Another Pravashi Bharatiya Divas is upon us – a happy homecoming for NRIs and PIOs in a freewheeling platform to share their experiences and thoughts and get rewarded for significant contributions in their respective fields of expertise.
PBD owes its origin to Indian government, who wanted to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India, still under an oppressive British Raj, in 1915.
UNDP’s 2010 report says the global NRI and PIO population is estimated at over 30 million. No wonder, Indian government is keen to tap this enormous talent pool. It is pulling out all stops to connect with them and to live up to their expectations of working in tandem on various issues, which India and its diaspora are facing and foster a closer bond on the lines of a similar Chinese model.
The ties will bolster the policymaking effort with amalgamation of sharing and exchanging ideas, information and technology in various fields.
For instance, standardization of hospital and fire safety is a case in point, where mandatory quality control can be enforced. The suggestion comes in the back of horrific fire tragedy at a multispecialty hospital, run on a PPP model, which claims more than 90 lives. This was the second major fire in Kolkata since March last year. The blaze at Stephen Court on iconic Park Street had snuffed out 43 lives.
Sanitation is another area, where immediate focus is required. India manages only 68% sanitation coverage. It is a severely under-funded programme for an emerging economic superpower, where nearly 70% still live in rural areas.
Besides, literacy requires sustained attention. The literacy rate has touched an impressive 75.06% this year — a long and unfinished journey when seen through the prism of a paltry 12% when the nation gained Independence in 1947. But, compare this to the global average (84%), the national feat ales to insignificance. India has the largest illiterate population in the world.
Sam Pitroda, adviser to Prime Minister on Innovation, IT and Entrepreneurship has aptly pointed out that 90% of Indian universities are not up to the mark. He laid stress on expansion, excellence and equity in education to bring about an all-round qualitative change.
A joint effort between NRIs and government can create wonders by facilitating research and sharing ideas and resources to make technology-based education both affordable and accessible to Indians of all hues.
India is the fourth largest economy. The country is one of the G-20 major economies and a member of BRICS. Her economy progressed at a rapid pace, thanks to high growth rates and a tremendous spurt in the disposable income of Indians. India Shining, at best, though is a myth, where poverty and social inequalities need to be arrested on a war footing. Food, affordable healthcare and basic housing have to be ensured for each and every Indian at the earliest.
The free fall of Indian rupee, fanning inflation, is a cause for major concern. It is hoped that Indian government will take proper steps to deal with the crisis at hand, and come out strong despite a dismal world economy.
India needs to take cognizance of China’s growth. It has to develop new strategies and policies to be able to determine when and how to engage China, and when not to. After all, today’s world is much more complex than ever before – dividing lines between friends and foes cannot be drawn sharply. In geopolitics today areas of cooperation and non-cooperation can coexist among nations.
Prabashi Bharatiya Divas is not only a great occasion to salute the great heroes of Indian origin, but also to celebrate the success of many anonymous ones. New Global Indian stands for progressive Indian Diaspora across the world, removing the barriers in India and around the world, and that is our mission. It is an international forum for the Indian Diaspora, taking initiative and playing an important role to connect with people globally and to shed light on their success stories at home and the world at large.
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, on behalf of the NGI family, I thank all subscribers, contributors and sponsors for their unstinted support. I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2012.
