Indian diaspora organizations have been totally transformed over the years and are playing the role of advocacy and lobbying bodies in countries where they serve, said Ashook Ramasaran, president, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International at the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here Friday.
Addressing a session on Role of Indian Diaspora Organisations, Ramasaran said over the next decade GOPIO will have to play a significant role by engaging in social and economic issues, be constructive contributors, be a part of the fabric of the society and engage more deeply with the political leadership.
Shashank, a former foreign secretary, said the Indian diaspora organizations are doing excellent work in their respective areas.
"It is imperative that we pool our knowledge base and make a concrete agenda for development for assuring inclusive growth in India," he said.
Sanam Arora, president, Natural Indian Student Union, Britain, said that the role of Indian diaspora organisations was multi-dimensional as they acted as a bridge between India and overseas Indians and facilitate ties between India and the countries its diaspora resides in.
She said the Indian government should create a favorable environment for investment, encourage and increase grassroots level work by NRIs and draw upon knowledge and experience of diaspora, according to a Ficci press release.
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A major issue highlighted by Arora was the problem faced by Indian students in Britain - lack of a post study work visa.
Ajeet R. Singhvi, chairman Board of Trustees, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin said Indian diaspora organizations are born out of natural affinity for their country and these organizations have become great assets.
Prasad Yarlagadda, professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia said the Indian diaspora organizations have been working together for a common cause and it is time that they strengthen their ties. He said that skill development can be a huge area of partnership between India and its diaspora and that the Indian government should have more active communication with the Indian diaspora.
D. Natarajan, president, Indian Social and Cultural Center (ISCC), Abu Dhabi said the centre meets the socio-cultural needs of the Indian diaspora in the country and conducts many events to enhance cultural outreach of India.
He gave the assurance that people belonging to the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi would carry the message of good governance of the government of India and will always be there for the cause of nation's welfare.
Munish Gupta, chairman, PIO TV Ltd Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Malaysia said the connect between Indians and the Indian diaspora is growing and they have never seen such real embracing of 'pravasis' in India. He added that the Indian diaspora organizations need to decipher, devise strategies of working together in future, the release said.
Selvarajoo Sundaram, chairman, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Malaysia said that GOPIO has managed to become a very effective body over the past few decades.
He added that the PIO global movement is 30 years old and in the next run, they we need to formulate new and more dynamic ideas. "We need to collaborate together to evolve a much stronger PIO movement. India's global community is very strong and it is ready to stand by India as a partner," he said, according to the release.