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28th
International Congress of NRIs
A REPORT
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28th
International Congress of NRIs which was held as scheduled on
24-28 January, 2007 in New Delhi was an affair to remember 600
NRIs from 60 countries attended the conference.
The conference was held at Hotel Inter Continental, The
Grand, Barakhamba lane, New Delhi which was addressed by the
veteran leaders and high profile ministers i.e. |
Shri Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister for Labour and
Employment
Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Power
Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Union Minister for Water Resources
Shri M.V. Rajashekaran, Minister of State for Planning
Shri C.S. Atwal Deputy Special Lok Sabha.
Dr. Bhishma Narain Singh, Former Governor
Dr. G.V.G. Krishnamurthy, Former Election Commissioner
Shri Trilochan Singh, M.P. (Rajya Sabha)
Shri I.K. Gujral, Former Prime Minister
Shri K.C. Pant, Former Defence Minister
Shri Vasant Sathe, Veteran Congress Leader
Shri Joginder Singh, Former Director CBI
Shri Harcharan Singh Josh, Member National Commission
for Minorities
Shri J.P. Aggarwal,M.P. (Rajya Sabha)
H.E. Ms. Nimisha J. Madhvani, High Commissioner of
Uganda
H.E. Mrs. Dorcas Kgositsile, High Commissioner of
Botswana
H.E. Mr. Mookeshwar Choonee, High Commissioner of
Mauritius
H.E. Ms. Manisha Madhvani, High Commissioner of
Uganda |
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All the
ministers, high profile politicians in their speeches assured
the NRIs that the present Government is doing its best to solve
the pending problems of citizenship and PIO Cards. The ministry
of Overseas Indian Affairs is in the right earnest on the job.
The concerned ministers stressed that the Indians living abroad
should act as the non-official ambassadors of India and project
India in the correct perspective.
Ministers exposed many programmes in their speech to
facilitate NRIs. A proposal of fast track court for immediate
disposal of court cases, wide visions for investment, efforts
for more and more interaction with NRIs and to know their
problems, and also issuing of PIO cards and the point of voting
Rights to NRIs. They also stressed that the Government must
clean up the airport and provide utmost courtesy to give a
feeling to the NRIs of a warm welcome.
NRIs are ambassadors of Indian values of unity in
diversity, representing the confluence of civilizations
that India is, its mindset of tolerance and universal
peace. India is enjoying high visibility now. It is
appropriate to share priorities and partner with NRIs,
and take advantage of their acumen and experience to
help to develop a social ecosystem that is both
sustainable and inclusive. It is in this exercise that
the International Congress of NRIs becomes a valuable
initiative. Whole discussion was aimed to strengthen the
confidence of NRIs and to give them a feeling that NRI
stands for “Natural Resources of India”.
This Congress organized by NRI Welfare Society of
India were aimed at building a synergy between resident
Indians and the NRIs.
The Gala dinners with cultural programmes was
organized by NRI Welfare Society of India on 24th and
25th January, 2008 .
During the two days session more than 100 NRIs spoke
at the Open House Session and aired their grievances and
bottlenecks faced by them in various fields, like
investments, admissions of their children, as majority
of the NRIs want their children to study in India , so
that they can remain in touch with the Indian culture,
system and ethos.
Another major issue that came up was of marriage of
India girls with NRIs which faces various problems, as
the girl is far away from her parents and gets a shabby
treatment.
-Replying to this – Indian Overseas Ministry has asked
the embassy in the concerned country to give a report on
the credentials of the NRI getting married to a girl in
India .
- Another important issue raised was rate of interest
on deposits in India which they are getting is nominal
and must be increased.
- NRIs also expressed that they are willing to come to
India with infrastructure and money to strengthen India
’s economy.
Some of the eminent NRIs were honored with “Navrattan
Award” and “Sword of Honour”. Shri Trinetra Bajpai was
presented with "Plaque of Honour" on 24th January, 2008.
On the eve of Republic Day i.e. 25th January, 2007
amidst the drum beating, in a ceremonial, glittering
function, among high profile dignitaries. NRIs were
honoured with India ’s prestigious “Hind Rattan Award”
for their outstanding services, contributions and
achievements and for keeping the flag of the motherland
high.
The delegates were the guest at the VIP enclosures to
watch the Republic Day Parade.
The delegates were taken to Jaipur, during their two
days stay H.E. Mr. Shailenddra K. Singh, Governor
Rajasthan hosted a reception for the NRIs. A cultural
evening was organized at Jaipur in honour of NRIs
later they were honoured in a true and traditional style
by presenting them Turbans and Shawls.
Maharaja of Jaipur, Bhawani Singh hosted a lunch at the
City Palace and the delegates were taken around the
palace. After sight seeing at the Amber Fort and other
places in Jaipur the delegates returned back to Delhi .
The event was covered by national and International
media both in print and electronic
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Report of 27th International Congress |
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Program of 28th International Congress |
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