Every NRI is an Indian ambassador of goodwill: Minister

January 8th, 2011 - 9:00 pm ICT by IANS  

New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Every non-resident Indian is an “Indian ambassador of goodwill” in the country he or she lives in, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada said Saturday.Prasada was speaking here at the ninth edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), India’s annual event to connect with its 25-million-strong diaspora in 130 nations.

He praised the Indian diaspora who have made a mark for themselves in the countries they live in.

“The very fact that over 2.5 crore of our Indian brothers and sisters are living in over 100 countries makes it one of the largest population spread over the world.

“We note with satisfaction that where ever Indians have gone, whether it is the Silicon Valley’s IT industry, New York, London’s bankers, students, Gulf’s working hands or the very naturalised population of Africa, they have made a mark for themselves by following true Indian values of hard work, non-violence, honesty and by their friendly assimilation with the local populations.”

Prasada said the the annual PBD over a very short span of time had become an important event “not only on the calendar of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs) but also here in India as well”.

He also praised the overseas Indian affairs ministry and said the achievements of 6-year-old ministry have been “truly great”.

“I would like to congratulate (Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs) Vayalar Ravi for this. Sir, it is only your leadership that has made Pravasi Bharatiya Divas so relevant for the Indian diaspora as well as for all of us here. Like in a true Indian tradition, where members of family make it a point to meet once in a year, we are happy to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with our extended families, across the globe.”

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