For our special publication brought out keeping in mind the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, we found no greater issue to put on cover than the one pertaining to the Kolkata memorial. I must admit that as a magazine, we have campaigned for this little slice of history, and over the months we have managed to bring in enormous amounts of global sentiments into our pages. It has all finally worked.

The memorial is a recognition of a very long-standing demand of the people of Indian origin (PIOs) across the world. It is to the memory of their forefathers that the memorial is dedicated. In terms of its significance, it has the potential to match the Kinta Kunte-Alex Haley Memorial at Annapolis, Maryland. Roots have a pull, and their power is simply indescribable. Through various articles, written by very prominent PIOs, we document what they feel about this momentous event. In the words of Ashook Ramsaran, executive vice president of the GOPIO and a key player in the Kolkata Memorial Movement, “It is a long overdue tribute to those who took the risks on barely a promise…” It is evident that thousands of people will visit Kolkata each year from across the world, and the pull of history will only get stronger.

There are others to whom tribute is due. Researcher and author Leela Gujadhur Sarup is the one who started it all in 2006, and raised the matter with both the MOIA and the West Bengal Government. To his credit, then MOIA secretary R Narayanaswami raised the matter promptly with the West Bengal chief secretary. It was then in the years 2006-07 vigorously followed up by the then joint secretary in the MOIA, Malay Mishra. Another MOIA secretary, K Mohandas (currently secretary at the Shipping Ministry), gave the matter a push, and then it was taken up very strongly by his successor, A Didar Singh in 2010, who made things happen. All along Minister Ravi remained positively focused on the issue. Some of them have been interviewed in this special publication.
There are several other features of interest, and all along it is with a great sense of excitement that one is connecting with the Indian diaspora, and bridging the gap, in a way, between the overseas Indian community and India through the pages of the magazine. 

Also watch this space in our next issue for those who are recognized at the 2nd INDIA EMPIRE NRI AWARDS on the night of January 10, 2011. 

Happy Reading and may the new year truly bring you Joy.