It is imperative that we pool our knowledge base and make a concrete agenda for development for assuring inclusive growth in India", said Shashank, Former Foreign Secretary, Government of India while speaking at session on Role of Indian Diaspora Organisation at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention here on Friday. He urged the audience and the panelists to identify issues that are of main concern for the NRI community and pointed to the need to indulge in collective exchange of views and implement the ideas in our respective countries.

Sanam Arora, President, Natural Indian Student Union, United Kingdom  said that the role of Indian diaspora was multi-dimensional as they acted as a bridge between India and overseas Indians and facilitate ties between India and the countries its diaspora resides in. She added that knowledge transfer will play a key rolein this regard. Arora pointed out that the Indian government should create a favorable environment for investment,  encourage and increase grassroots level work by NRIs and draw upon knowledge and experience of diaspora.

She said Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's vision is truly global and that to fulfill the vision of achieving high growth, addressing unemployment and poverty issues, India can look upon drawing on the knowledge and experience of its diaspora. Indians abroad are uniquely placed in terms of the knowledge they possess about global work practices. We must recognize this and utilize our diaspora successfully. For promoting skill development in India, the knowledge of vocational education practices of Indian diaspora, for instance, in the EU can be utilized. This knowledge can be combined with our local understanding of India. Another major issue highlighted by Ms Sanam Arora was the problem faced by Indian students in the UK - lack of a post study work visa.

Dr. Ajeet R Singhvi, Chairman Board of Trustees, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin pointed out that the theme is very appropriate for the occasion. Indian Diaspora Organizations are born out of natural affinity for their country and these organizations have become great assets. He also talked about ethnicity based organizations which have played an important role in marketing, businesses and undertaking philanthropy activities.

Dr. Prasad Yarlagadda, Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia  said India Diaspora Organizations have been working together for a common cause and it is time that we strengthen our ties. He also added that it is extremely important to pass on Indian traditions and values to the next generation. And for this the Indian Diaspora Organizations have been undertaking culturally significant events to showcase India's culture and tradition.

He added that skill development can be a huge area of partnership between India and its diaspora and felt that the Indian government should have more active communication with the Indian diaspora.

D Natrajan, President, Indian Social and Cultural Center (ISCC), Abu Dhabi talking about the center�s activities in Abu Dhabi said that the Indian Social and Cultural Centre meets the socio-cultural  needs of the Indian diaspora in the country and conducts many  events to enhance cultural outreach of India. He added that ISCC is a pan India platform and seeks to provide unconditional support to Indians.

Natrajan gave the assurance that the people belonging to the Indian diaspora in Abu Dhabi would carry the message of good governance of the Government of India and will always be there for the cause of nation�s welfare.

Ashook Ramasaran, President, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International said that the Indian Diaspora Organizations have been totally transformed over the years and are playing the role of advocacy and lobbying bodies in countries where they serve. Over the next decade GOPIO will have to play a significant role by engaging in social and economic issues, be constructive contributors, be a part of the fabric of the society and engage more deeply with political leadership.

Munish Gupta, Chairman, PIO TV Ltd Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Malaysia said that there is something very unique about the 13^th Pravasi Bharti Diwas � it has seen huge participation of the younger generation, a much more diverse crowd and of course  the presence of some great leaders and mentors who have been our shining light. He felt that the connect between Indians and the Indian diaspora is growing and we have never seen such real embracing of Pravasis in India. He added that the Indian Diaspora Organizations need to decipher, devise strategies of working together in future.