What are your views on the Pravasi movement that the Indian Government has undertaken?

Pravasi movement is a very value-add platform to celebrate the connectivity of non-resident Indians with their roots, on emotional, cultural and on other planes. It also allows the 30 million plus Indian diaspora spread across the globe to network and find common areas of interests, both professional and personal.

PBD provides a forum for NRIs to efficiently learn about opportunities in different Indian States and how they can engage and invest. It is also is an opportunity for the government to learn about the issues of the global diaspora and how it can better address them.

This is a win-win platform for both the Government and the large Indian global diaspora.

What are your views on the Pravasi movement that the Indian Government has undertaken? Do you see this movement bringing in concrete, tangible results on the ground, or there is scope for restructuring the engagement process with the Indian Diaspora?

I think the Pravasi Movement is now poised for the great leap forward. Prime Minister Modi’s direct interaction with the diaspora is already showing results on the ground. I understand that the diaspora’s interest in India is now renewed, and there is a new energy and momentum on the ground. The restructuring of the engagement process has already begun—we understand that at the PBD the sessions and programmes have been well thought out and would interest the diaspora to keep coming back for this flagship event. We are also very pleased that India’s foreign minister is also the one looking at overseas Indian affairs. She brings in a wealth of experience, and a special feminine touch, to her job.