Diaspora organizations

The first panel discussion was on Diaspora Organizations, moderated by TP Sreenivasan, a former ambassador. The panelists, besides the ICCC President, were Ashook Ramsaran, President of GOPIO, USA; Dato’ Seri Utama S. Samy Vellu, Special Envoy, Malaysia; Lord Diljit Singh Rana, Member, House of Lords; K. Kumar, Convener, ICWC.

The theme of the discussion was the diaspora organizations across the world. These organisations form a focal point for people of India origin and Non-Resident Indians to get together for social and cultural purpose and also to discuss areas of concern. 

This session brought together various diaspora organizations and members who shared the concerns and expectations of Indians abroad in various countries. The diaspora organizations have a vital role in collating and voicing these ideas. The latest trends in the lives of overseas Indians and generate ideas for engaging the diaspora on economic, cultural and social issues were the highlights of the discussion.

In his speech, Naval Bajaj emphasized and elaborated on four measures to ensure that the engagement with the diaspora organizations becomes more meaningful. These measures are:

• Outreach & promotion
• Proactive engagement of business in culture
• Acknowledging Performers
• Using Technology

Meetings with India’s federal ministers

In addition to these sessions, the ICCC President led the India Mission delegates to meetings with key Indian federal government ministers. These included Hon. Anand Sharma, Minister for Commerce, Hon. Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs; Hon. Salman Khurshid, Minister of External Affairs.

In the meeting with Minister Sharma, and Minister Khurshid (held separately) the ICCC President and the delegates discussed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Minister Sharma informed the delegation that the ninth round of the negotiations would be commencing soon.

In the meeting with Minister Ravi, Naval Bajaj spoke extensively about the need to engage the diaspora youth. “Time is now opportune for interaction between the Young Indian Diaspora and the Indian Youth. Diaspora’s engagement for India’s growth will yield best results when it connects across generations,” he said.  He added, “Our Chamber will be happy to host with the support of MOIA a Convention of members of Young Indian Diaspora all over the globe and of Young Indian Leaders.”

Bajaj emphasized that he was heartened to know that Canada has been identified as one of the countries with high Indian Diaspora population where the proposed Overseas Indian Youth Club (OIYC) will be set up. “We shall be glad to offer all possible assistance to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and Consulate General of India, Toronto for setting up OIYC. Our Chamber will be moving into its new spacious premises next month where we may be able to allot one room for an Overseas Youth Club in Canada,” he said.

Meetings with India’s state ministers

The ICCC President and the India Mission delegates then met Hon. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the forthcoming general elections. He extended an invitation to the Gujarat Chief Minister to make an official visit to Canada. The ICCC delegation will be meeting Mr. Modi in Gandhinagar next week.

The delegation also met Kerala Chief Minister Hon. Oommen Chandy, and discussed with him the possibility of a Kerala business delegation’s visit to Canada, where ICCC would be the host.

The delegation also met Sam Pitroda, the advisor to the Indian Prime Minister on telecommunications.

MOU with GOPIO

ICCC President and Ashook Ramsaran, the President of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. The MoU will be valid for three years.