Pravasi Bharatiya Divas an occasion of bonding: Vice President Ansari

Vice President Hamid Ansari on Friday stated that the institution of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an occasion of bonding, adding that the nation attaches the highest importance to issues of interest and concern to Indians living overseas.

"We are grateful for the contributions [of NRIs] to society. Through their exemplary work, they have also proved to be outstanding envoys of peace, friendship and cooperation between India and countries of their residence. They have multiple identities: a common denominator is their emotional bond to India, and to its cultural legacy. The institution of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an occasion of bonding," the Vice President said, while presenting the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards.

"Relationships, even emotional ones, are not a one-way street. The overseas Indians have expectations aimed at facilitating and intensifying their involvement with India. The Government of India has acknowledged the validity of these sentiments and taken or initiated steps to attract, assist and promote a deeper and multifaceted relationship. We in India attach highest importance to issues of interest and concern to the overseas Indians," he added.

Vice President Ansari also called for initiatives by Indians living abroad to suggest initiatives so that the nation can realise the expectations of its resident population.

"India today is on the cusp of change, in the process of actualising the expectations of its vast population for a better life. India aspires for a better place in the comity of nations. Both of these require rapid economic development, accompanied by better educational, health and social parameters. This requires a massive collective effort by all segments of our population. The governments at central and state levels need to provide visionary leadership and are determined to do so," he said.

"In this endeavour, an important role can be and must be played by the Overseas Indians. They have knowledge and resources to reinforce the effort in niche areas; they also have the experience of other lands where similar efforts were pursued successfully. We welcome such initiatives, which will replicate these valuable experiences here and save us from reinventing the wheel," he added.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which began on Wednesday, was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning. The three-day conclave is being held at the Mahatma Mandir complex in Gandhinagar to mark the centenary of India's, 'Sarva Sreshtha Pravasi Bharatiya', Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to India.