New Delhi, January 9
Curtain went down on the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this evening with President Pratibha Patil seeking greater participation of overseas Indians in country’s development.

Delivering the valedictory address at the three-day meet, she noted that India’s remittances from overseas Indians, estimated at over 50 billion $ last year, were the highest in the world. However, what was less known was the fact that nearly 40 per cent of these remittances, around 20 billion $ annually,-came from Indians workers in the Gulf consisting of temporary contractual skilled and semi-skilled workers.

“They often face harsh conditions and are separated from their families for long periods of time. I take this opportunity to salute Indian workers in the Gulf,” said the President

Patil also gave away Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards to 14 exceptionally successful Indians residing in foreign countries for their meritorious contribution to their respective fields/professions. Seven awardees were from the field of community service, 3 from public service, 3 from medicine and 1 from business. The award carries a citation, a booklet signed by the President, a scroll and a 24 carat gold medal of 100 g.

Those who received the awards from the President amid a thunderous applause at the closing ceremony of the event at the Vigyan Bhavan were: Mohinder Singh Bhullar (Brunei), Yenkatesh P Reddy (Fiji), Ryuko Hira (Japan), Ruby Umesh Pawankar (Japan), Suresh Kumar Virmani (Oman), Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan (South Africa), Rajni Kanabar (Tanzania), Deepak Mittal (Thailand), L Krishandath Seth (Trinidad and Tobago), Azad Moppen (GCC), Manilal Bhaumik (US), Ashok Kumar Mago (US), Upendra J Chibkula (US), Tulsia P Naidu (South Africa).

In an obvious reference to the continuing attacks on Indians students in Australia, Patil said the government was taking up concerns about the protection and security of Indians, particularly students, with governments of countries in which they live.

Seeking greater investments by the NRIs, she said India was looking at investment in the public-private model in the social infrastructure sector and for physical infrastructure development. “Our infrastructure financing needs are estimated to be over 500 billion $ in the next five years. We are focusing on improving the quality and quantity of education at all levels,” she said.

The President said the expenditure on healthcare infrastructure in the country was projected at 5.8 per cent annually. This presented an unprecedented opportunity, including for the overseas community, to participate and benefit in India’s unfolding growth story.