By IANS
New Delhi : The government has sought the active participation of the diaspora in Canada in its effort to “build new bridges” with Indian communities abroad.
“The prime minister (Manmohan Singh) has announced that he will form an advisory group of eminent overseas Indians to advise him on a strategy to build new bridges with the Indian communities abroad. I am sure that the diaspora in Canada will actively participate in these ventures,” said Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs.
Ravi, who was addressing a roundtable meeting on “Building Bridges: The Role of Indian Diaspora in Canada”, said the community has “undoubtedly built bridges” between the two countries over the years.
He also sought the community’s participation in developing the trust fund, established for channelising philanthropic resources into India.
“In fact, the welcome accorded to arriving Indian immigrants in Canada has been a major factor in the evolution of the Indian community there, which has played a significant role in every facet of life in Canada,” Ravi said.
The minister also reminded that the Indian community in Canada – that number about 850,000 – has achieved a high degree of harmony among themselves and between them and the others in that country.
“India is legitimately proud of the Indian contribution to the economic and social growth of Canada,” he said.
The research project, “Building Bridges: The Role of Indian Diaspora in Canada” was initiated by former Indian ambassador Kant Bhargava. The roundtable conference was also attended by, among others, deputy high commissioner of Canada Kenneth McCartney.