Pravasi Bharatiya Divas signifies homecoming of Indian Diaspora: President Patil

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas signifies the homecoming of the Indian diaspora.

New Delhi, Jan 9 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas signifies the homecoming of the Indian diaspora.

President Patil applauded the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas's attempt to focus on issues of social development, rural entrepreneurship, and women empowerment.

While addressing the Valedictory session of the sixth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the President urged the diaspora forum to "transform and implement" the ideas and partnerships that have emerged from the various sessions of the two day conference.

She also asked overseas Indians to contribute to their motherland in terms of education, healthcare, rural entrepreneurship, infrastructure projects, as much more remains to be done in these areas of growth.

The Indian diaspora has become a significant "socio economic, cultural and political force in the world" and they should work on keeping up this image of the Indians abroad, she added.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas marks " a watershed in the relationship between India and the diaspora".

Ravi also said that his ministry would work on for the implementation of the India Development Foundation, establishing of the Global Advisory Council of the PIOs, PIO University as recommended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Twelve distinguished Pravasi Bharatiyas were honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President Patil for outstanding contributions to their home countries and to relations with India.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolamwas cited as a leader with genuine concern for the disadvantaged sections of society and for nurturing and strengthening the bonds between Mauritius and India.

Neville Joseph Roach, chairman of TCS-FNS, was honoured for effectively advocating the cause of India and PIO in Australia.

Ravi Pillai was conferred the award for being one of the largest employers of Indians abroad and for welfare projects in India.

APS Mani was recognised for his pioneering work in community welfare in Japan.

Judge Ajit Swaran Singh received the honor for actively facilitating new migrants from India to settle in New Zealand.

Rafiudin S. Fazulbhoy was awarded for his work in the field of education in Jeddah for children of Indian origin and service to Haj pilgrims.

Bicky Chakraborty was honoured for his work in India and Sweden as a philanthropist.

Krishnamurthy Kumar is recognized for his work on Indian diversity and religious harmony in the UAE.

Lord Karan Billimoria, Chairman of the Indo-British Partnership, has pitched for closer and deeper business relations between India and the UK.

Thomas Abraham organized the first convention of People of Indian Origin in New York, and helped establish a number of NRI/PIO community organisations.

Joy Cherian received the honour for guiding US business missions to India and for public service. He was the first Asian to be appointed to a sub-cabinet position in the US Government.

ANI