by Moiz Mannan
Gujarat, the west coast Indian state that has sent hundreds of thousands of its intrepid diaspora to all corners of the world, is now looking forward to the world converging within its boundaries.
‘Vibrant’ Gujarat has been taking giant strides in development and industrial growth and time and again the state has relied upon its people overseas to partner the government in this journey.
The NRGs (non-resident Gujaratis) have responded magnificently more often than not.
It was not totally out of place or unexpected, therefore, when Chief Minister Narendra Modi issued an appeal publicly to the central government to allow the state to hold the annual diaspora conclave–Pravasi Bharatiya Divas– in Gujarat in 2015.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas initiative was launched by the federal government through the Ministry of Overseas Indians Affairs in 2003 as an attempt to institutionalise, centralise and systematise a regular dialogue with overseas Indians.
Although the event has been criticised for failing to address the pressing issue of low-income and oppressed Indians abroad it has made some headway in other areas such as involving NRI investment in development, infrastructure and industry.
On this front, Gujarat has already been pro-active, having held the ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ summit for the past six years in a row. Modi has been at pains to ensure that the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit (VGGIS) should send a strong and positive message of converting global challenges of the 21st Century into opportunities for change and forging partnership between knowledge and technology.
He appears to be satisfied that the biennial event has over the years emerged as an incubator of innovators and entrepreneurship, and not just a convergence of investors’ destination.
The chief minister has proclaimed that the event has demonstrated Gujarat’s capacity to convert dreams for global development into reality.
The sixth version of Gujarat Government’s flagship mega event held earlier this month was attended by top functionaries of governments, captains of industries and investors, management experts, dignitaries and delegates from 120 countries.
Making clear the vision for the future, Modi was quoted as saying at the summit: “There was a time when Gujarati people used to go abroad and make the foreign land their home.
Now, in 21st century, it is Gujarat’s endeavour to create such an atmosphere that entire world come here to make this land their home.” Japan and Canada have become country partners for the event.
According to estimates by the centre of Gujarat State Non-Resident Gujarati Foundation (GSNGF), there are close to three crore Indians overseas, of which nearly 6 million are Gujaratis spread across 120 countries.
The foundation has been established by the Government of Gujarat to further the common interests, concerns and historical ties that bind the people of Gujarat to NRGs.
The objectives of the Foundation are to explore the possibility as to how the diaspora can play al role in the development of the state and to identify the areas where Government can be of assistance to them.
Further, the Government has formed NRG committees in all the districts of the state for resolving any problems or issues faced by the Non-Resident Gujaratis, including those related to their property and land.
They can directly contact the Member Secretary Resident Deputy Collector of the committee of the concerned district or can get in touch with the NRI Division or The Non-Resident Gujarati’s Foundation (NRGF).
The Foundation is issuing the Gujarat Card to non-resident Gujaratis by which they get special attention from the state government agencies while dealing with them.
In addition, the cardholders avail of the facilities of the NRG Bhavan set up by the NRG Foundation, and also rebates and discounts on purchases etc. being negotiated by the NRG Foundation.
All the District Collectors have been authorised to issue Gujarat Cards.
The Foundation is sponsoring every year the Gujarati diaspora seminar arranged by various universities of the State.
NRGF sponsors this seminar to facilitate research on the Gujarati diaspora.
Recently, a book has been published by the Foundation on marriages to NRIs. The book contains details of important matters to be considered before wedding to NRI.
The idea is to bring public awareness about what precautions should be taken before marriage, status of married woman under foreign laws, rules of prevention of harassment etc.
The call to hold the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Gujarat was first given by Lord Prof Bhikhu Parekh, Indian-born political thinker, after the event held at Jaipur, Rajasthan.
This year, Chief Minister Modi raised the issue again, arguing that 2015 would be most appropriate as it marked the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa.
The Peninsula
