PBD sessions call for Greater Diaspora role in India's Social Development

Continuing on its objective to deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora, three concurrent sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009 addressed opportunities presented for participating in social development in India. The PBD convention is being held in Chennai from 7-9 January by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamilnadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Health and education have emerged as the key social sector areas for increasing diaspora engagement in India.

The concurrent session on Healthcare for all took stock of the achievements made and the new directions that should be taken to increase disapora interaction in the medical field. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, briefed the delegates on the progress of the Indian health sector, particularly the achievements of the National Rural Health Mission. As 75% of the population lives in rural India with only 25% of medical facility, he urged the Indian diaspora to invest in medical equipment, medical education for nurses and paramedics, and research in healthcare. Today, in spite of the recession, Dr Ramadoss said that Indian doctors abroad are returning to India due to better opportunities on home ground.

He also urged medical professionals in the Indian diaspora to participate in organizations such as Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin AAPI, and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) to collectively work towards the betterment of healthcare in India.

Keynote speaker, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Global Health Pvt Ltd said that diaspora should work on bringing next practices in medical healthcare into India. Suggesting Corporate-Corporate Partnership, he encouraged the diaspora to adopt villages and take healthcare to the poor. Finance, transfer of knowledge, exchange of personnel, corporate participation and research support are some of the various ways in which Diaspora can contribute towards enhancing growth and development in the Indian healthcare sector.

Delivering the speech on behalf of Mr Vasant Bunwaree, Minister of Education, Mauritius, Mr Mookesswar Choonee, High Commissioner, Mauritius High Commission suggested a two pronged approach to engage the diaspora in improving healthcare, including engaging young minds and promoting healthy workplaces, eating habits and lifestyles.

Chaired by Mr Pratap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals, Chennai, the panel discussion included medical experts, Dr Sanku S Rao, President, AAPI, Dr Ramesh Mehta, President, BAPIO, UK, Dr Rajni Kanabar, Chairman, Regency Medical Centre, Tanzania and Dr Georgi Abraham, Consultant, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai. Collaboration with government in health sector, knowledge and research collaboration, reimbursement for Ayurveda Medicine expenses for government employees, scientific validation of traditional medicines and standardization and accreditation of hospitals were the key deliberations of the panel discussion.

At the session on diaspora philanthropy, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Development of North-Eastern Region, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar called upon delegates to reestablish linkages with communities for better development in India. There are more elected women in India, then anywhere in the world, said Shri Aiyar, signifying the improvement of the role of the Indian woman over the years and saying that it is a “ tribute to the ability of the country.”

Ms Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development briefed about government schemes for empowering women with legal and financial support. While expressing her concerns over the problems faced by women across the world, she mentioned that the Government was taking appropriate measures to address those issues. Among these schemes was the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs program for deserted women.

Secretary, Ministry of Indian Overseas Affairs, Shri K. Mohandas announced that the Government is planning to launch the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF – OI) in a few weeks time. The objective of the foundation is to bridge overseas philanthropists with recognized Indian Organizations, enabling public private partnerships and accountability to the donor.

Ms. P.T. Usha, President, Usha School of Athletics and former Olympian, called upon the Indian Diaspora to donate generously for the development of the School of Athletics by which Indians can win many medals at the Olympics 2012. The Founder of Loomba Trust, U.K, Shri Rajinder Paul Loomba, said that the foundation helps over 3,600 orphan children in India and works in over 11 countries for the betterment of children and women. Panelists Prof. Dasarath Chetty, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Shri Inder Singh, President, GOPIO, USA, and Shri Kasi V P Rao, Consultant, Canada shared their views on Diaspora philanthropy, highlighting the need for Diaspora to contribute to their ancestral country’s needs and to establish innovative models for engaging philanthropy.

The concurrent session on Increased Interaction with Diaspora Women expressed concerns about maintaining values and traditions in a changing environment. Women have the desire to leverage their empowerment for gender equality in India, said Ms Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

Ms Meera Ravi, Editor, Salaam Bahrain, Bahrain, called on the diaspora to leverage India’s cultural advantages to the maximum. Justice Mohini Murugesan, Judge, High Court of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa briefed the audience on the initiatives and programmes in South Africa and also about the political status of women in her country. Ms Leela Gujadhur Sarup, Chairperson and MD, Sarup Group of Industries, Mauritius, explained her initiative to network diaspora and Indian women through web portals. Ms Anita Ratnam, Dancer, Arangham Trust said that Dance showcases the culture of the country, disseminates stories about India and would also teach about respect to the younger generation.

The participants appreciated the Government of India for initiatives and interest in the development of women and for linking diaspora women and Indian women.