Jaipur, Jan 10 (ANI): Emphasizing on the need for development in education and health care sectors, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has urged the overseas Indian community to continue helping India in becoming a global power.
President Patil in her valedictory address at the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations here on Monday, said that in times of crisis as well as prosperity, India would keenly engage with overseas Indians as partners in the development and growth of the nation.
Stating that the human society was in the present century facing the daunting yet inspiring task of forging sustainability in all its activities, President Patil called upon the overseas Indians to play a great role in meeting this major challenge as they had gained knowledge and experiences in academics, science and technology.
Lauding the need for youth connectivity, President Patil said: "We must continue to promote greater exchange between the youth as an important aspect of forging linkages and maintaining the tradition of close bonds."
She also spoke in praise of the Indian Community Welfare Fund that has been extended from 18 countries to all Indian missions overseas.
President Patil further said that the occasion was a tribute to Indians living all over the world and a unique opportunity for them to reconnect with the land of their forefathers.
"The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a celebration of Indians living abroad. It is an occasion to welcome them to the land of their ancestors, to the country of their origin, to interact with them and to reacquaint ourselves with each other," said President Patil.
"You may be living in different parts of the world but what binds us together is that we all spring from the same source," she added.
President Patil also complimented the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad Bissessar, and said that overseas Indians with sheer hard work, dedication and commitment have risen to top positions in their new countries.
Kamla Persad Bissessar was the chief guest on the occasion. Her ancestors originally hailed from Buxar, Bihar, India.
President Patil also felicitated 14 prominent overseas Indians with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman on the occasion.
Moreover, a special initiative of the Union Government has come as an opportunity for 38 youth of 18-27 year age group to go around different places in the country.
Drawn from Africa, Asia and North America, this is for the first time that these youngsters have got a chance to visit the motherland of their forefathers.
The convention, which is celebrated every year to mark the contributions of non-resident Indians to the country's growth, concluded in Jaipur on January 9. (ANI)
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