The EAM’s particular use of the social media in keeping in close touch and providing succour to the needy, distressed, accident-victims and the like, has given comfort to the Diaspora when it needs most. While all extant activities under the overall direction of the PM would be carried out to fruition, it is imperative to have a regular review of the tasks carried out by the Government and the major achievements highlighted in an annual compendium both for archival as well as implementation purposes. This could be circulated among overseas Indian communities through our Missions, besides books and journals on India, to enable them build networks and ‘knowledge pools’ among the Diaspora world.

Needless to say, the Diaspora does and shall play a vital role in India’s national development. The overseas remittances filtering into India’s economy, highest for several years now, and the innumerable projects, big and small, where the Diaspora have given a helping hand, speak volumes of their collaboration with the mother country. Truth be told, if India becomes strong and a coveted nation in the world, the Diaspora will feel increasingly proud of her and be motivated to work in the very many cities and villages which beckon the developmental impetus, be it knowledge, innovation, technology or finance. It is left to the current decision-makers and stakeholders to work out the strategic advantages of such cooperation and actively work towards it.

Wishing you a successful stay in India and a great year ahead! 

—The author retired as India’s Ambassador to Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2015 and attained the rank of a Secretary. In 2003, he became the first Joint Secretary (NRI) in MEA, and later the first Joint Secretary (Diaspora Services) in the erstwhile MOIA. He can be contacted on malay.mishra55@gmail.com