Great transformation is under way in India: PM

London, Oct 10: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asserted that a great transformation is under way in India which he said is one of the most far-reaching revolutions of this century.

''More than one billion people are seeking their salvation within the framework of an open society and an open economy,'' the Prime Minister said and invited the Indian Diaspora to participate in this venture of creativity and enterprise any way they can.

He was speaking at a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian community this evening.

Earlier, Dr Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur arrived here in special Air India flight 'Khajarho' on a three-day official visit to the United Kingdom. Indian High Commissioner Kamalesh Sharma and several Indian Industrialists were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said the integration achieved by the Indian Community is a shining example of a successful adaptation and contribution of any community in the United Kingdom.

''There is no room for the clash of civilisations in India and the Indian Community is a vibrant example of that, with Indians of all faiths doing equally well. That, of whichever faith in the Britain, is truly exceptional in terms of education, economic profile, social integration and cultural vibrancy. They are an enormous asset to their country of adoption and a matter of pride for us,'' he added.

Dr Singh said, ''Our plural society has ingrained virtues of tolerance and co-existence among cultures, languages, political and social views and varied ways of life in every Indian. I believe that this background has something to do with the astonishing ability to adapt, which has characterised the Indians wherever they have gone.''

UNI