi and his Ministry, for taking welfare measures for Indians living abroad. The Indian Community Welfare Funds established in 18 countries will provide timely succour to overseas Indians in distress. The bilateral Social Security Agreements as well as the Labour Welfare and Protection Agreements that have been concluded will be useful in getting the cooperation of the host governments on issues impacting the Indian community. Similarly, the Government is strongly taking up concerns about the protection and security of Indians, particularly students, with Governments of countries in which they live.

Since the last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the most significant development in India was the general elections. With an over 700 million electorate, this exercise in democracy is unmatched in its scale. The verdict of the people reinforced to the world, the idea of India - of a nation that upholds democratic values and seeks to build an inclusive and progressive society. In this paradigm, we have made considerable efforts to reach out to overseas Indians. This is a time to forge strong partnerships. I have no doubt that together we can walk the path of progress and make India a strong nation.

I wish you success in your endeavours.

Thank you, 
JAI HIND