Chip in to enhance links, president tells Indians in Vietnam

The Indian diaspora in Vietnam can play a "significant role" as a "bridge" in deepening relations between the two countries, President Pranab Mukherjee said Tuesday.

"I am convinced that relations between India and Vietnam are poised for a higher trajectory. Each of you has a significant role to play in bringing greater luminescence to and enhancing this relationship," he said in his address at the Indian Community reception here.

Stating that he was looking forward to meeting them and was "indeed delighted" to see them, Mukherjee said they were a small but prominent community of Indian nationality or origin and lauded them for their contribution.

"Many of you have been here for generations while some have recently arrived here. But all of you are bound by one common factor - your links to Mother India. I congratulate you for your enterprise and hard work," he said.

The president said every bit of it was valuable and "has contributed to the excellent cooperation that exists between India and Vietnam today".

"I am confident that you will continue to bring a good name to India," he said.

The president stressed that the Indian diaspora has distinguished itself in all walks of life with its "traditional value systems" having a "wholesome influence on our interactions with others", coupled with its "love for harmonious co-existence with peoples of diverse cultures" which makes Indians welcome and accepted around the globe.

"I have no doubt that you too are further consolidating the linkages between your Janma bhumi and your Karma bhumi," he said.

"Besides managing Indian companies, many among you have reached senior positions in multinational corporations and Vietnamese companies.

"At a time when India and Vietnam, as two of the fastest growing economies in Asia, are setting a new agenda of bilateral cooperation, it is you who shall be the bridge between our two great nations," Mukherjee said.

Dwelling on his talks with the top Vietnamese leadership, he said he would convey thanks to them for making Indians "feel comfortable and so well integrated in this society".

"I also propose to convey our appreciation for the manner in which Indian places of worship in Ho Chi Minh City have been maintained," he said.

Mukherjee said he hoped the community would come forward and participate in its activities of the Indian Culture Centre, set to be opened in Hanoi soon.

He also invited them to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Gandhinagar in January 2015.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)