Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Government of

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Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations

PROCEEDINGS & MOVING FORWARD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TWELFTH PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS (7-9 January, 2014, ) • India has the second largest Diaspora in the world after China. The overseas Indian community estimated at over 25 million is scattered across every continent. Although the migration of Indian expatriates through centuries can be attributed to several factors, today their sheer size and potential to contribute towards the India growth story have opened our eyes to endless possibilities. It is in this light that a meaningful dialogue and mutually beneficial engagement between India and its Diaspora assumes great significance. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) every year in January, seeks to provide a platform to take forward the process of exploring and developing such new synergies. • The 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held in New Delhi from January 7-9, 2014 was organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The event was coordinated and managed by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).The event brought forth the key issues faced by the overseas Indian community and suggested ways to enhance their participation in the country’s economic growth. • The focus of the conclave was finding ways to unleash the potential of youth. In India, around 50 percent of the working population falls in the age group of 18-35 years. The conclave sought to create a sustainable and inclusive growth model by combining unique strengths of the Diaspora youth and young Indians -- specialized skills, sound technical knowledge and human capital -- required to service industrial growth in the country. The youth was cited as a medium of change in society. • At the onset, India called upon the Diaspora youth and young Indians to come together to forge partnerships in trade, industry and social segments. “Our goal should be to build a strong global connect of youth for this purpose,” said Shri Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs. • It was felt for some time now that India needed an enabling policy regime to empower its youth in order to reap the benefits of its demographic dividends. A new National Youth Policy with focus on developing young Indians into a Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 3 productive work force through education, skill development, healthcare and sports was announced by Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and Minister of State for Defence. • Indian Diaspora seeks to stay connected with their home land through religion, media and entertainment, food and yoga. The conclave endorsed the view that overseas Indians make all possible attempts to initiate their children into the values and culture of India. It was suggested that Indian universities and other social institutions through special programmes can help establish cultural linkages with overseas Indians and remove the cultural insecurity amongst Indian children. • The delegates also called for improving air connectivity and meeting expectations of the new generation of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who require more handholding and enabling policies by the . It was suggested that an umbrella organisation for young Indians could be established to provide information on investment opportunities, explore possibilities of developing ties based on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and ensure single window clearance for NRI investments. • Pointing out that the remittances from Indian Diaspora is higher than the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, delegates called for a government policy to attract more remittances. They also suggested creation of mentorship programmes to boost the confidence of young Indians who are looking for opportunities outside the country because of lack of education facilities and employment opportunities. • India must work towards making the country a global manufacturing hub. The conclave cited that about 54 million young Indians will be looking for jobs in the next decade and since the agriculture sector does not have the capacity to keep pace with the required number of jobs to be created, it is necessary to enhance the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to increase employment opportunities. The delegates suggested that it was necessary to invest in human resources to develop the young workforce with requisite education and training as per global standards and sought the help of Indian Diaspora to drive innovation in skill development by bringing in ideas, models, funds and collaborations from country of their residence. • Further, with many new policies in place such as the Right to Information and Right to Education, India has embarked on a new journey of creating an enabling

4 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 ecosystem. But there is an urgent need for the government, businesses and civil society to rebuild the trust in the resilience of Indian economy and do not pay heed to the noise over substance, the delegates urged. • The Prime Minister, Dr. , in his inaugural address sought to dispel the perception outside the country that India was losing its momentum and that concerns about social challenges, the shape of the Indian polity and issues of governance were unfounded. • He also lauded initiatives such as Mahatma Pravasi Suraksha Yojana to provide social security to Indian workers abroad and Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi while announcing that India intends to establish Pravasi Bharatiya Bhawans in each state. • The delegates also emphasised that India needs to make participation of NRIs in capital markets easier; explore ways to leverage the Diaspora network in advancing innovation and technological development in the country; and enable to institute collaboration such as community colleges from America tying up with Indian educational institute. • The deliberations also highlighted the various issues faced by Persons of India Origin (PIOs) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs), such as visa related problems, identity crisis amongst new generation of PIOs and NRIs, Issue of absentee voting for NRIs, dual citizenship, and rationalisation of Air India ticket price, especially for those from the Gulf countries, among others. • Stress was laid on quality education to scale up growth in the 12th Five Year Plan. For this, President called upon the Indian Diaspora to lend their support to strengthen and consolidate the Indian education system and its universities. The President admitted that barring a few prestigious institutions and Indian Institutes of Technologies, the Indian education system was not conducive for innovation and generating research compared with the education levels achieved elsewhere in the world. He expected the Diaspora to contribute in a manner that spawns innovations and skills required to enable India to make a global mark.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 5 Inaugural Session No Reason to Despair, India Head- ing for Better Times Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh urged Indians settled abroad to stay positive despite questions about the future of the Indian economy and concerns about social challenges.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh lighting the inaugural lamp at PBD 2014

Inaugurating the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya He said India’s democracy is strong, impact and India is re-emerging as an Divas (PBD), Prime Minister Dr. Manmo- participative and interactive and that attractive investment destination. I am han Singh held out the assurance that the fundamentals of the economy were confident you will see the evidence clear- “there is no reason to despair about the in fine fettle and in recent months. “We ly in the next few months,” Dr. Singh said. present or worry about the future. In fact, have also taken a very wide range of we are heading into better times ahead decisions to accelerate the implemen- India’s growth level this fiscal will prob- and I urge you to remain engaged in the tation of mega infrastructure projects, ably remain at 5 percent, as last year, future of this country with confidence reform tax administration, improve fiscal and the country’s economic situation and optimism,” the Prime Minister said. management, liberalise foreign direct will improve in the coming months, the investments and rationalise the system Prime Minister said while acknowledging He sought to dispel the perception out- for allocation and utilisation of natural the economic slowdown witnessed in the side the country that India was losing its resources. With greater political support, recent past. “There has no doubt been a momentum and stressed that concerns we could have legislated deeper reform slowdown in the recent past, and we will about social challenges, the shape of the measures -- for example, in the financial probably end this year at the same level Indian polity and issues of governance and insurance sector. However, our deci- as last year with 5 percent growth.” were unfounded. sions are already beginning to make an The Prime Minister said a number of in-

6 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 2014 awardees

ternational and domestic factors have Telephony is now within the reach of ev- the Prime Minister said the number of contributed to this situation. “Despite eryone,” Dr. Singh observed. central universities in the country have these challenges, our economic funda- gone up from 17 to 44 while the number mentals remain strong. Our savings and While lamenting that the government of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) investment rates are still over 30% of our could not legislate deeper reform mea- and Indian Institutes of Management GDP and the entrepreneurial spirit in In- sures in the financial and insurance sec- (IIMs) have doubled. dia is very much alive and kicking,” he tors due to lack of greater political sup- added. port, Dr. Singh said the decisions that At the primary level, nearly every child have been made were already begin- in India is going to school today. The He said that India was changing in a way ning to make an impact and India was National Skills Development Authority is that is significant but not always evident re-emerging as an attractive investment working with other stakeholders, includ- to those who do not see the big picture. decision. ing those from the private sector, to train “Over the past 10 years, our communi- 50 million people for the workforce dur- cation networks have expanded expo- “I am confident you will see the evidence ing the next 5 years, he said. nentially and much of rural India will be clearly in the next few months,” he as- connected by broadband in the very near serted. Describing the infrastructure develop- future. About a thousand institutions of ment in the country, he said: “We have On the education sector, in which NRIs higher education are today part of the added 17,000 km of highways and more have a lot of interest as many of them high speed National Knowledge Network. than 200,000 km of new roads in rural send their children here for education,

Our recent decisions are already Malaysia is the 18th largest investor in We reassure Government’s unstinted beginning to make an impact and India is India and has 72 completed projects support for Pravasis in their quest for re-emerging as an attractive investment in highways and infrastructure, has a strengthening economic and cultural destination sizeable economy with 2.05 billion US links with the country of origin dollar. He invited Indian Universities / IITs Dr Manmohan Singh, Shri / IIMs to set up their university centers in Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) Malaysia. Manipal University has opened its center already

Datuk Seri. G. Palanivel Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and President of the Malaysian Indian Congress Chief Guest, PBD 2014

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 7 Inaugural Session

areas. Our power generation capacity is The Prime Minister said that poverty lev- ing principle of our government and we expanding rapidly, aided by initiatives in els in the country had been steadily going have pursued it with great vigour and solar, wind and nuclear energy to give down. “India’s economic growth process purpose in recent years. Our poverty lev- ourselves a more sustainable energy fu- has also become socially more inclusive els are declining at faster rates; economi- ture.” and regionally more balanced. Inclusive cally weaker States are growing at faster development has always been the guid- rates; agriculture growth has accelerat- ed; and real rural wages have increased three times since 2004,” he pointed out. Takeaways from PM’s address: This, he said, was due to the path-break- ing legislation and schemes that have • India intends to build Pravasi Bharatiya Kendras in all states. created unprecedented rights to work, Delhi will have one this year. food security and right to education. “For • India’s savings and investment rates are still over 30 percent of GDP our government, inclusive development and the entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive in the country. is not merely amoral imperative or a po- • The education sector has been radically reformed with Central litical necessity, but an essential ingredi- Universities having gone up from 17 to 44 and IITs and IIMs ent of sustainable long-term economic doubling in number. growth and social stability,” Dr. Singh declared. • India has added 17,000 kms of highways and more than 200,000 km of new roads in villages. He said that a key priority for the govern- • India’s poverty levels are declining at faster rates; economical- ment has been to provide open, transpar- ly weaker states are growing at faster rates; agriculture growth ent, accountable and clean government. has accelerated; and real rural wages have increased three The Right to Information, the Lokpal legis- times since 2004. lation, the Government Procurement Bill, changes in the systems for the allocation • The National Skills Development Authority is going to impact of natural resources and empowering our skills to 50 million Indians in next five years. law enforcement and audit agencies are • India has legislated Right to Information (RTI), the Lokpal and some of the steps that have been taken Government Procurement Bill to provide open, transparent in that direction. and accountable Government. On providing a clean and transparent

8 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 The Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs says that his endeavour is to address diaspora issues and help improve ties between Overseas Indians and their homeland

Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), outlined the Government’s priorities for the welfare of Indian expatriates and reassured them of his ministry’s unstinted support to help strengthen their economic and cultural links with their homeland, in his inaugural address at the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Delhi.

“We realise that economics and business are the flavours of the modern world. While the diaspora looks back to India out of sentiment as the land of their forefathers, they equally see the opportunities in India and are keen to be partners in our growing economy,” said Shri Ravi.

government, Dr. Singh expressed the in every possible way. Minister said. view that the task was complicated “be- cause we have to overhaul entrenched On welfare of overseas Indians, he said: Mr. Palanivel invited Indian business and practices and systems while respecting “We have also recently launched the expatriates to tap the abundant invest- the federal nature of our polity”. Pravasi SurakshaYo- ment opportunities in Malaysia’s palm oil jana to provide social security to Indian industry and expressed a desire to work “Strengthening governance is an ongo- workers abroad. The Pravasi Bharatiya with India in the utilization of biological ing process and we can never say that Kendra in Delhi will be completed this resources, education and the financial we have done enough, but I am confident year. We also intend to start a scheme to sector, as he urged Indian industry to that we are moving in the right direction.” assist State governments in establishing cash in on the exemptions and incentives Pravasi Bharatiya Bhawans,” the Prime available in the five super economic cor- The Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s ability to assume the interna- tional role and responsibilities that the world at large expects from it. “I am also DatUk Seri G. Palanivel speech: confident that the association between India and its over 22 million roving am- • India International Bank to open a branch in Malaysia. Cur- bassadors in the expatriate Indian com- rently a commercial bank is being operated by Bank of Baroda, munity will continue to deepen and pros- Andhra Bank and Indian Overseas Bank. per in the years that lie ahead, the Prime • Malaysia foresees big scope for Indian collaboration in its Minister pointed out. Northern Corridor Economic Region, Iskandar Economic Corri- dor, East Coast Economic Region, Sabah Development Corridor Dr. Singh assured Mr. Datuk Seri. G. and Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy. Palanivel, Minister of Natural Resources & Environment and President of the Ma- • Malaysia wants to work closely with India on biodiversity. laysian Indian Congress, who was the • Malaysia wants IIT to open a branch. Chief Guest at this year’s PBD, of India’s continued support and assistance and • Malaysia claims to have borrowed from India’s experience in promotion of Malaysia’s links with India implementation of its National biological Diversity Act 2002.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 9 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing a Book – ‘Incredible Opportunities Back Home’ on the occasion. ridors in the country. Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Gulf countries, which has helped reduce Indian Affairs (MOIA), outlined the gov- exploitation of low-paid workers. He pointed out that Malaysia has ernment’s priorities for the welfare of In- emerged in the recent years as poten- dian expatriates and reassured them of He said Indian missions provide all nec- tial investment country because of the the Government’s unstinted support in essary supports, including shelter and economic and political developments in their quest for strengthening economic repatriation facilities with a view to save the country. Malaysia is the 18th largest and cultural links with their country of Indian workers from any sort of exploita- investor in India and has 72 completed origin. tions. projects in highways and infrastructure, has a sizeable economy with 2.05 billion The Minister said that exploitation of In- Shri Prem Narain, Secretary, MOIA, US dollar. He invited Indian universities / dian workers in the Gulf countries has echoed similar sentiments and thanked IITs/ IIMs to set up their university cen- come down significantly on the back of the delegates for their participation that tres in Malaysia. Manipal University has a series of steps being taken and social has recorded a new high at this year’s opened its centre already. security agreements being signed by the edition of PBD. According to official sourc- governments. “The first priority of the es, of the around 900 delegates from 60 The Malaysian Minister said his govern- ministry has been to protect the interests countries who attended the event this ment was finalising the draft Access to of Indian workers in the Gulf. We have year, around 200 were from Malaysia. Biological Resources and Benefit Sharing taken several steps. Now the complaint PBD is celebrated January 9 every year Bill. The Bill is intended to implement the has come down significantly,” Shri Ravi to mark the contribution of overseas In- provisions of the Convention on Biologi- said. cal Diversity (CBD) regarding access to dian community in the development of and sharing of benefits from the utilisa- He added that India has signed social India. January 9 was chosen, as it was on tion of biological resources. security agreements with almost all the this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from .

10 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Plenary Session 1 India’s Growth and Development Agenda India’s Pride India seeks help from its Diaspora not only in terms of funds and investments but also wants it to drive innovation and skill development in the country

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non- completion of phase IV of Delhi Metro cade, almost 54 million graduates will Resident Indians (NRIs) have been a it will have more than 402 km of tracks look for job opportunities; hence it is great source of pride for India as they laid and would even overtake the London necessary to significantly raise the man- have played a stellar role in the country’s Underground. Similar metros are being ufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP growth and development story, said Shri planned in various cities of the country, to increase employment opportunities” , Minister of Urban Develop- he said. Mr. Sharma said. ment & Parliamentary Affairs. Shri Nath stressed that India has spe- He expressed confidence that India’s de- Speaking on the infrastructure growth, cific needs of governance and manage- mographic dividend held out immense the Minister said that in India growth ment as it is a complex nation. “There is possibilities for higher long term growth, has preceded the development of infra- a need to adopt and adapt the new India provided enough jobs are created for the structure. With the rise in the number vision. The country has experienced un- young brigade. of cities, urban infrastructure has not precedented growth with the rise in dis- kept pace and has emerged as one of posable income of rural Indians, which He said it is possible only by creating a the biggest challenges, Shri Nath said. has emerged as the new aspirational growth-friendly environment. India, ac- The Government has initiated a number class and become one of the important cording to Mr. Sharma, has a dearth of of projects such as the construction of drivers of the economy,” said Shri Nath. skilled workforce and therefore it was metro rail lines in many Indian cities and necessary to invest in human resources is also looking at ways to integrate it with Shri , Minister of Com- and empower the youth. “It is important intelligent transport system, the Minister merce and Industry, in his address, said to develop the young workforce with added. that India must focus on manufacturing requisite education and training as per and work towards making the country a global standards, which will lead to in- He brought to the notice how after the manufacturing hub. “In the coming de- creased employment opportunities for

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 11 Plenary Session 1

snapshots from pravasi bharatiya divas 2014

The NRI’s participation in India needs specific gover- India is celebrated be- The Indian Diaspora We need to create an the capital market in India nance and management cause of its unique nation- should understand that ecosystem with more needs to increase and it as it is a complex nation. al independence struggle India is not just a country reforms whereby we can could be done by initiat- There is a need to adopt and Indian democracy of billion people but also go back to growth of 8% ing reforms in finance and and adapt the new India today is our biggest and a billion opportunities and various Governmen- taxation regulations. FICCI vision best brand the world over and they should definitely tal measures have been as an organisation is com- come and work together taken on this regard Shri Kamal Nath Dr. Mohan Gopal mitted to pursue this with us Minister of Urban Develop- Director Shri Shri Sidharth Birla ment and Parliamentary Institute for Contemporary Shri Anand Sharma Advisor to PM on Public President FICCI Afairs studies Minister of Commerce Information, Infrastructure and Industry. and Innovation

the youth.” must use this connectivity to redesign the economy more competitive. “This the process and expedite the growth and encouraged higher investments, savings The government has created an ecosys- development of the economy. and facilitated in increasing India’s share tem and an investment regime that has in global output and trade volumes.” made India an important and attractive “India is looking to achieve an inclusive destination for investment, the Minis- and sustainable economic growth which Expressing faith in India’s strong eco- ter added. He said the government has would benefit all strata of society, mini- nomic fundamentals, he said: “In the undertaken three important reforms mise income inequality and remove pov- last decade average growth rate acceler- namely -- single brand retail, banking re- erty. This is possible only through opti- ated to 8 per cent, up from around 5.5 forms and the recent multi-brand retail. mal utilisation of resources.” per cent growth witnessed during the However, more progressive reforms are 90s. Also, during the financial crisis of underway “chief among them are the The biggest challenge, according to Shri 2008, the economy was largely resilient Government Procurement Bill, Whistle Pitroda, is to achieve significant growth owing to its strong macroeconomic fun- Blower Protection Law and a coal regula- on all fronts and bringing back the econ- damentals and financial base.” tory body,” the Minister added. omy on the high growth trajectory. “With many new policies in place such as the Shri Pitroda, however, admitted that the He also announced that an e-business Right to Information and Right to Educa- precipitation of sovereign debt crisis in platform would be launched very soon. tion, India has embarked on a new jour- 2012, the country did witness a slow- If GST (Goods and Services Tax) were to ney of creating an ecosystem with more down. be resolved, it would help in increasing reforms, which will enable to achieve a the growth rate to almost two percent, GDP growth of 8%,” the Adviser to Prime He expressed confidence on India’s con- according to Mr. Sharma. Minister said. tinued growth, saying the government has initiated a number of schemes and Shri Sam Pitroda, Adviser to Prime Min- Shri Pitroda said that over the past two regulations that would make incremen- ister on Public Information, Infrastruc- decades, the economy has grown at an tal changes soon. He cited laws like ture & Innovation, said that India today impressive pace aided by a wide range Right To Information, Right To Education, enjoys high telecom connectivity and it of structural reforms, thereby making Right to Work, Food Security, National

12 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Knowledge Network and Public Informa- CI feels the urgent need for government, He highlighted how “procedural reforms tion Infrastructure including the Aadhaar business and civil society to rebuild mu- supported through information and tech- platform for delivery of social services, as tual trust.” nology will help us move ahead in the proofs of a changing India. growth trajectory and that the govern- He also stressed that good governance ment has been moving ahead in the right He also announced that a billion-dollar was needed to boost the confidence of direction”. He, however, underlined that fund has been created to fund innovation businesses through predictable out- there is an urgent need for the media and at the bottom of the pyramid with Nation- comes, tax equity and effective imple- civil society organisations to partner with al Skill Developmental Mission playing mentation. “Even as FICCI speaks of businesses to positively move ahead with the key role. He emphasised that he was strengthening the domestic capital mar- the growth and development of India. bullish on the future prospect of India. kets, we can see there is need for making participation of NRIs in our capital mar- Dr. G. Mohan Gopal, Director, Rajiv Gan- Shri Sidharth Birla, President, FICCI, said kets easier. Maybe there is a learning in dhi Institute for Contemporary Studies, that a positive environment is required how overseas Chinese participate in their emphasised that India should aim to to encourage expansion and creation of markets; we will try to see if any concrete give equal opportunity and equal voice to businesses. In recent times, business- suggestions can be evolved.” all its citizens irrespective of their back- men could be forgiven for not really be- ground. “Without equality no growth and lieving that an overall setting conducive Shri Birla reiterated FICCI’s commitment development can sustain,” he said, add- to business exists in India, he said. to engage with socio-economic initiatives ing that there cannot exist a poor India and facilitate the endeavors of the Di- and rich India. There is a need to work He urged all the stakeholders to create aspora across various verticals. He said with a vision where development pro- a positive environment to attract invest- the Indian Diaspora has made significant motes equality, Dr. Gopal said. He also ments in the country. He said: “Positive contribution to the socio-economic de- added that India is a democratic country intentions of the government leaders as velopment of India, through resources, and authoritarian rule or populist mea- present here today, tend to get overshad- sharing expertise and spending time on sures cannot take the country on the owed by noise over substance. It is easy education, health, science & technology path of growth, “as we need liberal politi- for the atmosphere to get sidetracked by and rural development. cal values.” media and civil society and activism. FIC-

Takeaways of the session:

• Diaspora is very keen to contribute towards India’s growth not just in terms of money or investment but also in terms of im- parting skills and expertise. • Delegates wanted business bodies like FICCI to have chapters in their respective countries for better business interactions. • Governance reforms are key to attracting investments from the Diaspora and the government has already done some in- cremental work on this front. • There is an increase in demand of skilled and highly skilled professionals across the world, and the National Skill Develop- ment Mission of the government is a step in the right direction. • Participation of NRIs in capital market needs to be encour- aged. The government needs to look at bringing systems in place to make the present system more attractive and exciting for NRIs to participate in the capital market.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 13 Plenary Session 2 India’s Soft Power

Making India Proud & Powerful Diaspora urged to become India’s best ambassadors to spread and popularise the country’s values, beliefs, culture and heritage overseas

The present aspirational India will begin Speaking on India’s prowess in Infor- their size. to inspire the rest of the globe by 2025 mation Technology (IT), he said that the when it will have 900 million people in revenue generated in 2006 through IT Smt , Minis- the working age population. But it will be & Information Technology Enabled Ser- ter of Culture, in her address, said the a challenge for successive governments vices (ITES) was estimated at $40 billion Indian Diaspora should actively spread to provide infrastructure and opportuni- which has gone up to $100 billion now. the country’s rich heritage and cultural ties for the people to realise their col- “Of this, US$75 billion was contributed ethos in their host countries by organis- lective potential, said Shri , by export earnings. This was indicative ing promotional events. She outlined cul- Minister of Communications & Informa- of the strides made by the Indian econo- tural outreach of India by talking about tion Technology and the Minister of Law my,” he added. Shri Sibal complimented language, architecture, Buddhist tradi- & Justice. the Diaspora, saying that they epito- tions, Bollywood, Yoga, naturopathy and mised India’s soft power and have done astronomy. In the 21st century, what we are seeing India proud as he hoped that they would “India is one of the oldest civilizations is a wanting to be a part of continue to do so. the churning of the society in the world. and has influence all over the world. Aspirational India is to become inspira- Shri , Minister of Exter- During British rule, Indian settlers in the tional India not only for us, but also for nal Affairs, who presided over the ses- world contributed to the expansion of the rest of the world, the Minister said. sion, asked the expatriates to become the influence of the Indian culture. NRIs India’s best ambassadors to spread and have promoted Indian culture,” she said. Shri Sibal added that by 2020, 600 mil- popularise the country’s values, beliefs, The Minister cited influential Indian per- lion Indians would migrate to large cit- culture and heritage overseas. ies, embracing latest technologies with sonalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabi- the best of education at their command. The Minister urged them to actively ndra Nath Tagore, Vivekanand, Amrita “This would create windows for them to network to enable India build its brand Shergil, Vasudev, Raja Ravi Verma, Homi unleash their potential and make India a name and image globally, so that deeper Bhabha, , Kalpana Chaw- hub to interact and interconnect with the economic engagements are concluded la and , who promoted In- rest of the world.” with overseas economies, irrespective of dia’s culture and soft power abroad.

14 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 snapshots from pravasi bharatiya divas 2014

You (overseas Indians) are By 2025, 900 million India may not be as strong Movies, cricket, cuisine, India does have hard power. India’s best ambassadors Indians will be within the as China militarily or finan- dance, culture and tour- It has Zubin Mehta, films, to spread and popularize working age limit. Perhaps cially. But it is definitely ism have ability to attract diversity and plurality. In the country’s values, be- India will (than) be the a superpower as a soft more people. We’ve soft Britain we have more than liefs, culture and heritage wealthiest country in the power power in abundance 10,000 Indian restaurants. overseas world. I hope Pravasis can 20 per cent of Harward Smt Chandresh Kumari Dr. K. provide opportunities Business School faculty is Shri Salman Khurshid Katoch Film actor, Producer and Indian. Hopefully we will see Minister for External Affairs Shri Kapil Sibal Minister for Culture Politician an Indian becoming Prime Minister of Communica- Minister in Britain tion and Information Tech- nology and the Minister of Lord Karan Bilimoria Law and Justice CBE DL Member, House of Lords, UK

Dr. K Chiranjeevi, Actor, Producer and and non-governmental. It is today the world’s largest film indus- Politician, observed that the media has try, surpassing Hollywood with an annual become an effective instrument in es- According to the politician, the 25-mil- output of over1,000 movies. Thanks tablishing linkages amongst diverse lion strong Indian Diaspora scattered to satellite TV and the internet, Indian civilizations, and the Indian media and around the globe has excelled in many movies and Indian soap operas have entertainment sector has made a mark spheres of life and enriched the cultural, reached a growing global audience that on this front. economic and intellectual experience of has become increasingly familiar with countries of their residence. They have Indian society and culture, the actor- He said that India offers unprecedented also made a significant contribution to turned politician observed. opportunities to attract soft power, which India’s emergence as an economic and is defined as the ability to share and cultural power. As one of the world’s fast- The Indian film industry, which draws showcase a country’s culture with the est growing economies and a vibrant, huge audiences across the world, has world through food, music, technology, pluralist and secular polity, India offers been playing a pivotal role in refurbish- and films. unprecedented opportunities to project ing India’s image. India is an attractive its soft power in a globalising world. The investment destination for financial and Soft power has increasingly become an role of the mass media in such an enter- strategic investors. There is a steady rise important diplomatic tool to influence prise is crucial, he added. in the dynamism and confidence in In- the world order, Dr. Chiranjeevi said. In- dia’s showbiz sector. This is reflected by dia’s global influence has had a long and As the US has successfully used Holly- the growing popularity of Indian movies complex history, from the dissemination wood to showcase its soft power to the worldwide, Dr. Chiranjeevi added. of Hindu and Buddhist ideas across Asia, world, Indian film industry has the- tre contributing to Arab and Islamic thought mendous potential to do the same for He said that overseas theatricals cur- on mathematics, astronomy and other India. Today, India offers one of the most rently account for around 7% of the over- physical and metaphysical sciences, to dynamic alternatives to Western cultural all film industry revenue, and is expected the more recent export of human and in- values. India’s film industry is probably to increase its share in the coming years. tellectual capital to Western universities, the largest and most effective medium Strong marketing of films in the interna- transnational corporations and multilat- for promoting Indian culture, Dr. Chiran- tional market could further accelerate eral organisations both governmental jeevi said. the growth of overseas theatrical reve-

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 15 Plenary Session 2 nue that has to go up by 8% of the overall Chiranjeevi said. “Tourists are coming to strength of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) film industry revenue in 2016, Dr. Chiran- India as back packers and come again as officers, which is 600 at present, should jeevi said. spending tourists. The entertainment in- be enhanced to push ahead with public dustry has begun to grow at a compound- diplomacy. “As diplomats and Foreign “Indian films are crossing borders with ed rate of 9.4% that shows its potential Service officers are promoters of soft the overseas theatrical release of about in promoting Indian culture beyond its power, India needs to increase staff 7.6 billion rupees in 2012 and expected geographical boundaries,” he added. He strengths in the foreign offices. The cur- to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% over the next voiced constraints – visa on arrival, inter- rent strength of Indian officers abroad is five years with the size of about 11.9 bil- Ministerial wrangling and hygiene etc – very less as compared to other developed lion rupees. We need to use the oppor- which according to him were restricting nations. Public diplomacy is essential. 25 tunity of huge diasporas present in dif- India’s tourism intake from abroad. million people of Indian origin are brand ferent parts of the world to strengthen ambassadors of India. There should be India’s soft power through films but at India is the place where there is real de- a representation of youth in PMGAC,” he the same time, we should look beyond mocracy, Indian-origin British entrepre- said. diasporas to make the reach of Indian neur Karan Bilimoria, CBE DL, Member, films much more wider and deeper,” the House of Lords of Britain, said. He added Mr. Bilimoria said Indians are excelling noted actor said. that Britain may have its Magna Carta in many fields in Britain and gaining in on democratic reform and Westminster, prominence. He said he was hopeful of This, he said, “would create a multiplier “but this (India) is where the real democ- seeing an Indian becoming Prime Minis- effect on India’s soft power. Indian films racy is”. ter of Britain in his lifetime. are now trying to cross boundaries and many of them are successfully doing so, “This is where the real democracy is, “As most of Indian embassies abroad but their efforts are mostly confined to at- where a party can start from nothing and are in pitiable condition, there should be tract Indian Diaspora abroad.” in one year win a state election,” said Mr. measures to upgrade them as they also Bilimoria, to loud applause from the audi- contribute to enhance soft power of the Hollywood is ruling the world not because ence. country. Process to set up the system of it is confined only to a particular group of visa on arrival should be expedited,” Mr people, but because of its outreach be- Mr. Bilimoria’s reference was to the Bilimoria suggested. yond the borders and beyond cultures, AAP, which won the December 4 Delhi Dr. Chiranjeevi said. According to him, elections to oust the Congress after 15 this is because Hollywood films are made years of uninterrupted rule. The AAP was on certain themes keeping in mind the formed in November 2012. global audience. Indian films should also look at making theme-based films using “The other Indian democratic institutions Takeaways: latest technologies to capture the imagi- were also empowered to spread and pro- nation of the world audience to add more mote Indian heritage though he believed • One of the members of weight to India’s soft power. that the soft power becomes meaning- the audience suggested ful when it is backed by hard power,” he that India should create a He suggested that on the policy front the added. ‘Ministry of Alerts’ so that Indian government should negotiate with qualified unemployed the countries abroad to facilitate seam- Mr. Bilimoria, the owner of Cobra beer, work force gets to know less release and exhibition of Indian also said Indians vote much more than about jobs. films there. “As of now, there are various in Britain. restrictions in different countries such as • Shri Sibal said the gov- He said evidence of India’s soft power number of screens on which Indian films ernment’s objective was could be seen in the 10,000 Indian res- are released.” He hoped that Indian cin- to increase the current taurants in Britain and with Indian cuisine ema would produce more theme-based judge-citizen ratio (14 becoming a favourite food in the country. movies to attract Diaspora and foreign judges for one million viewers. citizens) to 30 judges to However, he said that India needs to a million. strengthen its foreign service and the Tourism also works as a soft power, Dr.

16 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 PBD Oration ‘Reflections on the Diaspora Experience’ Diaspora needs love and affection from India The Canadian Member of Parliament, Mr. Ujjal Dosanjh, touched the cord through an emotional speech explaining the emotional connect of Diaspora with the motherland and various problems plaguing it and impeding its growth

The Canadian Member of Parliament, Vancouver, Canada, in which India’s first He appreciated the changes brought by Ujjal Dosanjh, spoke about his struggles Prime Minister urged the Diaspora to the 2014 Delhi elections. “Good to see as an emigrant to Britain and Canada “be loyal to your country wherever you the change. There should be no red bea- during the PBD Oration – Reflection on are”. con lights. Change happens from the the Diaspora Experience. To highlight bottom. Each and every Indian under- the challenges faced by the Indian Dias- He questioned the rationality of keep- stands that corruption is eating the soul pora and their longing for their mother ing people like controversial writer Shri of India,” Mr. Dosanjh observed. land, the Indian-origin politician said Salman Rushdie out of India. “In the the struggles of Indian Diaspora began land of Khujarao we are throwing out He said there is no point in blaming poli- thousands of years ago when Mehmood people who sketch differently. Secular- ticians alone. “There is no point in blam- of Ghazani took them away to Dasti- ism is the principle that protects us and ing the system as we are the system. nagar in Afghanistan. “Then they went has been guaranteed by the Constitu- So we need to change the system,” Mr. westwards. Diaspora never forgot In- tion. India cannot be ridden by racism, Dosanjh said. dia,” he said. communalism and fundamentalism. Freedom should be all around as spo- On connecting with Diaspora, Mr. Dosan- ken by Nobel Laureates and poet Rabin- jh said that they do not need any kind dra Nath Tagore,” Mr. Dosanjh said. of assistance, but only “love and affec- tion” of Indian citizens. Suggesting that He also expressed regret that India India needs to work on basic sectors like chooses to remain silent on major issues education and healthcare, the Canadian like corruption. “We are silent about the Member of Parliament said, “Make lives elephant in the room – corruption. Laws of Indians better, easier, educate them don’t make great countries; good and and give them healthcare. Then the Di- honest people make a great country. aspora will come to India.” Someone asked Gandhi: ‘Are you look- ing for a new India? He answered, I am He expressed confidence in India, say- looking for a new Indian.’” ing the country can develop a lot more soft power. Mr. Dosanjh pointed out that India could have avoided the 1984 riots, Godhra ri- “Mahatma Gandhi came to India to free ots, and recently Muzzafurnagar riots in India, to make it a better place. If he Uttar Pradesh. “If South Africa can find was here and alive he would have said closure on Appartheid, why can’t we find we need to wake up… People in Canada closure on Godhra and Muzaffarnagar. got a right to vote when India became Future belongs to the youth. Keep the independent in 1947”. hope alive of a better world that Gandhi dreamt off.” He cited Jawaharlal Nehru’s address in

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 17 Investment Opportunities in States Tapping Diaspora for Investment Several States, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Meghalaya, , Haryana and , showcased investment opportunities during the session, and urged the Indian Diaspora to play a role in the growth and development of their respective States

The session, moderated by Dr. Montek “We have not done very well in manu- It also emphasises on the importance Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, facturing, that is a valid point. We need of ease of doing business in the coun- Planning Commission, saw separate to do a better job in the manufacturing try that is one of the prerequisite to pro- presentations by Chief Ministers, Min- sector. India needs to have much better mote manufacturing activities. isters and Senior officials of different infrastructure,” he said. States highlighting the need for over- Dr. Ahluwalia said the latest World seas investments. The Deputy Chairman of Planning Com- Banks estimates ranked India at 134th mission said the 12th Five Year Plan on ease of doing business index, which India has not done well in manufactur- (2012-17) document clearly outlines the is lower than the 131 rank awarded to ing and it needs to create infrastructure importance of infrastructure for improv- it earlier. for boosting industrial growth, Dr. Ah- ing performance of the manufacturing luwalia said in his address highlighting sector. Under this index, the economies are the performance of the Indian economy. ranked on their ease of doing business,

18 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 snapshots from pravasi bharatiya divas 2014

The competence of indi- Kerala has emerged Haryana has been the On the 75th anniversary All heads of state Govern- vidual states reflected in as the leading human land of opportunities. It is of India’s independence ments in the northern their investment growth. resources hub. Health, home to a large number of in 2022, there could be eastern part should join The so-called BIMARU higher education, infra- multi-national companies no greater tribute than a hands to market the re- States had shown posi- structure and IT have been and there are more than developed India which is gion to prospective inves- tive developments in last the focus area as these 1000 projects with foreign globally competitive and tors to attain its collective seven years open up splendid avenues technical or financial col- admired as well as locally and all round development of opportunities laboration inspiring, inclusive, resil- Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia Dr. Mukul Sangma ient and united Deputy Chairman, Planning Shri Shri Bhupinder Singh Chief Minister, Meghalaya Commission Chief Minister, Kerala Hooda Shri Chief Minister, Haryana Chief Minister, Gujarat

from 1-189. Higher ranking means the with our industrial groups to see how Chandy said. regulatory environment is more condu- can the index of ease of doing business cive for business -- from starting opera- be actually improved... What we don’t Kerala is at the forefront of India’s socio- tions to running them smoothly. have is enough number of companies economic development. The State pro- that start small and actually grow to be- vides a highly-skilled workforce every This index averages the country’s per- come bigger,” he added. year that has proved smarter and more centile rankings on 10 topics, made up productive than their counterparts else- of a variety of indicators, giving equal Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen where in the country, according to Shri weight to each topic. Chandy also made a strong pitch for Chandy. Diaspora investment. He said Kerala of- “These estimates (index rankings) are fers immense opportunities in sectors The Kerala Chief Minister pointed given for different States. If every State like information and communication out that his State received a sizeable were to do as well as the best State, In- technology, tourism, food and agro-pro- amount of over ` 75,000 crore of for- dia’s rank would go up from 134th to cessing, healthcare services, water tech- eign remittances, as per the latest offi- 67,” Dr. Ahluwalia said. nology and green energy, biotechnology cial estimates. and nanotechnology. The Deputy Chairman of Planning Com- Highlighting Kerala’s achievements, he mission pointed out that the State Gov- The State also highlighted investment said that the State has achieved 100% ernments are responsible for almost opportunities in infrastructure develop- literacy and is heavily invested in educa- two-thirds of the investments in the ment, ports, shipbuilding, logistics and tion and enrichment of human resources States. Hence, a lot depends on how waste management. “The State has as it allocated 40% of its annual budget they view investments. All States should emerged as the leading human resourc- to promote education at all levels. compete actively and positively to at- es hub, which cater to needs of other He said that Kerala has undertaken tract foreign and domestic investment, countries also. Health, higher education, several policy measures and offered in- Dr. Ahluwalia said. infrastructure and Information technol- centives for attracting investors, which ogy have been the focus area as these “One of the things that we are trying to has made the State one of the most open up splendid avenues of opportu- do at Planning Commission is working preferred investment destinations in the nities (for Diaspora Investment),” Shri

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 19 Plenary Session 2 country. Shri Hooda added that Haryana has The Gujarat Chief Minister invited the Di- made itself a power surplus State as its aspora, especially those under 35 years The States’ priority would be to encour- power generation capacity went up to of age, to connect with Indians across age entrepreneurship and transforming 5,300 mw from 1,587 mw a few years the globe during PBD 2015, the cente- the job market, he announced. “Public ago. He said that the State has power nary year of the return of Mahatma Gan- Private Partnership (PPP) route would generation capacity of 10,000 mw from dhi to India from South Africa. offer attractive opportunities in Kerala all sources, which used to be 4,000 mw for prospective investors and financiers in 2005. According to Shri Modi, it is not only the and we welcome you in a wide range of financial investments that the country activities,’’ the Chief Minister said. “There has also been an increase in the is looking at from the people with their number of technical institutes in the roots in India but the global exposure, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Bhupin- State from 161 in 2005 to 662 in 2013 talent, experience, discipline and work der Singh Hooda in his address said with in-take capacity of 150,000 stu- culture to enrich the nation. his State gives special attention to the dents,” he said. He cited the examples of younger generation of Indian Diaspora, Rajiv Gandhi Education City in Sonepat He said that in recent years investors - as he highlighted various investment op- and the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy both domestic and foreign - have started portunities offered by Haryana. as the two major education related infra- interacting directly with States to ex- structure projects in Haryana. plore avenues for investment. This has “It (Haryana) is home to a large number created an atmosphere of competition of multinational companies and there The Chief Minister said that Haryana has among States to put their best foot for- are more than 1,000 projects with for- been one of the first States in the coun- ward. “This trend would intensify and eign technical or financial collaboration. try to support Foreign Direct Investment will generate tremendous benefits for The State’s average economic growth (FDI) in retail, and expressed hope that the entire economy.” rate at 9% was higher than the national once implemented it will create back- growth rate of 7.7% for the last year’s,” end infrastructure and more jobs. The Chief Minister said that after five Shri Hooda pointed out. years the nation would celebrate the The State promoted sports among youth 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Highlighting the special treatment given and athletes from Haryana proudly Gandhi, and in 2022 India will celebrate to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Peo- showcased their talent at the Common- its 75th anniversary of independence. ple of Indian Origin (PIOs) to facilitate wealth Games 2010, Shri Hooda said. On both these occasions, he said, India investment in Haryana’s industrial in- should celebrate the spirit of Diaspora frastructure, the Chief Minister said that Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra and remember the martyrs who “gave 10% of all industrial plots in each indus- Modi said the nearly 25 million-strong us freedom to build our future”. trial estate were reserved for them. He Diaspora spread over 100 countries urged the Diaspora community to take have played an important role in the On the 75th anniversary of India’s inde- full advantage of this window. growth and development of India. pendence in 2022, he said there could be no greater tribute than a developed Besides, Shri Hooda said a Foreign In- “In spite of being thousands of miles India which is globally competitive and vestment & NRI Cell has also been cre- away, you also continue playing a crucial admired as well as locally inspiring, in- ated for guiding and providing advisory role in the nation-building back home,” clusive, resilient and united. services to interested investors and ad- Shri Modi said. dressing problems faced by NRIs and “We must aspire towards actualizing PIOs relating to property, marital dis- He also asked the Diaspora to play a role basic amenities to all, quality life in vil- cords and law and order. in the political process of the country. lages and cities, flourishing agriculture, productively working youth, equally in- “India faces a watershed election in a The Chief Minister also presented the lat- volved women, robust physical and so- few months. At this crucial juncture in est data on Haryana’s per capita income, cial infrastructure, globally competitive our nation’s history, you too should not investment and per capita planned bud- industry and trade, international stan- stay back. You must be a part of the rev- get allocation, which he said exceeded dards in goods and services, innovation olution taking place,” he said. the national average. & technology driven society and econo- my, vibrant democracy and proactive,

20 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 pro-people good governance.” the Northeast to join hands to market Rajasthan highlighted its large mineral the region to prospective investors for its deposits, market access, trained man- Shri Modi also spoke about Amrut Ma- all round development. power, lower costs, availability of land, hotsav, India @ 75, where all Indians are peaceful law and order and industrial re- to join hands and hearts in the spirit of Addressing a separate session, Bihar lations, offers huge advantages in com- “Ek Bharat-Shreshta Bharat.” Industry Minister Smt Renu Kumari said parison to other States. her State needed help from the diaspora Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of to accelerate the development process. In their presentation, Rajasthan officials Meghalya, in his address highlighted the said the State will strive to substantiate geographical constraints of the Northern She said that with a view to having in- this advantage by improving availability Eastern Region of the country that oc- dustrial development and promotion in of power, building world class highways casionally discourage investors, includ- the State, the Industrial Promotion Pol- and roads on priority. ing NRIs and PIOs, to venture to park icy 2011 has been successfully imple- their surpluses there. He, however, em- mented. Punjab officials, while pitching for di- phasised that prospects for harnessing aspora investment, said: “Robust infra- new and renewable sources of energy, Under this scheme, various units in Bihar structure, attractive policy package for including minerals, existed in the entire have invested more than ` 5,600 crore industries, making Punjab the easiest Northeast, especially in Meghalya, and against which these units have been pro- place to do business, abundant talent urged that these be tapped as soon as vided with various incentives to the tune and skills, competitive operating costs possible. of more than ` 1,000 crore. with superior quality of life, prosperous economy and an affluent consumer “Please do come and invest in Bihar. Meghalya also provides investor-friend- base, leading agricultural State, large There are opportunities in all the sec- ly regime with promises of attractive industrial base, access to large markets tors,” Smt Renu Kumari said. yields, he said. The Chief Minister asked and excellent industrial and labour rela- all the heads of State Governments from tions.”

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 21 Separate Parallel State Sessions Showcasing Investment Opportuni- ties Top officials of various State Governments highlighted opportunities their respective regions, in a bid to attract investments from the Diaspora Rajasthan

rural areas. well developed infrastructure facilities, emerging health and education hub, sta- Mr. Ajmera said that the maximum land ble political environment with a Govern- for allotment in urban areas has been ment committed to creating a progres- increased and special reserve price has sive business environment and strong been kept from 10% to 50% of the com- law & order and peaceful industrial rela- mercial reserve price of the area and in tions, Ms. Gupta said. rural area on District Level Commttee (DLC) rate of the local area for various The Principal Secretary Industries said Mr. Vinod Ajmera Commissioner, Raj- Tourism Units. the State has world-class multi-product asthan Foundation & Commissioner, Special Economic Zones (SEZs). She Industries Government of Rajasthan, in He said that regularisation of residential cited Mahindra World City in Jaipur with his presentation highlighted the heritage land and buildings that are being run as largest IT SEZ on 750 acres of land, Jap- structures of Rajasthan and immense hotels or other tourisms units in urban anese Park at Neemrana Industrial Area, opportunities in the tourism sector, by areas without permission and are also Korean Zone at Ghilot (being developed), saying that it is the land of forts, pal- operational can be regularised on merit Export Promotion Industrial Parks (EPIPs) aces and havelis; rich art, culture and on payment of 25% of regularisation fees at Jaipur (largest in the State), Alwar and handicrafts; vibrant and colorful living under the Rajasthan Municipality Rule Jodhpur, SEZ for Gems & Jewellery and traditions with world famous fairs and 2000. Handicrafts at Jaipur and Mega Food festivals; and people renowned for their Park coming up at Kishangarh (Ajmer). hospitability. Ms. Veenu Gupta, Principal Secretary Industries & MD of Rajasthan State In- Ms. Gupta said the State has easy ac- He also cited pilgrimage centers like dustrial Development and Investment cessibility to raw materials. “There are Ajmer, Pushkar, Nathdwara and others; (RIICO), opened her speech by showcas- 79 kinds of minerals, of which 58 are world famous wild life sanctuaries and ing Rajasthan as a rainbow with many being commercially exploited,” she said. national parks and parts of the famous facets -- tourism being one of the major Rajasthan is the second highest cement tourist circuit of ‘Golden Triangle’ (Delhi- focus and industries with its sub sectors producing State in India with a total ca- Jaipur-Agra). He also spoke on the Raj- among others. pacity of 44 million tonnes per annum. asthan Tourism Unit Policy-2007, which It is also a leading producer of cement She said the State is well-known for its includes not only hotels but all tourism grade limestone and steel grade lime- rich minerals and related industries, units like spas, golf academies, golf stone, she added. course with rooms, camping sites, etc. tourism and textiles industries and is also fast growing in automobiles, Infor- Around 39% of the Delhi- Indus- On the incentives offered to investors, he mation Technology/ Information Technol- trial Corridor will pass through Rajast- said that there are no conversion charg- ogy Enabled Services and solar sector. han, according to Ms. Gupta. It is a high- es for conversion of agriculture land in impact industrial area within a belt of Rajasthan, a popular tourist destination, urban areas and conversion of agricul- 150 km on both sides of the Dedicated constitutes a total of 10.41% (342,239 ture land for non-agriculture purpose in Freight Corridor (DFC), with an invest- sq km) area of the country and has

22 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 States Parallel Sessions ment potential of US$ 90 billion. The key Mr. Raman Kumar Sharma, Director and car by March 2014, within 7 years of its focus areas of investment are infrastruc- VP, Honda City Car Limited India spoke inception, Mr. Sharma said. ture, power, ceramic and glass, auto and about his fine experience in the State auto ancillaries, solar energy and manu- during the establishment and implemen- Ms. Shruti Nanda Poddar, an Education- facturing, IT & ITES, cement and miner- tation of the Honda manufacturing unit ist, spoke about the immense skill devel- als, agro processing, textiles, tourism, at Tapukara (Bhiwadi) – Rajasthan. He opment possibility in Rajasthan. There gems and jewellery and education, she spoke on the advantages that the State was scope to revive indigenous knowl- said. offered to investors. The Government edge system. Skill development with was keen on development, improvement special focus on training teachers should Mr. N. K. Bajaj spoke about the collabo- and focused approach. The power situ- be one of the primary agenda. According ration of Rajasthan with Canada where ation was good and they enjoyed an en- to Ms. Poddar, Rajasthan can be show- there are immense learning opportuni- vious industrial relations climate. The cased as the world’s cultural destination. ties and scope to share know-how. manufacturing unit would roll out its first Bihar

have invested more than ` 5,600 crore notified, which will facilitate the private against which they received incentives to entrepreneurs to arrange land for setting the tune of more than ` 1,000 crore, the up their units, the officials added. officials said.. The State Government has also launched At least 191 units have started produc- the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukshma Evam La- tion, and in addition to those, 184 units ghu Cluster Yojana’ for the growth of are in different phases of production. In Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises the last one year, 91 units have started (MSMEs) in the State. their commercial production, which has In a separate session on Bihar, the State led to an investment of ` 495 crores The officials also highlighted various Government officials highlighted the in the State. Due to incentives given in schemes to address the challenges State’s potential as an attractive invest- agriculture and agro-based industries in faced by the investors. In order to estab- ment destination. the last one year, there has been an in- lish a dialogue on various problems of crease of 800,000 metric tonnes of rice the industry and entrepreneurs, Udhya- With a view to have industrial develop- milling capacity every year, the officials mi Panchayats are being organized for ment and promotion in the State, the In- told the audience. the last one year, officials said. The set- dustrial Promotion Policy 2011 has been ting up of diamond polishing unit in Pat- successfully implemented, officials said. For the setting up of private industrial na exhibits a completely new outlook of Under this scheme in Bihar, businesses area, this year a new policy has been industrialisation in Bihar, they observed. Gujarat A special intereactive session on Guja- In his welcome address, Mr. Jadeja rat was organised at the 12th Pravasi spoke about the leadership of Shri Na- Bharatiya Divas, chaired by Gujarat Chief rendra Modi and how the Gujarat Gov- Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Others ernment used the PPP model to create who participated in the deliberations in- robust and world-class infrastructure like cluded Mr. Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Minister ports and roads. of State, Government of Gujarat and Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Principal Secretary, NRI He also shared the unique strategy of Division, Gujarat. Gujarat to ensure participation of all in the developmental process. Mr. Jadeja

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 23 said that Gujarat works on the mantra He also shared the various efforts that structure. He said that for promoting -- “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas” (develop- the Non-Resident-Gujarati community tourism in Gujarat they have roped in Mr. ment of all with co-operation of all). This, makes for the development of Gujarat. Amitabh Bacchan as the Brand Ambas- he said, was a complete shift from the “In the last decade many have come sador, which helped in bringing more traditional approach, wherein Govern- back to donate for the cause of setting tourists to the State. ment is perceived as the giver and the up world-class schools and hospitals in people as takers. their native villages for the betterment He also invited the Indian Diaspora to of the very community which they hail visit the State for the three month Rann In Gujarat, efforts for inclusive growth from,” Mr. Jadeja said. Utsav in the Rann of Kutch. are being made not only through Gov- ernment policies but also by the action Gujarat State Non Resident Gujaratis’ He said that Gujarat is focusing on devel- of the society as a whole, the Minister Foundation has documented all such oping six world-class industrial cities cit- of State said. “Development is with the donations made by the PIOs and NRIs ing the example of Dholera SIR, which is involvement of private sector through in the book “Vatan Seva-Acceptance of to be developed as a global manufactur- PPP projects, through ‘Jan Bhagidari’ Feelings”, which was unveiled by Shri ing and trading hub. He cited such cities (people’s involvement) and with better Modi on the occasion. as “the engine for economic resurgence involvement of public servants,” he said. of the country.” A short film on development in Gujarat He also thanked the Diaspora for suc- was also screened on the occasion. Mr. Pankaj Kumar thanked Shri Modi cessfully lobbying in their host countries and other participants for sharing their for foreign investment in India, especially Shri Modi in his address thanked the views and thanked the Diaspora for their in Gujarat, which was highlighted by their Diaspora for their contribution for social enthusiasm in attending the Gujarat participation in the bi annual investment causes. He shared Gujarat’s success State Session, which was attended by summit -- Vibrant Gujarat. story in the areas of tourism and infra- more than 300 people.

Punjab

pose,” Mr. Singh said. He added that the According to Mr. Singh, the new Indus- bureau would provide a senior person as trial Policy of the State has four main a relationship officer for each investor. objectives:

He said the Government has launched ● Minimum interface between dealers single window service for the entrepre- and department neurs. Punjab under this system has ● Single stage taxation devised a single application form for ● Dedicated refund fund taking necessary clearance from vari- ● Rating scheme for fast-tracking re- ous departments to start the business. funds Addressing the Punjabi Diaspora at The clearances will be granted in fixed the twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Dr. time schedule and will be hassle free, In the new Industrial Policy of the State, Karan Avatar Singh, Principal Secretary, he added. Government has offered incentives on Industry & Commerce, Government of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Punjab, said the State Government has “Punjab has provided a citizen-centric Tax (CST), electricity duty, stamp duty, done many things for creating a viable governance and has launched the Right he said. environment for business. to Service Act that covers around 149 services. The Government has also He added that the Punjab Government “The State Government has taken sig- started online centres at police station in order to permanently resolve the nificant steps to attract investment. called “Saanjh Kendra” and e-District problem of VAT refunds has set up a Punjab Bureau of Investment Promo- ‘Suvidha Kendras’,” Mr. Singh informed dedicated corpus by the name of Punjab tion (PBIP) has been created for this pur- the audience. VAT Refund Fund.

24 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Punjab will also be adding a lot as far act as a catalyst of industrial growth in NRIs, victim relief fund in case of death as the electricity generation capacity is the region. of the person abroad, illegal custody of concerned. “Hence, it is a good opportu- the Punjabis abroad, and the assault on nity for those who want to invest in the He said the band of 150-200 km on ei- Punjabi in USA, etc. power sector.” ther side of Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor for development covers almost He also told the Punjabi Diaspora about “The State has the finest road network the whole State. the special privilege card to all NRIs of in the country and has the highest road Punjabi origin, entitling them to dis- density at 133 km per 100 sq km. Elev- In his address, Justice Arvind Kumar counts at different shops, malls, etc. en projects with a road length of 567 Goel, Chairman, NRI Commission, said The card can be used for reservation of km at an investment of INR 2, 900 crore that the Commission is working to pro- NRI wards in educational institutions are to be developed,” Mr. Singh said. He tect and safeguard the interests of the that offer a quota for admissions, Jus- added that the Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata NRIs in the State. He highlighted the tice Goel said. Industrial corridor covering cities of Am- achievements of the Commission, such ritsar, Jalandhar and would as compulsory marriage registration for Kerala

munication Technology, tourism, food & and more productive than their counter- agro-processing, healthcare services, parts elsewhere in the country. Kerala water technology & green energy, bio- has invested heavily in education and technology, nanotechnology & other enrichment of human resources. sunrise sectors, infrastructure including urban infrastructure, ports, shipbuilding No State has earmarked as much as and logistics and waste management. 40% of its annual budget for education. Kerala is at the forefront of India’s socio- Kerala has become a human resource economic development. hub that caters to the needs of other Kerala has earmarked sectors which countries. have the potential for a faster rate of The State provides a highly skilled work- growth, which are Information and Com- force every year that has proved smarter

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 25 Concurrent Session 1 Innovation and Technology Creating Technologies for Future FICCI, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) have been working on commercialising technologies. Around 150 technologies have been commercialised in over five years, creating a market worth ` 1,500 crore

Dr. A. Didar Singh, a former civil servant have been working on this simple and activities and that these should result in of the Indian Administrative Service effective tool of commercialising tech- job creation.” (IAS) and Secretary General of Federa- nologies. Around 150 technologies have tion of Indian Chambers of Commerce been commercialised in over five years, He emphasised on the need of scaling and Industry (FICCI), said that India has creating a market worth ` 1,500 crore. up the job opportunities. He discussed declared 2010-2020 as a decade of In- relevance of technology and innovation novation which is a part of the PM Policy Mr. S. Ramadorai, Chairman, National and how diaspora can participate in the to make India more innovative and sci- Skill Development Agency, emphasised same. Around 70 per cent of Indian youth entific. on the importance of Skill Development should be working by 2050 and their is- in his speech. He said that at this time so sues should be addressed. Govt. of India Several initiatives have been taken in much is happening at political, economic is leveraging PPP, which in turn is scaling this direction in the last four years, he and social front in India. India is trans- up the private sector participation. said. Dr. Singh lauded efforts made by forming and people’s aspirations are at Innovation unit in FICCI and mentioned an all time high. “Today India faces skill “We need to ensure that institutions like that FICCI, Department of Science & development challenges. India’s youth FICCI should play a very important role Technology (DST) and Defence Research should be made aware of job prospects, in technology and innovation field,” Mr. & Development Organisation (DRDO) high skilled programmes entrepreneurial Ramadorai said. He highlighted the NSD fund for capacity building in the country

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India has declared Around 70 per cent of India needs to have new India has great strength in 2010-2020 as decade of Indian youth should be and original Innovations terms of human resource Innovation which is a part working by 2050 and their and this is only possible specially the young popu- of PM policy to become issues should be ad- through R&D in this field lation. Lots of changes are more innovative and sci- dressed happening in the innova- Mr. Birendra (Raj) entific as a nation and an tion investment ecosystem Mr. Subramanian Dutt Ph.D economy Ramadorai Chairman & CEO of APIC Mr. Prasad Yarlagadda Dr. A. Didar Singh Chairman, National Skill Corp. and PhotoIC Corp Queensland University Secretary General, FICCI Development Agency of Technology, Brisbane (NSDA) Australia and new innovation focus systems and ment Council of India and also requested field. He received Fryderyk Staub Golden enabled multi-models for education. He for their feedbacks and suggestions. Owl Award from World Academy of Manu- also mentioned about the various job facturing and Materials, Poland, for his portals that have come into existence in In his concluding remarks he said that outstanding contribution in the discipline recent years and helping in job creation the trend of investing in R&D has already of materials and manufacturing engi- for urban as well as rural youth. Strong started in India and there are many funds neering in the international arena. social networking sites today helps us in available currently for researchers such sharing best practises now-a-days. Sev- as funds for IP protection, social innova- He said that the funding in Research and eral grants have been spent heavily in tion fund, technology development etc. Development in Technologies is limited. technologies and frugal innovations by India has strong IPR laws to protect the He emphasised on the need of equal the Government. technical knowhow. There are number participation from public and private sec- of public private partnership programs tors. He then talked in detail about his He made following suggestion: which are running successfully in India. areas of expertise which comprises of following industries: ● Diaspora can bring their new Ideas He suggested that Indian Government from their native land and share their could take following steps for Skill Devel- ● Automotive Industry best practices opment: ● Mining Industry and ● They can bring Funds into India in the ● Processing and Fabrication Industry ● Sector skill councils for each domain field of Innovation and Technology He shared the following information ● Competencies for job roles ● They can help in setting up a digitised about Australia: content library in India Professor Prasad Yarlagadda has worked ● Australia is not a place for manufac- ● They can enable institutions from both in industry and universities for 30 years in turing and is very expensive for pro- the countries to come up and set up India, Hong Kong, , Papua New duction combined institutes in India Guinea, and Australia. He was Founding ● That skill is very expensive in Australia ● They can share technologies of new Director of Smart Systems Research as compared incorrection as suggest- tools/techniques in India theme (2005-2009) in Queensland Uni- ed earlier not done versity of Technology (QUT). He received ● That Australia concentrates on high- He asked the Indian diaspora to volun- number of awards from various national end technologies teer and come up with special proposals and international agencies for his out- ● That Environment protection costs and send them to National Skill Develop- standing contribution in engineering

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 27 are very high in Australia and getting tion. Lots of changes are happening in view that only Innovation cannot help in clearances for the same are very dif- the innovation investment ecosystem. building future but also investments. He ficult Intellectual Property has gone a long urged Indian Government and Industry ● India has a large young population way compared to last ten years. But to to make huge investments into R&D. He below 35 years whereas Australia will progress further we need a strong com- said that investment in R&D and espe- have a large pool of old population mitment from the Government for the cially in purchases of hardware is must above 60 years in next coming years promoting the innovation ecosystem in to help India eradicate poverty in India. India. He also mentioned about the large pool The Indian brain drain were taking place of resources that India holds today. He Dr. Raj Dutt leads the new wave of tech- in software Industry due to lack of invest- then gave examples of major Invest- nology entrepreneurs at the forefront of ment in R&D facilities in India. APPLE is ments in Australian Mining Industry by photonics, the natural and necessary able to make a huge profit from Iphones ADANI, GVK, AMR India etc. He then sequel to electronics. His research and by owning its technology part whereas shared his experiences in Aviation In- contributions in physics, fluid mechan- countries which assemble it like China dustry where he raised security issues ics, image understanding, robotics, and gets a very small share of profit. India at Airports. He said that he has signed a artificial intelligence have provided him needs to have new and original Innova- MOU with GVK airports for his technology with transformative insight into the vital tions and this is only possible through based on future of airport security. He role that optical networks will play in real- R&D in this field. He said that the way discussed his second case study on Op- izing our future expectations in informa- forward is taking risks, investing in R&D timal Anatomical fit for Fracture Fixation. tion transfer and processing. Not just a and by Involving youth into it. He conclud- He has developed an algorithm which visionary, his practical efforts span the ed by stating that India should emerge will result in Robotic surgeries for vari- entire spectrum of photonic intercon- as nation of Innovators rather than just ous traumas and orthopaedic surgeries nects from semiconductors to vast net- service providers. and how this technology is being used by works. He emphasised very much on owning the various hospitals abroad. He emphasised on the connection be- IP protection on the innovations currently In his remarks, he said that India has tween R&D Investments, Innovations, Indian scientist are working on and he great strength in terms of human re- Disruptive technologies and Global lead- explained it with a simple example of source, especially the young popula- ership. He spoke about his work involving how Apple is earning $150 out of $ 250 photon (particles of light). He was of the for sale of one phone in India.

28 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Concurrent Session 2 Healthcare Opportunities in India Health is wealth too ` 1,11,000 crore has also been released by the Central Government to 35 State Governments and Union Territories in the last few years

In view of the expected growth of the In- prove public heath infrastructure. More demand and supply of healthcare has dian healthcare industry to US $ 160 bil- than 70,000 beds have been added in grown exponentially. This needed to be lion by 2017 from the present level of US Government health institutions to pro- addressed urgently so that the growing $80 billion, the Union Government has vide essential and emergency services gap is bridged and India is able to ser- decided to undertake upgradation of 39 across the country’’. vice health requirements of the people. more medical colleges as super-special- Over the past few years, India made ity hospitals to provide State- of-the art The Minister said that in 12th Plan pe- significant achievements in the field of tertiary healthcare, said Ms. Santosh riod, the Government would strengthen healthcare but lot more needed to be Chaudhry, Minister of State for Health initiatives to provide Universal Health done through the public private partner- and Family Welfare. Coverage (UHC) in the country, giving ac- ship route. cess to essential range of medicines and She informed that 19 Government medi- treatments for the population. For the Dr. Jayesh B Shah MD and President, cal colleges have been upgraded as su- overall development of AYUSH services, AAPI , US, in his observations, said that a per specialty hospitals during the last 6-7 educational institutions, quality control good number of doctors of Indian origin years. More than ` 1,11,000 crore have of drugs and medicinal plants, the Gov- serving in USA have begun to treat pa- also been released by the Central Gov- ernment was planning to implement a tients in India whenever possible through ernment to 35 State Governments and National AYUSH Mission through which various pilot projects. One such project Union Territories in the last few years. traditional systems of medicines were in- is SEVAK launched in Ahmedabad. The tended to play a critically important role doctors in USA have sense of belonging Elaborating on the rural and urban in UHC. and they feel that it was now their turn health missions of Government, she to serve their motherland with altruistic said, “Nearly 51,000 health facilities Ms. Sangita Reddy, Executive Director, purpose. have been created, including new con- Apollo Hospitals, while presiding over the struction and upgradation work to im- session said that the mismatch between Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis Escorts

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The mismatch between In the 12th Plan period, A number of doctors of The policies exist to creat- demand and supply of the Government would Indian origin serving in ing infrastructure facilities healthcare has grown strengthen initiatives to USA have begun to treat required to address health exponentially. This needed provide Universal Health patients in India whenever issues but actions were to be addressed urgently Coverage (UHC) in the possible through various missing for which blame country , giving access to pilot projects one such did not lie with Govern- Ms. Sangita Reddy essential range of medi- project is SEVAK launched ment alone Executive Director, cines and treatments for in Ahmedabad Apollo Hospitals Dr. Ashok Seth the population Dr. Jayesh B. Shah, MD Chairman, Fortis Escorts Ms Santosh Chaudhry President, AAPI, USA Hearts Institute Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare

Hearts Institute, talked about rising op- Member EL Camino Hospital, Silicon Val- portunities in the healthcare sector that ley and Mr. E M Najeeb, Executive Direc- could be tapped with joint efforts of the tor, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences. Government and the private sector. The policies exist to creating infrastructure facilities required to address health is- sues but actions were missing for which blame did not lie with Government alone.

Among others, who also took part in the deliberations on the subject comprised Dr. Nandini Tandon, Vice-Chair & Board

30 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Concurrent Session 3 Meeting of Diaspora Organisations Connecting Across Generations The session was convened to bring together the various Diaspora organisations and members to share their concerns and expectations

Mr. T. P. Sreenivasan, IFS (Retd), mod- The panelists of the session discussed Government of India. He emphasized on erator of the session, briefed upon the the following issues and concerns: giving priority to the children of Indian role of Diaspora organisations. He stated Diaspora. that Diaspora organisations were able Mr Ashook Ramasaran, President, GO- to not only promote the interests of the PIO, US, urged for the active involvement Lord Diljit Singh Rana, Member, House of migrants but also establish schools, hos- of the Indian Diaspora with the Govern- Lords, UK, highlighted the role of PIOs/ pitals and other facilities for their own ment of India to address issues such as NRIs in terms of encouraging youth, welfare. He pointed out that Diaspora consular services, property rights. He knowledge sharing ie. Innovative ideas. organisations began to be formed on proposed a report to update the figures/ He emphasized upon the review of out- regional, linguistic and political consid- statistics of the Indian Diaspora in vari- comes of PBD and planning of future erations. ous countries. He also suggested mean- steps/action plans accruing out of such ingful dialogue with Government of India programmes. He suggested a website to Mr. Sreenivasan highlighted the impor- to resolve issues speedily. connect with Indian Diaspora, mainte- tance of the session as a platform to dis- nance of directory of the Indian Diaspora cuss the ways and means to strengthen Dato’Seri Utama S. Samy Vellu, Special and to organise a global level conference Diaspora organisations, to establish Envoy for Infrastructure to India and to connect with the Indian Diaspora. ways and means to have continuous South Asia, Prime Minister’s Depart- exchanges between organisations and ment, Government of Malaysia, pointed Mr Naval Bajaj, President, Indo-Cham- Government of India and to discuss is- out that India is increasing its mark on ber of Commerce, emphasised upon sues that may be of concern to Diaspora, the global economy. There are numerous continuous exchanges between Indian which are required to be brought to the opportunities to be tapped by the Indian youth and the Diaspora youth, which attention of Government of India. Diaspora, hence they should actively get can result in beneficial partnerships. He involved with the Indian industry and also suggested on developing outreach

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The importance of the ses- We should be giving prior- We should update the We should have a website We shoul develop out- sion as a platform is to dis- ity to the children of Indian figures/statistics of Indian to connect with Indian reach programmes for cuss the ways and means diaspora diaspora in various coun- diaspora, maintenance Indian diaspora to help to strengthen diaspora tries of directory of Indian them learn more about Dato’Seri Utama organisations, to establish diaspora and to organize Indian culture S. Samy Vellu Mr. Ashook Ramasaran ways and means to have a global level conference Special Envoy for President, GOPIO, USA Mr. Naval Bajaj, continuous exchanges be- to connect with Indian Infrastructure to India President, Indo-Chamber tween organisations and diaspora and South Asia, Prime of Commerce Government of India Minister’s Department, Lord Diljit Singh Rana Mr. T.P. Sreenivasan, Government of Malaysia Member, House of IFD (Retd) Lords, UK Former Ambassador

programmes for the Indian Diaspora to nity Welfare Committee, also highlighted He concluded the session with his sug- help them learn more about the Indian the achievements of his organisation gestion that Indian Government should culture. such as payment of school fees of needy come out with collaborative research children, providing financial assistance project on World Labour or Indentures. He pointed out the effort of his organisa- and medical assistance to the Indian tion to plan trade missions at the time Diaspora, handling cases of prisoners in of PBD. He concluded by stating that jail etc. He requested Ministry of Over- instead of umbrella organisation over seas Indian Affairs to pay close attention Diaspora organisations, we should fo- to issues of the Indian Diaspora in Gulf. cus on having MOUs to work with other Diaspora organisations and cooperate to Mr. Mahyendra Utchanah appreciated resolve issues. the positive steps taken for the Indian Diaspora such as telecast of Doordar- Adv. Y. A. Rahim, President, Indian Asso- shan, creation of centres of excellence ciation Sharjah, highlighted the achieve- and importance to youth of the Indian ments of his organisation such as es- Diaspora. He also pointed out certain tablishments of schools, contribution measures which need to be focused towards health welfare of the Indian Di- upon include cultural centres, PIO TV, is- aspora. sue of PIO Cards, social networking for the Indian Diaspora and visa on arrival. Mr. K. Kumar, Convenor, Indian Commu-

32 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Concurrent Session 4 Making India the Hub of the Media and Entertainment Industry Making India a Hub of Media and Entertainment Industry Media and entertainment is already the instrument by which India connects with its Diaspora. The question is: how can we make India the hub of the global media and entertainment industry

Moderator: Shri Vikram Chandra, Direc- Mr. Ramesh Sippy the Indian M&E industry saw such a rev- tor and CEO, NDTV olution that it inspired me to move back The mobile industry grew in India faster and rejoin the industry here. Panellists: Dr. Kamal Haasan, Filmmak- than anywhere else, even more than the er, Producer, Actor; Director, Rajkamal USA. That is how modern technology India is a major player when it comes to Films International; Shri Ramesh Sippy, works. It is in the same way that the me- world politics and world economics—we Film Producer and Director; Ms Anurrad- dia and entertainment industry in India have to make Indian global M&E player ha Prasad, Chairperson and Managing is growing—and we are catching up with of the same kind of stature. Bollywood Director, B.A.G. Films & Media Ltd; Shri the world. Consumers of our products has already accomplished this in some Munish Gupta, Chairman and Managing are spread out across the world. If we part. Going forward, collaborating with Editor, PIO TV Pvt. Ltd produce quality content, then there are diasporic Indians across the world will people ready to devour it. What we have create an enabling platform for the In- Mr. Vikram Chandra to accomplish is do what we do better. dian M&E industry to become a bigger Media and entertainment is already the player in the global market. To that end, Ms. Anurradha Prasad instrument by which Mother India con- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has done a re- nects with her children. The question is: The Indian media and entertainment in- markable thing by including M&E as part how can we make India the hub of the dustry is a power that has just been un- of its deliberations. global media and entertainment indus- leashed. The juggernaut has started roll- FILM try? ing, not just within the nation or for the Indian diaspora but also the whole world. Mr. Vikram Chandra Dr. Kamal Haasan In the era of convergence, Young India is Indian films are increasingly seeing ma- The Indian media and entertainment ready to conquer the world. jor success abroad. Dhoom 3 has done industry is at the cusp of exponential Mr. Munish Gupta business worth 150 crore in the over- growth today, even though it is somewhat seas market. What do you see this lead- belated. However, we still have miles to I moved from Indian M&E space to the di- ing to? go in terms of realizing our potential. aspora M&E space. But in two decades,

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Indian films are increas- India is a country of more Consumers of our prod- We have all the talent That day is not too far off. ingly seeing major success than 1 billion people, and ucts are spread out across in India, all we need is a Bollywood films today earn abroad. Dhoom 3 has the average ticket price the world. If we produce push from the Government 50% of their revenue from done business worth 150 is Rs 150. Given the size quality content, then to move forward. I am within India, and the other crore in the overseas mar- of our population, and there are people ready to eagerly waiting for the day 50% from abroad ket. What do you see this how many people in India devour it. What we have to when Hollywood becomes Mr. Munish Gupta Chair- leading to? watch films, we should be accomplish is do what we secondary to Bollywood man and Managing Editor aiming at business worth do better for the world’s population Mr. Vikram Chandra PIO TV Pvt. Ltd Rs 1 billion when they think of films CEO, NDTV Networks Mr. Ramesh Sippy Dr. Kamal Hassan Film Director Ms. Anurradha Prasad Bollywood Personality Managing Director, BAG Films

Dr. Kamal Haasan are stories in India that can be told to the that cultivate talent. A lot more money world. Look at the example of Slumdog needs to be invested in infrastructure for As hands-on industry persons will agree, Millionaire! film and TV products. this is just the tip of the iceberg. Ms. Anurradha Prasad Recommendations from the panel India is a country of more than 1 billion people, and the average ticket price is Young filmmakers today are producing ■ Our film training institutes are far be- Rs 150. Given the size of our population, films that have not just national appeal hind US/European counterparts. We and how many people in India watch but pan-world appeal. The next step is need more schools that focus on skill films, we should be aiming at business for Indian filmmakers to start producing development. worth Rs 1 billion. films in English, using it as a link lan- ■ We have fantastic manpower. What guage to the rest of the world. The way to make this happen is transpar- we need is to create a technical en- ency. If we lose opacity when it comes to We have all the talent in India, all we vironment that will encourage Holly- ticket sales, etc., we will be able to make need is a push from the Government to wood and other foreign filmmakers to the Rs 1 billion dream come true. And I move forward. I am eagerly waiting for come and shoot in India. hope that this is something that happens the day when Hollywood becomes sec- ■ India needs more film theatres. We during my own acting lifetime. Ticket ondary to Bollywood for the world’s popu- have 6,000 theatres in India, where- rates should not be controlled by State lation when they think of films. as China has 60,000 theatres and Governments—this will facilitate better Mr. Munish Gupta the US has 35,000 theatres. Six thou- monetization of our films. sand theatres are simply not enough That day is not too far off. Bollywood Mr. Ramesh Sippy for Indian filmgoers. films today earn 50% of their revenue I am confident this will happen by 2020. from within India, and the other 50% ■ The industry needs Government help When Sholay was made, so many years from abroad. Whereas, for Hollywood to make things like getting shooting ago, it captured only 15-20% of the mar- films, only about 35% of their revenue permits and clearances easier. This ket. Dhoom 3 has captured 50%. This comes from English-speaking countries will encourage more film tourism and will only keep increasing with time. outside the USA. co-production. Also, foreign filmmakers know that there But for this to happen, we need schools ■ Indians have been using the English

34 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 language for 350 years. It is time a ratings system that is defunct and un- nels and there is overlap in many areas. for India to make English films and reliable. Another reason why it appears that TV establish a better connect with the Also, content—particularly for TV news— is not doing well is because overseas global cinema-goer. is nowhere near what it needs to be. corporate who have entered India have ■ The film industry should explore the not yet started pumping revenue into the Ms. Anurradha Prasad option of collaborating with Indian Di- industry. The Government has so far not been as aspora working in the M&E industries Recommendations from the panel of their countries of residence in or- much of a facilitator for the industry as it ■ The issue of content poverty has to der to facilitate bilateral film produc- could be. As a result, it has not been pos- be addressed, and good and unique tion. sible for the industry to explore and de- velop other sustainable revenue models. content encouraged. ■ Talent and technology already exist ■ The better the content a broadcaster in India. We need entrepreneurship Another problem that India is facing is wants to produce, the greater the in- spirit and infrastructure. that despite us being such a huge na- tion, we do not have a single global TV vestment. Hence alternative revenue ■ The Government should look into brand, like the BBC, CNN or Al Jazeera. models, particularly for news, have to helping the M&E industry so that it is If something significant is happening be developed. able to be on equal footing with other in some part of the world, Indian news ■ Ratings systems have to be revisited industries in India. channels are not always there to cover it. and updated TELEVISION There is sporadic presence, but it is not ■ The convergence ecosystem needs cohesive. We need a wholesome global Mr. Vikram Chandra to be capitalized on, especially since brand from India. The TV industry (particularly news) social media has the ability to estab- right now is in a bad mess. The busi- Mr. Ramesh Sippy lish connects with larger and younger ness models for it are not working out. Social media is making us all more con- audiences. Unlike in other countries, where profits scious about rights, freedoms and the ■ Broadband/digital connect has the from the audience is split between the world. New media and convergence power to change the M&E ecosystem broadcaster and the distributor, in India have to be taken seriously while thinking completely. It is essential that the cable operator takes the majority of the about the future of the TV industry. Government push the issue of 100 money, and additionally asks for a car- Mr. Munish Gupta per cent digitization across the coun- riage fee for distribution. The TV sector try. is completely dependent on advertising There is a problem of too many. There is for revenue, and advertising is driven by no uniqueness of content for many chan-

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 35 Concurrent Session 5 Issues of NRI’s in the Gulf Challenges of Indian in Gulf The panelists identified many challenges including need to have a closely monitoring and regulatory system for the NRIs in the Gulf region, proper counseling process and more transparency in the recruitment process

Shri E. Ahamed, Minister of State for to all the GCC countries were special in- NRIs who send remittances amounting External Affairs, opened the session on vitees in the session. to more than ` 75,000 crore. He under- ‘Issues of NRIs in the Gulf’ by highlight- scored the importance of the NRIs based ing the fact that over the years India has Stating that remittances received from out of Gulf and acknowledged their role developed deep links with the Gulf coun- abroad constitute more than 20% of the in India’s all round development. tries and has strategic partnership in GDP of Kerala, Mr. K C Joseph, Minister the area of economics, security, defense for Rural Development, Planning, Cul- Dr. B. Ravi Pillai, Chairman and Manag- and a host of other areas. He said that ture and NORKA, Kerala, underscored ing Director, R P Group of Companies, Indians are the favoured expats in the the importance of expats. He mentioned thanked the Government of India for ef- Gulf region because of their law abiding a number of unique and important ini- fectively solving the Nitaqat issues faced nature and technical competence. Shri tiatives started by the Government of by Indians working in Saudi Arabia. He Ahamed emphasized that there should Kerala for safeguarding the interests of suggested various ways to tackle the be a closely monitoring and regulatory the NRIs in the Gulf region, including a issues of NRIs in the Gulf, for instance, system for the NRIs in the Gulf region; programme initiated for rehabilitation of speeding up of legal services provided proper counseling process; and more the returnees. to NRIs and operation of more Air India transparency in the recruitment process. flights for the gulf region. Shri M. A. Yusuff Ali, Managing Director, He acknowledged that we are going in EMKE Group & vice Chairman, NORKA Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas the right direction, but still a lot has to be ROOTS, highlighted that the session cov- Indian Affairs, was also present during done to address the issues of the expats ered the issues of more that 7 million the session. in the Gulf region. Indian Ambassadors

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Indians are the favoured We are discussing issues A number of initiatives expats in the Gulf region that cover more than 7 have been taken by the because of their law abid- million NRIs who send ing nature and technical remittances amounting to for safeguarding the competence more than ` 75,000 crore interests of the NRIs in the Gulf region, including Shri. E Ahamed Shri. M.A. Yusuff Ali a programme initiated Minister of State for Managing Director, EMKE for rehabilitation of the External Affairs Group & Vice Chairman, returnees NORKA ROOTS, Kerala Shri. K.C.Joseph Minister for Rural Develop- ment, Planning, Culture and NORKA ROOTS, Kerala

The following issues were raised and de- The panelists assured that the Govern- Shri Vayalar Ravi assured that he would liberated upon during the session: ment of India is in the process of resolv- look into the issues raised and would try ing and addressing the above mentioned to resolve them at the earliest. • Voting Rights of NRIs issues. For instance, the Government • Few number of Air India flights operat- has enrolled the NRIs in the voting list ing between India and Gulf region and they can cast their vote, if they are in the country at the time of elections. • Waiver of taxes on remittances They acknowledged that the number of • Legal services for the NRIs flights operating is quite less and are try- ing to improve the service. They assured • Indian Community Welfare Fund for that the Indian Community Welfare Fund the NRIs for the NRIs is being entirely spent on the • Pension schemes for poor NRIs welfare of the NRIs. Indian Ambassador • Need to increase the staff at over- to Oman added that they have disbursed seas Indian missions nearly 80 per cent of the fund. The Am- bassador to Bahrain said that they would • Dispatch of dead bodies of NRIs address and resolve the problems faced • Problems faced by jailed NRIs. by jailed Indians.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 37 Valedictory session Education key to India’s next gold- en age’

Education is what will determine how fast India joins the ranks of leading nations of the world, President Pranab Mukherjee said in his address at the valedictory session of PBD 2014 “I believe education is the alchemy that man in 1930, and said educational insti- ment has prioritised higher education can bring India its next golden age,” tutes in the country should focus more and supported it with increased re- President Pranab Mukherjee said in his on research and development. sources. Enrolment to higher education address at the valedictory session of the institutions in the country has increased, 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the annual “I have been urging our educational in- from ` 1.39 crores in 2006-07 to ` 2.18 gathering of the Indian Diaspora. stitutions to invest more in research and crores in 2011-12. India has today 659 development and to pursue greater in- degree awarding institutions and 33,023 “The success we achieve in educating ternational linkages by establishing col- colleges. In a world marked by increas- our people will determine how fast India laborations with foreign universities and ing constraints on natural resources, in- joins the ranks of leading nations of the inviting the best of faculty from across novation will be the key to future growth,” world,” he said. the world to come and teach in our insti- President Mukherjee said. tutions,” the President said. President Mukherjee said that if India However, despite the rise in the number has to attain a growth rate of nine per- He said the Government has prioritised of higher education institutes, India has cent per year, as has been envisaged higher education and supported it with very few institutes of global standards, during the 12th Five Year Plan period, increased resources, and enrollment to Shri Mukherjee said. “we must put in place enabling factors, higher education institutions in the coun- most prominent of which is education”. try has increased from ` 1.39 crore in “Time has now come for us to reclaim our 2006-07 to ` 2.18 crore in 2011-12. leadership position in the world as far as He pointed out that no Indian from India higher education is concerned. Our effort has won the Nobel Prize since C.V. Ra- “Over the last nine years, the Govern- to increase ‘quantity’ must be matched

38 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Shri Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs delivering vote of thanks during the valedictory session of PBD 2014 with commensurate efforts to improve there are only 4,000 PhD students. In the inherent resilience of our people and ‘quality’,” he said. IITs, there are only around 3,000 PhD the dynamism of our economy which has students in the total student strength of the ability to overcome temporary down- He said that in a world that is facing in- 60,000,” the president said. turns,” he said. creasing constraints on natural resourc- es, innovation was another key area In- Stating that upgrading the standards of The President said that the Pravasi dia should focus on. higher education in India should be ac- Bharatiya Divas is an occasion when corded top priority, he said: “Overseas people and Government of India renew “China and the US are amongst the Indians such as all of you gathered here and strengthen our bonds with the In- countries at the forefront of innovation can play a major role in supporting and dian Diaspora. It is an opportunity to with over five lakh (500,000) patent ap- supplementing the efforts of the Govern- advance the mutually beneficial relation- plications filed by each country in 2011,” ment to remedy this situation.” ship between Indians within and outside he said. the country. The President was happy to note that the “In contrast to this, India filed only discussions during this year’s PBD in- He congratulated all winners of this 42,000 patent applications, which is cluded a session on innovation and tech- year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman far behind these countries. As per an nology. Every year the Rashtrapati Bha- Awards. “They have made their mark international survey, only three Indian van hosts an exhibition on Innovations. in their countries of adoption and ad- companies are amongst the world’s 100 He has also initiated a programme invit- vanced the welfare of the communities most innovative companies.” ing talented young innovators along with in which they live and work. artists and writers to live in residence at He called on both the industry and high- the Rashtrapati Bhavan, to take innova- “Indian Diaspora --- through their suc- er education institutes to emphasise on tive ideas forward and be provided men- cess and their contribution to their host research. toring and support. countries, they have consistently brought laurels to their land of ancestry. Matter “We have only 119 researchers in R&D He said the Indian economy was more of great pride to all Indians that the Over- per million people, as compared to 715 resilient than most other countries. seas Indian community is respected for in China and 468 in the US. Out of the its work culture, discipline, and success- total student strength of 71,000 in NITs, “I am sure you have (the) confidence in ful integration with local communities,”

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 39 he said. Mr. Sasindran Muthuvel, Public Service “The Government on its part will con- – Papua New Guinea tinue to actively engage with the over- The President gave away the Pravasi seas Indian community and explore all Bharatiya Samman Awards to 13 NRIs Shri Shishabudeen Vava Kunju, Commu- possible avenues to make them valued and PIOs who have made distinguished nity Service – Saudi Arabia partners in the building of a strong and contributions to public life . The recipi- prosperous India,” he said. ents were: Mrs. , Public Service - South Africa Ms. Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Ms. Senator Lisa Singh, Public Service – Mahatma Gandhi, gave an acceptance Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Parambadh, Australia speech, while vote of thanks was given Healthcare Business – UAE by Mr. Manoj Kumar, who thanked the Mr. Kurian Varghese, Business – Bahrain President, Mr. Prem Narain, awardees, Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara, Public Ser- delegates and FICCI for making this PBD Mr. Vasdev Chanchlani, Business & Pub- vice - UK successful and looked forward to meet- lic Service - Canada Dr. Parthasarthy Chiramel Pillai, Science ing all again next year. Ramakrishna nMission, Fiji, Community – USA Service – Fiji Ms. Renu Khator, Education - USA Mr. Bikas Chandra Sanyal, Education & Culture – France He hoped this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would seed many initiatives for Mr. Satnarainsing Rabin Baldewsingh, “deepening our mutually beneficial -en Public Service – The Netherlands gagement”.

40 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Awards

Ms. Senator Lisa Maria Singh to homeless persons to build their own tion work during natural disasters is well Ms. Senator Lisa Singh is the first mem- houses and for conducting marriages. recognized. The work of the Mission has ber of the Australian Parliament of South He is a Director of INKEL (Infrastructure contributed to promoting human values Asian descent. Since entering politics, Kerala Ltd.) where he is the main share- and harmony, peace and non-violence. she has held various Ministerial port- holder. The Ramkrishna Mission of Fiji is now folios. She is currently a Senator for Mr. Kurian Verghese is honoured for his honoured for their commitment to the Tasmania. She has been an advocate contribution in the field of business for community service and philanthropic of culturally and linguistically diverse enhancing India’s image and for promot- activities and enhancing India’s prestige communities particularly the Indian and ing better understanding of India abroad. abroad. Fijian communities, in Australia and promoted Government policy that takes Mr. Vasdev Chanchlani Mr. Bikas Chandra Sanyal into account their needs. She has sup- Mr. Vasdev Chanchlani is an entrepre- Mr. Bikas Chandra Sanyal is a renowned ported an expanded Australian overseas neur and philanthropist based in Can- educationist in France. He has an out- aid program, including projects in India, ada. His initiatives revolve around edu- standing record of contribution interna- and worked with Indian NGOs on issues cation, research and persuasive public tionally in the field of higher education of health and workers’ rights. policy formulation and discourse. He and culture. He has served the cause Ms. Senator Lisa Singh is recognised for has been at the forefront of advocacy for in different institutions in USA, UK and her outstanding contributions in public Canada’s India centric policy changes. UNESCO. He has worked/conducted re- service and fostering friendly relations search and served in an advisory capac- Mr. Vasdev Chanchlani is recognised for between India and Australia. ity on problems of higher education man- his contributions in the field of business agement in 77 countries of the world. Mr. Kurian Varghese and public service and fostering ties be- tween India and Canada and his efforts Mr. Bikas Chandra Sanyal is honoured Mr. Kurian Verghese is a leading over- in promoting Indian culture and heritage. for his contributions in the field of edu- seas Indian Businessman in Bahrain. cation and culture and enhancing India’s He owns large number of companies Ramakrishna Mission image. in different fields such as construction, The Ramakrishna Mission has been hospitality, healthcare, education, etc. serving the community in Fiji since 1937 Mr. Satnarainsing Rabin in Gulf countries as well as in India. He and engaging in educational and charita- Baldewsingh has donated crores of rupees to various ble activities. Their relief and rehabilita- Mr. Satnarainsing Rabin Baldewsingh is charities in Bahrain and India including

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 41 a grandson of Indian worker in the for- between India and the Kingdom of Saudi United Kingdom and also Leaders of the mer Dutch colony of Suriname. He is ac- Arabia. Conservative Party. tive in Dutch politics. He has successfully promoted multiculturism and multi-eth- Ms. Ela Gandhi Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara is honoured nicity in The Hague and made significant Ms. Ela Gandhi is a granddaughter of for his eminence in the field of public ser- contribution to promoting better under- Mahatma Gandhi. She has been very vice and in promoting ties between India standing of India in The Netherlands. active in public life in South Africa. She and the people of U.K. He has been Deputy Mayor of the Hague was a Member of Parliament in South Dr. Parthasarathy Chiramel Pillai since 2008. He has written a novel in the Africa from 1994-2004 and involved in Hindustani Surinamese language. important parliamentary assignments. Mr. Parthasarathy Chiramel Pillai has 34 She chairs many Trusts and Committees years of teaching and scientific research Mr. Satnarainsing Rabin Baldewsingh is which serve various public causes. She experience in both academia and Gov- recognized for his contributions in the has contributed significantly to the cause ernment with over 75 research papers field of public service and developing of freedom in South Africa and was and abstracts to his credit. He played a closer ties between India and South Af- placed under house arrest in 1943 for key role in the mainstream politicaledu- rica. five years. She has published two books cational activity in the of on Gandhiji. America. He has advanced the Indo-US Mr. Sasindran Muthuvel relations through all his undertakings/ Mr. Sasindran Muthuvel is first Member Ms. Ela Gandhi is honoured for her con- engagements including lobbying with the of Parliament of Indian origin in Papua tributions in the field of public service, House of Representatives and Senators. New Guinea. His stated political vision enhancing India’s image and promoting is to ensure that wealth is distributed ties between India and South Africa. Mr. Parthasarathy Chiramel Pillai is rec- equally and everyone in his province has ognized for his contributions in the field access to safe and healthy drinking wa- Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath of science and for fostering closer rela- ter, free and fair education and to em- Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath has tions between India and USA. power rural population with skills thus created a successful business empire Ms. Renu Khator creating employment opportunities for while being equally concerned about all. He started a reputed trading compa- community welfare and social respon- Ms. Renu Khator has achieved several ny M/s. Hemamas Trading Ltd. in 2000. sibility. He started an integrated health- milestones as a leading figure among care group with operations in United overseas Indians in the United States Mr. Sasindran Muthuvel is honoured for Arab Emirates, Oman and India and has of America. She became one of the first his contributions in the field of public been actively involved with humanitarian Persons of Indian Origin to head a higher service. and social projects which have benefit- education system and a research uni- ted the communities across Middle East, versity in America. She has promoted Mr. Shihabudeen Vava Kunju India and North Africa. India’s interests and Indo-US friendship Mr. Shihabudeen Vava Kunju has been and cooperation. As a leader in higher contributing to the welfare of Indian Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath is rec- education, she has contributed to the community in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ognized for his contributions in the field welfare of thousands of Indian students (KSA) for past several years. His valuable of healthcare business and in promoting studying in US and enhanced India’s and selfless work in resolving labour dis- better understanding of India in United prestige. She is a member of the Prime putes, arranging shelter for the sick and Arab Emirates. Minister’s Global Advisory Council for disabled, repatriation of destitute Indian Overseas Indians. nationals and handling death cases Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara have been recognized, appreciated and Mr. Shailesh Lakhman Vara is originally Ms. Renu Khator is honoured for her con- awarded by several organisations in In- a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Eng- tributions in the field of education and dia and abroad. land & Wales. He was first elected to Brit- enhancing India’s prestige abroad. ish Parliament in 2010 and became first Mr. Shihabudeen Vava Kunju is hon- Indian origin Govt. Minister for the Con- oured for his contributions in the field of servative Party. He has advised former community service and promoting ties as well as current Prime Ministers in the

42 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 43 Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Government of India

Youth

: :

EngagingEngaging Diaspora: Diaspora: Connecting Connecting Across Across Generation Generations s

44 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Inaugural Session: Youth PBD Celebrating the spirit of youth PBD 2014 sought to understand the aspirations and concerns of youth to develop synergies and utilise their energy to help India grow and find its rightful place in the community of nations

Calling for development of stronger ties Chambers of Commerce and Industry a Progressive and Inclusive India – A between the Diaspora youth and young (FICCI). Youth Perspective’. The report, prepared Indians, Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of by FICCI, seeks to explore three distinct Overseas Indian Affairs, said that such “MOIA has been in the forefront in en- domains in which the Diaspora youth is bonding will lead to creation of wealth gaging the youth Diaspora residing in engaging with India. It looks at the way and employment that will ultimately various countries by introducing vari- the Indian labour market is transform- benefit the masses at large. ous schemes and projects like Know ing; explores the change in the outlook India Programme (KIP), Study India of youths who are increasingly seeing He stressed on the need for the Dias- Programme (SIP) and Scholarship Pro- entrepreneurship as a viable career op- pora youth and young Indians to de- gramme for Diaspora Children (SPDC). tion; and examines the way young In- velop strong networks for partnership These schemes and programmes have dians are partnering with the Diaspora in trade, industry, entrepreneurship benefitted the Diaspora youth as well youth to develop voluntary organisa- and social work. “Our goal should be to as the growth and development story of tions to enable an inclusive growth in build a strong global connect of youth their mother country. It is our endeavor the country. for this purpose” the Minister said while to further enrich and expand these pro- inaugurating the pre Pravasi Bharatiya grammes so that our young Diaspora Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State Divas event, ‘Youth Pravasi Bharatiya continues to benefit and stay connected (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs Divas 2014’, organised by the Ministry to their mother country,” the Minister & Sports and Minister of State for De- of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in said. fence, in his address announced that partnership with the Ministry of Youth India was in the process of introducing a Affairs. The event was coordinated and On the occasion, Shri Ravi released a new National Youth Policy that seeks to managed by the Federation of Indian youth report, ‘Realising the Dream of empower the country’s youth to achieve

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The proposed e-Migrate PBD could be opportunity Our goal should be to build Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is Project will transform the for Indian youth to partner a strong global connect a great platform to provide emigration process into with NRI youth to develop of youth for this purpose. opportunities to Indian simple, transparent, order- not-for-profit institutions Indian youth should youth to meet and interact ly and humane economic that are looking at ensuring develop strong networks with their overseas coun- process. It would result in that development tran- for partnerships in trade, terparts significant improvement in scends the limits defined industry, entrepreneurship Mr. Rajeev Gupta the quality of services to by the economy and trans- and social work Secretary, Department of emigrant workers lates into improved social Shri Vayalar Ravi Youth Affairs, Ministry of upliftment Shri. Prem Narain Minister of Overseas Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary , Ministry of Shri Jitendra Singh Indian Affairs Overseas Indian Affairs Minister of State (Inde- pendent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and the Minister of State for Defence their full potential. He said the new pol- Singh said. expertise available in this market. icy will focus on developing the youth into a productive work force by providing In this context, he said that Nehru Yuva Further, he said that the Indian youth is them the right education and skills and Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National increasingly looking at entrepreneurship promoting entrepreneurship. Further, he Service Scheme (NSS), the two youth as a viable career choice and a number said, the policy also aims to develop a volunteer networks with pan-India pres- of experienced NRIs are now returning strong and healthy generation through ence created by his ministry, can play a home to setup niche businesses, a fair effective healthcare and promotion of a very crucial role. While NYKS has about chunk of which are based on innovative healthy lifestyle and sports; promoting 8 million non-student youth volunteers models and are being founded with a social values and spirit of community enrolled through about 2.80 lakh youth large social footprint. service; effectively engaging with the clubs across rural India, NSS has about He said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas youth and facilitating their participation 3.25 million student volunteers in senior (PBD) offers an opportunity for the In- in governance process and inclusive pol- secondary schools and colleges all over dian youth to partner with the Diaspora icies to take care of disadvantaged sec- the country. These networks promote youth to develop not-for-profit institu- tions of youth and the youth with special social values and the spirit of commu- tions to ensure that development tran- needs. nity service. scends the limits defined by the econo- “The Government of India through the He acknowledged that resident and Non my and translates into improved social new National Youth Policy also intends Resident Indian (NRI) youth are form- parameters for millions of underprivi- to promote ‘social entrepreneurship’ ing partnerships to create sustainable leged people in the country. as an attractive employment proposi- models of growth that can confront Shri Prem Narain, Secretary, MOIA, said tion and to create an enabling policy global challenges in the socio-economic that India would soon launch an inter- regime for setting up of venture funds sphere. Mr. Singh added that the Indian net-based project that would transform and provide angel investment that the labour market is transforming itself with the emigration into a simple, transpar- social entrepreneurs require. This would focus on education and skills. He also ent, orderly and humane process. The facilitate setting up of social ventures cited the reversal in migration trends, proposed e-Migrate Project would result in India by the overseas Indians,” Shri which is adding to the experience and in significant improvement in the qual-

46 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 ity of services to emigrant workers as opportunities for India. it would simplify different processes in Key Announcements the emigration cycle and improve effec- While delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. The Ministry of Overseas Indian tiveness, Mr. Narain said. Rajeev Gupta, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs Affairs will launch the e-Migrate project in 2014. He added that social security agree- and Sports, too stressed on the signifi- ments are also being worked upon with cance of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is working towards evolving a various countries to safeguard the inter- strong platform to provide opportunities National Youth policy with a view to ests of the Indian workers going abroad. to the Indian youth to meet and interact empowering the youth of the country with their overseas counterparts. to achieve their full potential. He said that events like the Youth PBD assume great significance in the light Way forward: Plan PBD in such a way as to provide an opportunity to of a sizable number of Indian Diaspora the Indian youth to partner with the youth getting an opportunity to connect Diaspora youth to develop not-for- and engage with each other to open profit institutions that result in an new avenues of investment and trade overall social upliftment.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 47 Plenary Session on Youth PBD- Aspirations of Diaspora Youth Of Dreams and Aspirations There is a lot that India can achieve by involving its exuberant Diaspora in its march to economic prosperity. But synergies must be created to understand their unique challenges and requirements

Our success is the product of our Dr. Khator earned a bachelor’s degree Dr. Charu Walikhanna, Member, Nation- dreams and aspirations, said Dr. Renu at the University of Kanpur and was al Commission of Women, in her speech Khator, the first woman Chancellor and married to an Indian American at the discussed the aspirations of young Indi- President of University of Houston in the age of 18. She not only overcame the an girls, especially from Punjab, Gujarat US state of Texas, in her address at the problem posed by English language and Kerala, who get married to NRIs in plenary session on aspirations of Dias- when she reached the US but went on the hope of leading a better life abroad pora youth. to do her master’s degree and her Ph.D. but get cheated and face atrocities. in political science from Purdue Univer- “You should have a dream in your life, sity. She is a noted scholar in the field She shared with the gathering some be it for yourself, your family, or your na- of global environmental policy and has shocking cases presented before the tion. Only then you can succeed,” said published numerous books and articles High Level Committee of National Com- the first Indian immigrant to head a on the subject. mission of Women for Empowerment of comprehensive research university in the US as she shared with the audience “Life is not fair to most of us… Everybody her struggles after she moved to the gets tested, but leaders are made of Policy suggestion US from Farukhabad in Uttar Pradesh what they do with their failures. It is up where she was born and bought up. to you to become victim of circumstanc- es or change the world. Passion will help • Discrimination against PIO’s As chancellor of the University of Hous- you survive in most adverse of the cir- vis-à-vis NRI’s/OCIs must be ton System, Dr. Khator oversees an cumstances. Take the people along, be addressed appropriately. organisation that serves more than humble and acknowledge the support of • Address the issue of down- 66,000 students, has a budget that ex- people who have been with you in your linking problems in other ceeds $1.3 billion, and has a $3.5 bil- journey. It will keep you grounded,” Dr. countries with respect to lion-plus economic impact on the Great- Khator said in her inspirational address. Doordarshan International. er Houston area each year.

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PBD should evolve a Passion will help you We need to set examples It is very important for non-formal connect in an survive in most adverse by just not being success- India and youth diaspora unstructured manner to of the circumstances. ful by hard work but also to reach out to each other, allow the youth across the Take the people along, be by sincerity and respect to to prevent loss of cul- world to connect with one humble and acknowledge our fellow humans tural heritage amongst the another seamlessly the support of people who future generations of PIOs Dr. Charu WaliKhanna have been with you in your settled abroad Mr. Member, National Com- journey Minister of mission for Women Ms. Kirty Vedika State(Independent Charge) Dr.Renu Khator Matabadal of Information & Chancellor, University Netherlands Broadcasting of Houston System and President, University of Houston

NRI Women/Indian Girls. She said that It is very important for India and the to utilise global opportunities and con- MoIA and NCW have jointly established Diaspora youth to reach out to each tribute to India’s growth story through an NRI Cell to help deal with the cheat- other to prevent loss of cultural heritage their experiences and knowledge. She ing and fraud marriage cases abroad. amongst the future generations of PIOs recommended engaging youngsters at She urged the Indian Diaspora not to settled abroad, Ms. Matabadal said. the decision making level. force their children into marrying In- “MOIA should invest in good relations dian girls with whom their dreams and with PIO youngsters, as they feel India The aspirations of Diaspora youth and aspirations do not match. “We need to is a part of them, no matter where they resident Indians were articulated by set examples not just by being success- live. It is important to mobilize required Mr. Manish Tewari, Minister of State ful and hard work but also by showing resources to connect Diaspora youth (Independent Charge) for Information sincerity and respect to our fellow hu- as global citizens of rapidly changing and Broadcasting. He said that while mans,” Dr. Walikhanna said. world.” border control, visa regulations and im- migration formalities were some of the Kirty Matabadal, the Dutch youth repre- She narrated her personal experiences impediments in connecting the global sentative to the , in her of discrimination when she had applied youth, it cannot be denied that the inter- address raised the concern of identity for a visa at the Indian embassy while net has enabled them to become a part crisis amongst NRIs and Persons of In- coming to India for PBD. Highlighting of the global conversation. The inter- dian Origin (PIOs). She said there is a lot the issues faced by PIOs, Ms. Matabadal net represents the largest ungoverned that India can achieve by involving its said that PIOs have to undergo a lot space on earth and every two days more exuberant Diaspora. of harassment and paperwork for visa data is produced on it than since the clearances if they have to travel to India. dawn of civilization to the year 2000, he Ms Matabadal stressed that the Dias- “It deters them from coming here. There said. “This technology has given rise to pora youth want to connect with India. should be easing of visa norms for PIOs a virtual civilisation that allows young Their heart is Indian, even though they and NRIs, and probably they can have people to connect with others with simi- are born and bought up in different an Indian passport too,” she added. lar aspirations around the world.” countries, she said, adding that PIOs face confused nationality problem as Besides, she said, Diaspora should not He said during his overseas travel he has the nation they are living as well as India only connect with India but also create discovered that the younger generation do not treat them as their own. a strong network amongst themselves has common aspirations -- to make a

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 49 life for themselves and make the world a good progress on this front in some Af- cern that was raised. a better place to live in. PBD should rican countries which will be replicated ■ MOIA has schemes for PIOs/NRIs in evolve an informal structure to allow the in other countries as well. Indian institutions. However, educa- Diaspora youth across the world to con- tion for PIO and NRI who are not Indi- nect with one another seamlessly, he Key issues raised by the an citizens should be similarly priced suggested. participants: as for Indians. There should be a ■ Corruption is insidious in India, par- quota of scholarships for deserving Mr. Tiwari said that Prasar Bharati has ticularly in private banking sector; candidates. launched Doordarshan International to a lot of NRI and PIO who send their help Diaspora stay connected with the hard earned money to India are be- ■ Use Doordarshan to create a connec- home land. He said that broadcasting fooled. tion with the Diaspora. arrangements are being made with a number of countries and there has been ■ Safety of women was another con-

50 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Concurrent Session 1 Sharing a Common heritage: the Emotional Connect The connect is emotional In the face of ethnic assertions growing louder by the day, the Indian Diaspora looks at food, films, trade, religion, Gandhian ideology and yoga to bind together

As part of the Youth PBD, the session Dr. Yeravdekar suggested that Indian “India is flourishing in enterprise particu- ‘Sharing a Common Heritage: The Emo- universities should have programmes to larly in media and entertainment,” she tional Connect’ was moderated by Dr. provide for establishing cultural linkages said, adding that cinema and television Vidya Yeravdekar, Principal Director-Sym- with overseas Indians. were doing an excellent job in keeping biosis Society. The speakers were drawn the Diaspora connected with India. The from fields as diverse as cinema, poli- She also said that Indian films were influ- religious places were equally significant tics, media and business. Yeravdekar, encing not just Indian Diaspora but also to provide for convergence for the Dias- who worked in Muscat and Oman before other people across Asia Pacific. She pora, she added. joining Symbiosis, voiced her concerns cited an example that how a foreign stu- over the insecurity faced by many Indi- dent wanted to have his picture clicked “Indian (way of) story telling is instantly ans settled abroad. “Will my children be with Bolywood star Salman Khan dur- recognised,” noted Ms. Puri. The film connected (with India)?” Dr. Yeravdekar ing a six-month-long on and off shoot of training institute, according to her, gets asked as she explained the dilemma Hindi film ‘Bodyguard’ on the Symbiosis 15 percent of its students from abroad faced by many Diaspora parents. campus. out of which one-third are Indians settled abroad. “A vast majority of Indians working or set- The Principal Director of Symbiosis said tled overseas make all possible attempts the 4-6 weeks of Study India Programme “Our cinema connects with the Indian Di- to initiate their children to the culture and for the Diaspora youth was a successful aspora through colours, culture and style heritage of their country of origin by edu- experiment as it helps them assimilate of story-telling… India’s soft power is cating them to imbibe the wisdom script- the culture of India in Indian settings. growing. Good education is the most im- ed in Indian holy books,’’ Dr. Yeravdekar portant investment this country requires, Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling said. This effort was made to remove the particularly in the media and entertain- Woods International and daughter of rising cultural insecurity amongst Indian ment sector,” she said. Bollywood director, producer and screen- children, she added while making her writer Subhash Ghai, held forth the view Subhash Razdan, Chairman of The Gan- observations on the issue of emotional that the cinema was the biggest emo- dhi Foundation in the US, spoke on the connect. tional connect for Diaspora. relevance of Gandhian ideals outside In-

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Indian films were influ- China is one of the excep- Our cinema connects Be the change and create We (the Indian Diaspora encing not just Indian tions where the presence Indian diaspora through and commit a partnership, and people in India) can diaspora but also other of Indians is thinning very colour, culture and story address educational con- collaborate on skill devel- people across Asia Pacific fast barring the fields of telling style Indian movies straints, health issues and opment, water resources medicines and yoga teach- make self-sufficient busi- strengthen family rise and solar energy etc Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar ing. With rising economic nesses Principal Director, Mr. Subash Razdan Dr. Jagvinder Singh Virk ngagements between In- Symbiosis Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri Chairman, The Gandhi Chairman, GOPIO dia and China, the number President, Whistling Foundation of USA Australia Business Council looks set to grow Woods International Ms. Pallavi Aiyar Indonesian Correspon- dent, The Hindu dia. He felt that Indians settled abroad tion on the reasons behind the Indian He said that linkages can be established should pour funds to support the primary media’s reluctance in covering South between India and Australia in areas like and secondary education in India and East Asia and China. She spoke about In- defence technology, solar technology, spread awareness on subjects related to dian Diaspora in China, Europe and Indo- coastal area development and skill de- environment and climate change in the nesia. She pointed out that China is one velopment. developing world. of the exceptions where the presence of Indians is thinning very fast barring in the Domain experts Mr. Razdan said that the Diaspora youth fields of medicine and yoga teaching. But is heading for a global citizenship as the with rising economic engagements be- propose Know In- differences are getting eroded owing to tween India and China, this trend would dia and Study India better connectivity and social media. get reversed in the future, she said. programmes in In- He cited issues like lack of primary edu- “Today diamond market in Antwerp is dian Universities for cation in India’s remote areas, lack of controlled by India’s Gujarati commu- funds, gender issues, lack of vaccines nity. People have to learn to assimilate Diaspora students and poor sanitation impacting health the culture of the adopted country,” she care in India and problems related to mi- said. to strengthen their gration and racism in certain countries cultural bonding with that affect the youth. Jagvinder Singh Virk, Chairman, GOIPIO Business Council and a politician in Aus- India He argued that change is possible by tralia, defended his country of adoption creating global partnerships through against the allegation of racial biasness sharing of knowledge and information to for Indian students. Dr. Singh said that address educational, health and climate India and Australia share enthusiasm for constraints and strengthening family val- Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry. Ac- ues. cording to Dr. Singh, the Australian gov- ernment always supported building of re- Pallavi Aiyar, the correspondent of The ligious places to enable migrants to stay Hindu in Indonesia, focused her atten- connected with their country of origin.

52 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Concurrent Session 2 Young Achievers Drivers of a Resurgent India The new generation of Indians is unique in its single-minded approach to success and achievement. Their initiative to take up social issues to bring about a change in society can be a positive sign for a resurgent India

change of perception at individual level.

Mr. P Rajeev, Member of Parliament, highlighted the role played by Diaspora in the growth of Indian economy and sug- gested that more needed to be done by India on this front. He said that the remit- tances from the Diaspora are higher than the FDI in India but the country needs a policy to attract more remittances. Also, remittances should be used for invest- ment purpose which is not happening at the moment. He said that the economies of many countries have developed due to Mr. Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament, has been a change in the attitude of the the strength of their Diaspora, hence In- emphatically acknowledged the participa- youth in India, as now they are not only dia should also have specific policies to tion of Indian Diaspora in India’s success concerned about themselves but for the push forward this agenda. story. The moderator of the session on welfare of society at large. She said that young achievers said that in the recent many students have taken up social is- He also highlighted the following points: years young Indians have shown remark- sues and are now working towards bring- able progress in their respective areas of ing about a change in the Indian society. 1. 50% of migrants to the Gulf region are work. “Every generation has its own defin- women; ing qualities. The generation that came The young MP said that PBD was a plat- 2. In Kerela, 10% of the population looks of age in the 21st century is marked by form that provides India with an oppor- for greener pastures abroad, out of its single-minded quest for success and tunity to showcase its achievements but which 90% head for the Gulf; the country is still struggling with various achievement,” he said, adding that there 3. In Kerela ,remittances from NRI form social problems such as gender issues. has been an upsurge in young talent and 31% of the State Domestic Product “The need is to make India a fair and a dramatic increase in their accomplish- (SDP); ments on international platforms. equal society,” she said, adding that the 4. One-third of bank accounts in Kerela evil of dowry is still prevalent in many belong to NRIs; Highlighting some of the issues faced by parts of the country but now the women the young Diaspora, he said, creating an are raising their voice and expressing 5. Out of 100 households in Kerela 44 enabling environment is required for the their desire to settle with a man who households have either NRI or retain- youth to succeed. Measures need to be treats them equally. Security of women er NRI; taken to improve the skills of Indian young was another issue which she highlighted 6. Amount of remittances from NRIs is population and also ensure that their at the session. higher than money attracted by FDI; skills are at par with the global standards. 7. Of the one dollar coming to manufac- Ms. Sule was of the opinion that such turing in India, 68 cents go abroad As a young leader, Ms. Supriya Sule, Mem- social challenges could not be met only ber of Parliament, believes that there through policy interventions but need a Dr. Mamta Singhvi, Managing Director

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Pravasi Diaspora has Information and education India is still lagging behind One third of bank ac- There is a need for more helped enormously to will be the key factor for complex issues such as counts in Kerela are NRI and better vaccination exposure to institutional development than capital gender discrimination and deposits. Out of 100 schemes in India and development of India in future domestic violence households in Kerela 44 I encourage the Indian households have either diaspora to help in this Mr. Naveen Jindal Mr. K.C. Venugopal Ms. Supriya Sule NRI or retainer NRI. regard Member of Parliament Minister of State for Civil Member of Parliament Amount of Remittance Aviation Dr. Mamta Singhvi from NRI is higher than Managing Director & Past money attracted by FDI President, American As- Mr. P. Rajeev sociation of Physicians of Member of Parliament Indian Origin (AAPI), USA

and Past President, American Association of Phy- She said the youth should be encouraged to be- sicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), US, sharing her ex- lieve that there are opportunities available in the periences said that understanding one’s heritage, country, for which education is the key. Mentorship history and family develops confidence in a person. programmes can be created to boost the confi- dence of these young individuals, she suggested. A person should always stick to principles, no mat- ter what the situation is, Dr. Singhvi said, adding Indian business community can look at options that she became one of the youngest Presidents and possibilities of mentoring new and budding of the AAPI by following her principles. entrepreneurs.” Policy makers needs to make sure that belief of “Young people have the creativity and the energy She also highlighted the change ushered in by the youths is maintained and nurtured, they need to to solve many of our society’s most difficult prob- youth in India. She said that right attitude, belief be encouraged to be the lems and they have already embarked on this jour- and courage were important virtues to be adopted asset of future economy ney,” said Dr. Singhvi, who is working on a mission by the youth for success. Stressing that the youth by taking out measures to to eradicate cervical cancer. She emphasised on are future assets for the Indian economy, she motivate their believe in the need for more and better vaccination schemes called upon the policy makers to make sure that them and the services in India and encouraged the Indian Diaspora to belief of youths is maintained and nurtured. Dr. Ruby Dhalla extend all possible help in this regard. She also Canadian Politician pointed out the potential for medical tourism in In- Mr. K.C. Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Avia- dia. tion, underlined the Government’s commitment to improve the travel experience of the youngsters Dr. Ruby Dhalla, a Canadian Politician, spoke who search for greener pastures across the world. about infinite possibilities of the Diaspora shaping the destiny of India. “Air India is indebted to the overseas Indians and always offers you the opportunity to fly you around. Dr. Dhalla said that India has a big pool of talented The national carrier had a bad time combating with young individuals but because of lack of education debts. But now we are regaining the ground. We facilities and employment opportunities they are are happy that the improved customer confidence looking for avenues outside the country. is being reflected in the bookings as well.”

54 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 On the steps taken by his ministry to ad- we have many such young investors who Key suggestions and dress certain concerns about the perfor- ventured to go out from their middle class recommendations: mance of Air India Express, the low cost houses in small towns to international ■ Expand the net to cover more people carrier from Air India Group, he said: “Air business hotspots,” the Minister said. with equitable access to services and India Express is specially designed to information and education; service the Gulf countries. The process He, however, added that “the expectation of empowering Air India Express as an levels and competencies of new genera- ■ Single window investment clearance independent business entity is progress- tion NRIs are manifold compared to their for NRI; ing. We have rolled out many initiatives predecessors. They deserve more hand- to make Air India Express complaint free. holding and enabling policies by the In- ■ Focus on R&D, research and educa- We have also increased our services to dian Government. It is a fact that there tion; the Gulf sector, and its performance is are initiatives to motivate the young inves- being monitored at the apex level to en- tors back home in India. But I do believe ■ Synergy between industry and aca- sure customer satisfaction. To hear from that we have to expand our net so that a demia; the NRIs personally about their concerns government umbrella for Young Overseas ■ Need to adopt best practices on qual- about Air India Express, I started a mail Indians can be set up. Such a body will ity improvement and enhancement of service too.” have to extract data regarding investment potential in each sector, may tie up pro- services Mr. Venugopal said that every generation spective cash flow for various PPP mod- ■ Focus on information and education of NRIs has its own specific opportunities els, may ensure single window clearance instead of capital and challenges. However, the new gener- for NRI investments, etc.” ation of NRIs, especially those in the Mid- ■ An NRI delegation from the gulf re- dle East, has relatively lesser problems in The long cultural exchange and bartering gion submitted before the Minister a terms of socio-cultural amalgamation. between the countries have set the soil memorandum to reduce air fare for ready for larger acceptance of young In- the Gulf region. He suggested that new economic policies dians. should be instituted by the government in Other important concerns He stressed on India’s commitment not only helping in instituting more Public included: Private Partnerships (PPP) with the Dias- to provide its Diaspora opportunities pora but also a more friendly investment abroad, Mr. Venugopal said, “As a coun- ■ Issue of absentee voting for NRIs; schemes for the overseas Indian com- try and a responsible government we are ■ Getting local address printed on OCI munity. He said that in future information committed to provide young Indians simi- cards so that they can avail more busi- and education will be the key factors for lar opportunities elsewhere, so that they ness opportunities in India; development instead of capital. can confidently invest in India. It is high time that we develop our own engineer- ■ Price rationalisation in Air India ticket- “The second generation of Diaspora is the ing research and reduce dependency on ing, especially on the flights going to ambassador of a resurgent India, which borrowed technologies. In this liberalised the Gulf countries. has opened its doors for the world. Ambi- economy we can afford to integrate R&D tion, innovation and management exper- into the prime business of Indian com- tise in international trade are the trade- panies. The companies also need to pro- marks of a successful young Indian. They mote the synergy between industry and have enhanced footsteps of Indian busi- education.” ness across the world. Even in Kerala,

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 55 Youth PBD Concluding Session Useful Insights The synergy created between India and its Diaspora should be directed by the core principle of inclusive prosperity and driven by innovation and technology. It is in this context that the energy of youth needs to be leveraged

The various sessions organised as of the world. He expressed gratitude government policies. Mr. Pilot urged part of the Youth PBD provided useful to the Indian Diaspora for enhancing the Indian Diaspora to do their best to insights into India’s emergence as a India’s foreign remittances kitty to the promote “India and Indianness” in their youthful nation where approximately 50 level of US$ 80 billion. host countries. percent of the working population falls in the age group of 18-35 years and The vast presence of Indian Diaspora Mr. Ashok Tanwar, Member of Parlia- emerging trends, issues and challenges in the US and other parts of the world ment, observed that the voting rights faced by the Diaspora. The deliberations inspired and encouraged India to suc- should be given to all NRIs and PIOs, were focused on finding ways to remove cessfully conclude this deal which has especially those residing in the Gulf and various hurdles to utilise the experience already accelerated India’s economic urged the authorities to favourably con- and knowledge of the Diaspora youth engagements with the United States, sider the issue of grant of dual citizen- to build an inclusive and economically which will only deepen in the years to ship. The MP appreciated the contribu- sound future for the country. come, he said. tions of NRIs and PIOs in strengthening the Indian economy by way of increased Mr. , Minister of State (Inde- Bilateral and multilateral relations of remittances which has helped contain pendent Charge) for Corporate Affairs, India have multiplied with many coun- the current account deficit of the coun- applauded the contribution of NRIs and tries across the world in the recent past try. PIOs in deepening economic and busi- especially with nations where the Indian ness engagements of India with the rest Diaspora is in a position to influence Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of

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I urge the Indian diaspora There has been a 48% Voting rights should be present here to do their jump in Indian diaspora given to all NRIs and PIOs, best to promote India and population in New Zea- especially those residing Indianness in their host land. Hindi is the fourth in the Gulf and urged the countries largest spoken language authorities to favourably in New Zealand consider the issue of grant Mr. Sachin Pilot of dual citizenship Minister of State Mr. KanwalJit Singh (Independent Charge) Bakshi Mr. Ashok Tanwar of Corporate Affairs Member of Parliament, Member of Parliament National Party, New Zealand

Parliament, National Party, New Zea- land, observed that he migrated in the year 2008 to the country with a dream to become the first MP of Indian origin and represents the youth of New Zea- land in parliament. There has been a 48% jump in Indian diaspora population in New Zealand, he said, adding that Hindi is now the fourth largest spoken language in New Zealand. “Sir Edmund Hillary, former New Zealand High Com- missioner to India, has enabled to estab- lish strong ties with India, and recently was honoured with Sir Edmund Hillary fellowship for inspiring excellence, all round development and leadership.

He said the youth must dream big. “Mean age of Indian population is likely to be 29 years by 2020. Youth is the hope of the nation. Energy of the youth needs to be put to good use,” Mr. Bakshi said. He added that the Youth Fund and Youth Ministry has been playing a signifi- cant role in harnessing the energy of the youth in New Zealand. “It is important to give them a positive attitude about their future by providing necessary skills, edu- cation and training,” he said.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 57 Suggestions at PBD 2014

1. Indian universities should India and its people. 12. Various people from other initiate Know India and countries wanted business Study India programmes 6. PBD should evolve a non- bodies like the FICCI to have for their diaspora students formal connect in an un- a chapter in their respective to strengthen their bonding structured manner to allow countries for better business with the country. the youth across the world interaction. to connect with one another 2. The Indian diaspora should seamlessly. 13. Participation of NRIs in capi- make attempts to connect tal market needs to be en- with youth volunteer net- 7. Discrimination against PIO’s couraged. works like Nehru Yuva Ken- vis-à-vis NRI’s/OCI’s must be dra Sangathan and National addressed appropriately. 14. Indian Government should Service Scheme to reach out negotiate with the countries 8. Address the issue of down- to India youth. abroad to facilitate seamless linking problems in other release and exhibition of In- 3. A scheme to enable the di- countries with respect to dian films there. aspora whereby they could Doordarshan International. adopt schools in villages in 15. India to create a Ministry of 9. Making provision for getting India may be considered. Alerts so that qualified -un local address printed on OCI employed work force gets to 4. India has great potential cards so that they can avail know about jobs. in medical tourism and more business opportunities that those in the Govern- in India. 16. Question of refugees, eco- ment in synergy with those nomic refugees, especially 10. Issue of price rationalisation concerned in the diaspora from Punjab to be addressed. in ticketing in Air India espe- should do more to make it a cially on the flights going to 17. As diplomats and Foreign success story. Gulf countries. Service officers are promot- 5. Like the Irish and Chinese ers of soft power, Indian Gov- 11. Malaysia’s Minister invited diaspora who became the ernments needs to increase the Indian Institutes of Tech- chief contributors in the staff strengths in the foreign nology to set up branch cam- growth and innovation in offices. puses in Malaysia and more their domestic economy, the Indian banks to establish 18. There should be a represen- Indian diaspora too could their branches in the coun- tation of youth in PMGAC. work as pioneers of innova- try. tion and help in the growth of 19. There should be measures

58 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 to upgrade Indian Missions as they also contribute to enhance soft power of the country.

20. Indian Government could take steps for Skill Develop- ment in Competencies for job roles.

21. Government of India may come up with a report to up- date the figures/statistics of Indian diaspora in various countries.

22. MOUs to work with other di- aspora organisations and cooperate to resolve issues.

23. Pay close attention to issues of Indian diaspora in Gulf.

24. TV Channel for PIO.

25. Social networking for Indian diaspora.

26. Visa on arrival.

27. Indian Government should come out with collaborative research project on World Labour or Indentures.

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 59 Exhibition

The three-day PBD 2014 featured an exhibition- spanning an area over 3200 sq.mtrs - with 13 Indian States and 90 companies putting up impressive- looking stalls. Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports inagurated the exhibition. PBD 2014 exhibition gave a good opportunity to delegates attending the event to have meaningful interaction and obtain first hand information on participating companies. Various state Government departments including Tourism, IT Mission, Handicrafts, among others had set up stalls, detailing various schemes and investment opportunities

60 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 61 Cultural Evenings

62 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 63 Cultural Evenings

64 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 65 TWELFTH PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS 7-9 January, 2014 PROGRAMME : Day 1

1015 – 1100 Hrs Inaugural Session of Youth PBD Lighting of Lamp Shri Prem Narain Welcome Address Secretary , Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Jitendra Singh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and the Address Minister of State for Defence Release of Report on Youth Shri Vayalar Ravi Address Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Shri Rajeev Gupta Vote of Thanks Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports 1100 – 1130 Hrs Break 1130 – 1300 Hrs Plenary Session of Youth PBD –Aspirations of Diaspora Youth Shri Manish Tewari Chairperson Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Information & Broadcasting Dr. Renu Khator Address Chancellor, University of Houston System and President, University of Houston Dr. Charu WaliKhanna Member, National Commission for Women Ms. Kirty Vedika Matabadal Netherlands 1300 – 1400 Hrs Lunch 1400 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 1 – Sharing a Common Heritage : The Emotional Connect Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar Moderator Principal Director, Symbiosis Ms. Pallavi Aiyar Address Indonesian Correspondent, The Hindu Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri President, Whistling Woods International

66 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Shri Subash Razdan Chairman, The Gandhi Foundation of USA Dr. Jagvinder Singh Virk Chairman,GOPIO Australia Business Council 1400 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 2 – Young Achievers Shri Naveen Jindal Moderator Member of Parliament Shri K.C. Venugopal Keynote Address Minister of State for Civil Aviation Ms. Supriya Sule Address Member of Parliament Shri P. Rajeev Member of Parliament Dr. Mamta Singhvi Managing Director & Past President, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), USA Dr. Ruby Dhalla Canadian Politician 1600 – 1630 Hrs Break 1630 – 1800 Hrs Concluding Session Shri. Sachin Pilot Chairperson Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Corporate Affairs Shri KanwalJit Singh Bakshi Address Member of Parliament, National Party, New Zealand Shri Ashok Tanwar Member of Parliament 1900 – 2000 Hrs Cultural Programme

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 67 PROGRAMME : Day 2

0930 Hrs onwards Inaugural Session 0930 Hrs Lighting of Lamp 0932 Hrs Introduction of Awardees, Photographs Welcome Speech by 0942 Hrs Shri Vayalar Ravi Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Speech by Chief Guest Datuk Seri. G. Palanivel 0950 Hrs Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and President of the Malaysian Indian Congress Release of Book by Prime Minister 1000 Hrs (“Incredible Opportunities Back Home”) Inaugural Address by 1002 Hrs Dr. Manmohan Singh Hon’ble Prime Minister Vote of Thanks 1015 Hrs Shri Prem Narain Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs 1015 -1045 Hrs Break 1045 – 1300 Hrs Plenary Session 1 – India’s Growth and Development Agenda Shri Sam Pitroda Moderator Advisor to PM on Public Information, Infrastructure & Innovation Shri Kamal Nath Address Minister of Urban Development & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Anand Sharma Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Sidharth Birla President , FICCI Dr. G. Mohan Gopal Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies

68 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 1300 – 1400 Hrs Lunch 1400 – 1600 Hrs Plenary Session 2 – India’s Soft Power Shri Salman Khurshid Chairperson Minister of External Affairs Shri Kapil Sibal Keynote Address Minister of Communications & Information Technology and the Minister of Law & Justice Smt Chandresh Kumari Katoch Address Minister for Culture Dr. K. Chiranjeevi Film actor, Producer and Politician Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL 1600 – 1630 Hrs PBD Oration – ‘Reflections on the Diaspora Experience’ Shri Ujjal Dosanjh, PC, QC PBD Oration Former Member of the Canadian House of Commons 1630 – 1700 Hrs Break 1900 – 2030 Hrs Cultural Programme

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 69 PROGRAMME : Day 3

0930 – 1130 Hrs Investment Opportunities in States (On Dais: HMOIA) Moderator Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Address Shri Oommen Chandy Chief Minister, Kerala Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda Chief Minister, Haryana Shri Narendra Modi Chief Minister, Gujarat Dr. Mukul Sangma Chief Minister, Meghalaya 1130 – 1200 Hrs Break 1200 – 1330 Hrs Separate Parallel State Sessions • Bihar • Gujarat • Kerala • Punjab • Rajasthan 1330 – 1430 Hrs Lunch 1430 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 1 - Innovation and Technology Moderator Dr. A. Didar Singh Secretary General , FICCI Address Shri Subramanian Ramadorai Chairman, National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) Professor Prasad Yarlagadda Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Australia Shri Birendra (Raj) Dutt, PhD Chairman & CEO of APIC Corp. and PhotonIC Corp 1430 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 2 – Healthcare Opportunities in India

70 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Moderator Ms. Sangita Reddy Executive Director, Apollo Hospitals Keynote Address Ms. Santosh Chaudhry Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare Address Dr. Jayesh B. Shah, MD President, AAPI, USA Dr. Ashok Seth Chairman, Fortis Escorts Hearts Institute Dr. Nandini Tandon Vice Chair & Board Member, El Camino Hospital, Silicon Valley Shri E.M Najeeb Executive Director, Kerala Institute of Management Sciences 1430 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 3 – Meeting of Diaspora Organizations Moderator Shri T.P. Sreenivasan, IFS (Retd) Former Ambassador Address Dato’ Seri Utama S. Samy Vellu Special Envoy (Ministerial rank) for Infrastructure to India and South Asia, Prime Minister’s Department, Government of Malaysia Shri Mahyendra Utchanah Chairman, Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Mauritius Shri Ashook Ramsaran President, GOPIO, USA Lord Diljit Singh Rana Member , House of Lords, UK Shri Naval Bajaj President, Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce Shri Adv. Y.A. Rahim President, Indian Association Sharjah Shri K. Kumar Convenor, Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC),Dubai, UAE

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 71 1430 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 4 – Making India the Hub of the Media and Entertainment Industry Moderator Shri Vikram Chandra CEO, NDTV Keynote Address Dr. Kamal Haasan Film-maker, Producer, Actor Address Shri Ramesh Sippy Film Director Ms. Anuradha Prasad Chairperson & Managing Director, B.A.G. Films & Media Limited Shri Munish Gupta Chairman and Managing Editor, PIO TV Pvt. Ltd 1430 – 1600 Hrs Concurrent Session 5 – Issues of NRI’s in the Gulf Chairperson Shri E. Ahamed Minister of State for External Affairs Keynote Address Shri Oommen Chandy Chief Minister of Kerala Special Address Shri K.C. Joseph Minister for Rural Development, Planning, Culture and NORKA, Kerala Address Shri M.A. Yusuff Ali Managing Director, EMKE Group & Vice- Chairman, NORKA ROOTS Dr. B. Ravi Pillai Chairman and Managing Director, R.P. Group of Companies Shri C K Menon Chairman, Behzad Group of Companies Shri J.R Gangaramani President & Executive Chairman, Al Fara’s Group Special Invitees Indian Ambassadors to all GCC countries 1600 – 1630 Hrs Break 1700 – 1800 Hrs Valedictory Session and Conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (On Dais: The , HMOIA, Secretary MOIA) National Anthem Welcome Address Shri Prem Narain Secretary, MOIA Address Shri Vayalar Ravi Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs

72 Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 Conferment of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards Acceptance Speech Ms. Ela Gandhi Valedictory Address Shri Pranab Mukherjee President of India Vote of Thanks Shri Manoj Kumar Joint Secretary (DS), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs National Anthem Group Photograph 1900 – 2030 Hrs Cultural Programme

Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014 73

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Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations