Centre's help sought for setting up of PIO varsity

Giving vent to some of the problems being faced by the persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in their own countries, president of GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) International, Mahen Utchanah has sought the help of the Government of India in the establishment of a PIO university.

The proposed university or the International PIO Excellence Centre would provide higher education facilities to PIOs or NRIs spread across the world and also bring them closer to their own culture, Utchanah said. GOPIO International addresses the concerns of about 22 million people of Indian origin living and working outside India in 135 countries.

Utchanah was speaking at the 4th annual conference on 'PIOs Dialogue with India' at The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Fapcci) auditorium here on Tuesday.

Union minister of state for overseas Indian affairs, Oscar Fernandes, in his address said, "We have to do a lot for our children abroad," and assured that the ministry would look into the various issues brought forward by GOPIO International.

The government of Andhra Pradesh has in-principle agreed to provide 100 acres of land for the establishment of the excellence centre, said GOPIO International coordinator.

Ajay Dubey, Rouf Bundhun, vice-president of Mauritius, Anil Baichoo, senior minister with the Mauritius government, Representative from the government of Malaysia Dato K R A Naidu and senior minister in the government of Fiji George Shiv Raj participated in the conference.