President asks India origin youth to be goodwill ambassadors

New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today urged the youth of Indian origin around the world to become goodwill ambassadors.

''The youngsters should build a network of friends to spread the message that India stands for peace in the world and for the principles of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who taught the country about non-violence and peace,'' she said.

The President was speaking while interacting with a group of 31 people of Indian origin from 10 different countries who are currently participating in the 9th Know India Programme of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The meeting took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

She pointed out India's achievement on the economic front and said the youth were excelling in various fields such as information technology, making the country a world leader.

While admitting there were challenges before the country, such as poverty and disease, she said she was confident that the Nation would be able to overcome these successfully. The President also said the Government was working for inclusive growth and the creation of an equitable society.

Interacting with the President, the participants said that during their visits to the states of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, their experiences were memorable, incredible and spiritual.

Many of them were overwhelmed to visit the land of their forefathers. All of them felt that the programme had given them an opportunity to understand the culture of India and to know about the economic developments taking place in India. The visit also made them proud of being of Indian origin and also gave them a sense of belonging and being connected, a feeling which they never experienced before, they said.

UNI NAZ RL NS1823