'Every Pravasi Bharatiya is an Indian ambassador of goodwill'

New Delhi, Jan 8(ANI): The Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Jatin Prasada, reckons that every 'Pravasi Bharatiya' is an Indian ambassador of goodwill in whichever country he is.

Prasada was speaking on the occasion of the ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas here on Saturday.

"We note with satisfaction that wherever Indians have gone, whether it is the Silicon Valley's IT industry, New York / London's bankers, students, Gulf's working hands or the very naturalised population of Africa, they have made a mark for themselves by following true Indian values of hard work, non-violence, honesty and by their friendly assimilation with the local populations," Prasada said.

"We are no longer seen as solely a supplier of cheap labour. Our IT and business fraternity is now actually investing in western countries and thereby helping generate jobs there. We have to prepare ourselves for this changed scenario."

"It is not a coincidence that Heads of Governments of five major powers came to India in a single calendar year. It is a testament to the growing relevance of India in the global economic and political scenario," he added.

The Minister further said that India can take advantage of the "favourable state of affairs" by channelising the youth energy in the right direction and with right momentum.

"Our government has consciously focused at education at school level as well as by expanding institutes of higher learning like IITs and IIMs. The young Indians overseas with their wealth of experience can be our valuable partners in this effort. This would not only help them connect with their roots, but the next generation of the country would also benefit from their expertise and knowledge,"

"Today Indians, and that too at very young age, have become CEOs of big MNCs, State Governors in the USA, Deans of prestigious universities. We would be indeed privileged to welcome them and join us at this very crucial moment of history when our nation is poised to assume a much bigger role at the world stage," he added. (ANI)