PM wants transformation of Bihar into Mauritius

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) Can Bihar, one of the most backward states in India, be transformed into Mauritius, a fascinating island nation in the Indian Ocean? This is precisely the task Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has in mind for the large number of Biharis settled in Mauritius.

Inaugurating the 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas here today, Dr Singh recalled that when he was in Mauritius, he asked some of the Mauritian people whose ancestors hailed from Bihar to ''make a Mauritius out of Bihar''.

''I could say the same thing about other parts of the country.

When we see Sikh farmers creating agricultural wealth in the trying climes of Canada, we wonder how much more our farmers from Punjab are capable of,'' he said.

Dr Singh hoped the people in India could work together to create an environment in which the best of every Indian could find its fullest expression.

''I want every Indian living and working in India to aspire for the global recognition that a Zubin Mehta, a Lakshmi Mittal, an Amartya Sen or a Kalpana Chawla when they go overseas,'' he added.

UNI