The ‘diasporic Indian communities’ of over 20 million people scattered in more than 110 countries around the world have a rich history, heritage and capabilities to play a strategic role at the global level.

The first global conference called the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was organized by the Indian government last year from 9 to 11 Jan.2003. During the gathering 10 prominent Indians were honored for their contributions to their community and nation. One of the recipients was Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu who received Bharatiya Samman Award from the Prime Minister of India.

The second global conference is also being held at New Delhi from Jan.9 to 11 2004 at New Delhi. The Malaysian delegation comprises of 70 over delegates representing the Malaysian Indian Congress, business, professional and social sectors of the Malaysian Indian community.

Three Malaysians are speaking at this international global conference. They are Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu, Datuk G.Palanivel at the forum on Voluntary sector & Social Development. Ravi Ponniah who is currently studying at Cambridge University is speaking at the Youth Forum.

Abstracts of two papers are enclosed below:-

India & the Pravasi Bharatiyas: Policies for Productive Engagement

by Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu, Minister for Works

The 2003 Diaspora gathering had demonstrated the potential of global networking and ushered in a new spirit of confidence and enthusiasm among people of Indian origin worldwide. This trend is especially relevant in the context of globalization where we face new challenges and fresh opportunities.

We have over the past year witnessed the strengthening of networks among diasporic communities largely through business and investment initiatives. Malaysia has experienced stronger economic ties with India especially in infrastructure development, with Malaysian companies building highways in India and Indian companies building railways in Malaysia.

What is imperative as indicated by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is that “engagement has to be more than mere slogans. They have to be invested with sound understanding and a strong will for action. And that action has to be mainly in the area of economic cooperation and business interaction”.

It is therefore necessary at the 2004 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to critically review our strategic position and strength of numbers as an influencing block in the global arena. Furthermore it has to be established as to how relevant is the Diaspora community in tackling also the issues and concerns facing these communities not just in relations to India but nationally, regionally and internationally. Furthermore we might want to explore more formal structures not only to enhance smart partnerships in cross sectional concerns but also to foster the development of a global movement of people.

Diaspora Youth and India: Blueprint for Engagement

By Ravindren Ponniah, Cambridge University

This paper begins by discussing the contemporary definitions of the Indian Diaspora and argues that current levels of engagement indicate a definitive and exclusive emphasis on certain economically powerful sections of the Diaspora. The paper then addresses and explores the notion that any expansion or organization of the Indian Diaspora or even any formalization of the relationship between members of the Diaspora and India will engender a re-delineation of adoptive citizenship and what it means.

Subsequently, the paper goes on to briefly outline how these two factors influence the shape and form of Indian government initiatives relating to the Diaspora and it’s specific direction of expansion. In relation to this, the youth element is introduced and the paper contends that the Diaspora and what it entails should be re-defined to better relate to this generational perspective. Following on from this, the paper outlines the general constructive qualities and innate potential of youth and the ways in which these can be brought to bear on what form the future development of the Diaspora should take.

The paper then proceeds to discuss its foremost focus i.e. the potential mechanisms and issues, which could generate comprehensive engagement between the youth of the Diaspora and India. Among others, these include education, cultural exchange, discursive forums and developmental projects; all of which take place within formal as well as informal circumstances.

In this context, the paper also stresses the long-term importance of the role of youth in beginning to formulate the blueprint or framework for the progress of the Indian Diaspora in the broadest sense. In essence, it seeks to articulate the centrality of the energy and idealism of youth in creating more inclusive, comprehensive and continuous avenues for engagement.

In its viewpoint and stance, the paper reflects the youth perspective of a Malaysian citizen who has lived in the United Kingdom for the last 8 years and whose grandparents emigrated to Malaysia from the Indian subcontinent towards the end of the 19th century.

Click here for more details www.indiaday.org

(Submitted on 9th January 2004)