March 2013 News 10: DIASPORA MUST HELP BUILD KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY PRESIDENT PRANAB AT 11TH PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS AT KOCHI

DIASPORA MUST HELP BUILD KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY : PRESIDENT PRANAB AT 11TH PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS AT KOCHI

President Pranab Mukherjee on January 9, 2012 said that India sees its vast diaspora as a valuable contributor to its growth and is keen to expand the bonds further in building an inclusive and knowledge society. The President on the conclusion of the three-day Pravasi Sammelan said that the record remittance of $ 67 billion from overseas Indians was a testimony to both the emotional attachment and the fulfillment in investing in India's strong economy. 

"We should explore ways and means to encourage further participation by the diaspora to give additional impetus to India's growth story," Mukherjee said at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.

"I also wish to see the Indian diaspora as a stronger partner, not only in India's economic growth, but also in building India's knowledge society, while continuing to engage culturally and emotionally, and serving as the effective ambassadors that they have been for this country," the President said.

PROUD TO BE A BIHARI SAYS, MAURITIOUS PRESIDENT

Mauritius President  Rajkeswur Purryag turned emotional and broke down a number of times while remembering his forefathers who sailed to an alien island some 150 years ago to work in the cane fields there. He arrived along with his wife Aneetah Purryag and a few ministers to associate himself with his roots. Paying tributes to his great grandfather Lakshman Paryag, who went to Mauritius, and his brother Chawwa, who stayed back, Purryag said, "Their memory is embedded in my blood. My forefathers went to a distant place but kept Bihar and India alive in their hearts."

PRAVASI BHARATIYA SARNMAN AWARDS

The event-India's annual exposition to connect with its 130-million diaspora in 130 countries-also saw the President confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on 15 pre-eminent overseas Indians for their contributions. In his address, the President lauded the contributions of the Indian diaspora in areas ranging from social service and polity to economy, science and culture.

"It is a matter of pride for every Indian that there are at least five heads of state or government, and over 70 senior political leaders such as deputy heads of state, speakers, ministers in various countries, who can trace their roots to India,” Mukherjee said.

The chief guest at the event was Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purrayag, who was also among the recipients of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman.