Not to allow Terrorism and extremism to destabilize the polity, economy and society - Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today affirmed that the forces of terrorism and extremism will not be allowed to destabilize India. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Chennai today. Referring to the recent attacks in Mumbai, he said, these were a grim reminder of the grave threat posed by extremism and terrorism to our pluralistic and liberal traditions. He said there are some who would not like to see India succeed. The government, he said, has taken several measures to strengthen national security, and will continue to work with the international community to ensure that there are no safe havens and launching pads for terrorists.

Addressing over 1500 delegates from across the world, the Prime Minister announced that henceforth Overseas Citizens Cardholders who are qualified professionals – doctors, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, architects and chartered accountants – will have the benefit of practicing their professions in India. He said further details to operationalize this will be worked out.

Dr Manmohan Singh also announced the launch of a Smart Card on migration that will contain all details of the worker, his work contract, his employer, his insurance etc. The objective of this project will be to transform emigration process into a simple, transparent, orderly and humane process. This data will also be available to the Government of India as well as Indian missions overseas, he said.

The Prime Minister asserted despite global economic recession, India is all set to register a growth rate of about 7 percent, the highest in the world, and as its economic fundamentals are very strong. He said, India is actively involved in the meetings of the G-20 countries, which are deliberating on creation of a new international financial architecture. He added that the new global mechanism should be suited to the new challenges and vulnerabilities facing the world economy.

The Prime Minister also launched today a new initiative called 'The Global Indian Knowledge Network'. This Network will connect people of Indian origin from a variety of disciplines to users at the national, state and local levels in India. He hoped that the Network will facilitate transfer of knowledge and serve as a 'virtual think tank' to generate new ideas on issues such as development, education and health-care.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Ramdien Sardjoe, Vice President of Suriname reiterated the support of his country for India to get a permanent seat in the reformed United Nations Security Council. He also pledged Suriname's unwavering support for India in all global forums in its fight against terrorism including the Mumbai terror attack. He also recalled the close association Suriname had with India in global institutions like the WTO, the UN etc. He praised the advances made by India in the fields of IT, BPO, manufacturing and services sectors.

Speaking at the convention, the Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Mr. Vayalar Ravi announced that the government will organize a conference of Parliamentarians of Indian Origin in the near future. He said, efforts are focused on establishing an institutional framework that can support sustainable engagement and can benefit from networks with and among overseas Indians. The Minister lauded the role of the Indo-American community in passing of the Indo-US civil-nuclear deal and cited it as a good example for synergy between India and its diaspora. He emphasised the need to respond to human issues relating to people of Indian origin living abroad with empathy and sensitivity. Mr. Ravi also stressed the importance of keeping the diaspora youth connected with India. He said, as a new India seeks to become a global player of significance, the time has come for a strong and sustained engagement between India and overseas Indians. The time has also come for overseas Indians to benefit from the exciting opportunities that India provides, he added.

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M. Karunanidhi underlined the importance of India and especially Tamil Nadu as a place for investment and called upon PIOs and NRIs to come forward for mutually beneficial projects.

The 3-day event is being attended by several eminent speakers and experts from about 50 countries. It is jointly organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It was also addressed by Mr. K. Mohandas, Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr. K.V. Kamath, President, CII.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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