President Kovind urges diaspora to be part of India's success story

Sydney [Australia], Nov 21 (ANI): Addressing the Indian diaspora here on Wednesday evening President of India Ram Nath Kovind highlighted the growth and development in the country and invited the Indian community to be a part of India's transformational journey. He also urged the Australians to invest in India and share its technology for the growth and development of the country.
President assured the Indian diaspora and the Australian citizens that India today is full of opportunities for business, especially with regards to social enterprises and cultural connections.
"India today is full of opportunities for business, for social enterprises and for cultural connections. I invite each one of you to join us in our transformational journey. You can contribute with your ideas, your business models and your investment profiles. We count Australia as a key partner in our national flag-ship programmes -- Make In India, Skill India, Clean India and Digital India. We are keen to leverage Australian technology, know-how and investment for growth and development in India. You can play an important part in pushing this engagement," he said.
President Kovid said that all those people who had not been to the subcontinent for a long time would be experiencing a 'new India' this time. "Our growth and development mirror a new confidence in the country," President Kovind said. He added that India is the fastest growing major economy in the world with a growth of 8.2 per cent last quarter and the seminal reforms in the country have helped the economy jump 65 places in the last four years on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index. He mentioned that India has also witnessed a growth in foreign investments. In this context he highlighted that India received over USD 200 billion as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the last four years.
He mentioned that in addition to this India has also been focusing on building next-generation infrastructure that includes 100 Smart City projects, seven high-speed train corridors, 10 green-field airports, country-wide digital connectivity and thousands of kilometres of Expressways.
President Kovind mentioned that in the course of time India has also changed its attitude towards the diaspora. With schemes like 'Know India Programme' and 'Overseas Citizenship of India', the country has gradually strengthened its connection with the Indian community abroad as it is an important factor in deepening the international bonds of India with other countries.
In addition, the Indian embassies situated abroad are also available to the Indian diaspora round the clock. Citing an example, President Kovind stated that in the last four years, India has rescued over 90,000 of its citizens including people from 50 other countries caught in natural disasters or strife. He also invited the Indian community to participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas going to be held on January 21st to 23rd in Varanasi.
While saying that the Indian community in Australia has a long history of culture and tradition, President Kovind thanked the population of Australia for spreading warm hospitality and affection to him and his delegation. He also praised the manner in which the Indian community celebrates Indian festivals like Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Eid and Christmas with the Australian population, and express greeting to each other.
" It is a matter of pride for us that the Indian community in Australia is highly respected. Today, Indian skills and professionals are much sought after here and elsewhere in the world. Australia is also home to a large number of Indian students. They are excelling on campus in studies, research, innovation and sports. Their hard work and talent are showing in the strength of Australia- India Knowledge Partnership," he said.
President Kovind ended his speech by mentioning about sports played in the island nation in which citizens of both the countries equally take part, especially cricket, the T-20 India-Australia game in Brisbane that is scheduled for today [November 21].
On Thursday, President Kovind, along with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will jointly unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parramatta. He will also hold talks with the Governor General and Prime Minister.(ANI)