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STRONG CASE FOR INDIAN DIASPORA TO STEP UP THEIR LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT WITH INDIA: ASHWANI KUMAR
Date : 09 Jan 2008
Location : New Delhi
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, has observed that there is a strong case for the Indian diaspora to step up their level of engagement with India. The global experience that the effects of overseas networks as sources and facilitators of trade and investment, purveyors of remittances and as ‘brain banks’ can be substantial, he added. The Minister was addressing a session on “America’s” during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2008, here today.
The Minister further stated that education and skills are among India’s most important challenges and Indian corporates are waiting to participate in primary and higher education and skill development in India and this remains the best possible area of partnership for overseas Indians. “An institutional framework for private sector initiatives is needed on the lines of the Indian American Council. The need for work is in the districts, and not just in cities. I would like to use this forum to call upon diaspora members to go back to their villages and small towns, and contribute in local development in any area they can”, the Minister added.
Dr. Kumar further stated that the second generation Indian origin kids are sure to have ingrained Indian values but perhaps have a world-view completely at odds with their parents and we need to find mechanisms to attract them to come and spend some time in India.
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RJ/MRS
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