GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN
June, 2002
Item - 1
GOPIO’s THIRD EUROPEAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE - Summary Report
Leiden
(Netherlands)
8-9 June, 2002
1. The third European Regional Conference of GOPIO took place at Holiday Inn,
Leiden, on the 8th and 9th June, 2002 on the theme of Globalization and the
People of Indian Origin (PIOs). The Conference was attended by many
participants from different countries of Europe, along with some participants
from the United States and India. Welcoming the honourable guests and the
participants, Mr. Ram Lakhina, Chairman of the GOPIO, the President of the host
organization, the Foundation For Critical Choices For India, provided the
background of the two organizations and their activities. He also elaborated on
the considerable potential of the community of PIOs/NRIs to India's economic and
social development, particularly in the present context of globalization and
economic liberalization.
2. Mr. J.C. Sharma, Secretary to the Ministry of
External Affairs, Govt. of India, in his inaugural address to the commented on
the role of PIOs/NRIs in accelerating India's development in the past. He also
provided an overview of the salient features of the report of the High Level
Committee on Indian Diaspora, including its major recommendations on dual
nationality, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or the Indian Diaspora Day and the Bharat
Samman Awards in recognition of distinguished contributions by individual
members of the PIO/NRI community.
3. Elaborating on the future potential
contribution of the community, Mr. Sharma stressed that India and the Indian
Diaspora are permanently linked to each other. While appreciating the past and
the future contributions by both the well-to-do and also the humble members of
the community, particularly in economic and social development as well as in
investments in India, Mr. Sharma identified a number of new areas, such as
public health, education, media, and outsourcing from India, for future
contributions of the community.
4. In her address to the Conference, Honourable
Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, Ms. Shyamala B. Cowsik prodded the
professionals among the PIO/NRI community in different countries to come
together in order to coordinate their varied and valued contributions to India
and encouraged the GOPIO to initiate steps in this direction.
5. In his Key
Note Address, Mr. Keith Vaz, Member of the British Parliament and the former UK
Minister for European Affairs, noted the presence in the conference of
participants from many countries, active in different sectors, as well as those
belonging to different political groups but with a common desire to contribute
to India's development. In the context of the recent social and political
changes taking place in some countries of Europe, Mr. Vaz observed that the
community was under focus now, and emphasized the need for loyalty by the
members of the community to the national governments of the country of their
residence. Characterizing the recent period in Europe as turbulent times, he
further advised the participants to be good citizens of Europe, and to be active
in the mainstream of social and economic development in their respective
countries.
6. Delineating the tremendous potential of the community in Europe
and elsewhere, Mr. Vaz suggested that India should consider them as a resource
in its efforts to promote further advancement of the country. Praising the
unique nature of the GOPIO and its rich contributions in its short existence, he
underlined its particular contribution in bringing the PIOs and the NRIs
together under one umbrella with a view to mobilizing their multifaceted
contributions towards India. He also praised GOPIO's role in monitoring
violations of human rights of PIOs/NRIs in different countries spread over the
whole globe and petitioning appropriate national and international bodies for
protection of their human rights.
7. Dr. Thomas Abraham, the President of the
GOPIO, in his presentation recounted the multifarious contributions of the 22
million strong community of the PIOs/NRIs and provided elaboration of GOPIO's
organization and various activities. As regards to the vision of GOPIO to the
future, he emphasized the areas of economic development, social justice and
promotion of peace in different countries with large PIO population. Referring
to the theme of the Conference, Dr. Abraham stated that the PIO/NRI community
has a big stake in globalization not only in terms of opportunities but also in
safeguarding the legitimate interests of the community, particularly of those
engaged in small and medium scale business enterprises and other groups
vulnerable to unfavorable impact of globalization. In regard to the report
submitted by the High Level Committee on Indian Dispora, Dr. Abraham said,
"GOPIO strongly supports recommendations to grant dual nationality to PIOs and I
urge the political parties to pass this legislation immediately in the
parliament in the interest of our Motherland."
8. Drs. B.N. Madan in his
presentation on Problems and Prospects of PIOs in Europe, provided a historical
overview of the situation and also commented on the problems and issues in the
more recent context of immigration in Europe. Listing some areas of their
distinguished contributions both to India and to the countries of their
residence, Mr. Madan also directed the attention of the Conference to the new
emerging problems of geographical concentration of PIOs/NRIs in certain parts
of the country: increasing conflict in values of certain groups in the host
community and the immigrant communities in Europe, problematic and cumbersome
visa procedures, alienation between different generations of the community, etc.
However, he emphasized that despite the general trend of intolerance towards
immigrants, in most countries the PIO/NRI community is still appreciated by the
host countries as peace- loving, secularly oriented and making useful
contribution to socio-economic life of the countries concerned.
In the
discussion, which followed, the participants emphasized the need for doing away
with distinction between the PIOs and NRIs, more involvement of the younger
generation in the work of GOPIO and more active involvement of political leaders
of the PIO/NRI community in getting redress to their legitimate grievances.
9. In the afternoon session on Networking among PIOs, particularly in Europe,
Dr. Abraham, Mr. Raj Loomba and Dr. V.V. Moharir, made brief comments on the
experiences of networking in the USA, the UK and the other countries of Europe.
In the particular context of Europe while the work already done by cultural and
other organizations of the PIO/NRI community in their respective countries was
appreciated, the need for some European level federal organizations of the
community was also emphasized. In this context a specific recommendation was
made to form a federal organization of Indian Chambers of Commerce, (FICCI),
individual countries of Europe, to pursue issues of contribution of PIO/NRI
community to India's development and also for safeguarding legitimate interests
of the community in Europe. Noting also the increasing trend towards widening
the role of the European Union in many policy areas, particularly in policies on
immigration and international trade, improving representation of the PIO/NRI
community in the European parliament was also emphasized.
10. In the last
session of the Conference on 8th June, on Violation of Civil and Political
Rights of PIOs in countries like Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mr.
Asok Ramsaran, Secretary-General of GOPIO, provided background to these cases
and suggested that the Conference should pass resolutions, directing the
authorities concerned at national and international levels for redress of these
grievances. “The continuing abuses and levels of atrocities against East Indians
are indeed very alarming and are of very serious concern to GOPIO, the only
global organization set up to address these critical issues," said Ramsaran. “If
we fail to generate international awareness, and if we fail to call for specific
actions to stop this brutality against East Indians, then we would have failed
all those East Indians who remain helpless in their struggle," Ramsaran added.
11. The last session of the Conference on the morning of 9th June, was devoted
to the discussion of creating Chapters of GOPIO in different countries and for
the presentation, discussion and approval of different resolutions on the
deliberations at the Third European Regional Conference of the GOPIO at Leiden.
While appreciating the work done by the GOPIO at its various international and
regional conferences, participants emphasized the need for creating more
chapters and increasing communication, interaction between GOPIO and members of
the PIO/NRI community.
12. Having noted the contributions of all speakers and
participants, the Third European Regional Conference, adopted the following
resolutions:
European Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce:
a) GOPIO should initiate efforts in formation of the European Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce in different countries. The help offered in this
matter by the representatives of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry, (FICCI), present at the conference is highly appreciated and
needs to be pursued further.
Violation of Human Rights of PIOs in certain countries
a) The Third European
Regional Conference of GIPIO held at Leiden,
- Reaffirms its absolute faith and
belief in the basic human rights of all people enshrined in the Universal
Declaration on Human Rights;
- Noting its deep concern that in many countries of
the world, more particularly in Fiji, Guyana, Malawi, Surinam, Trinidad,
Zimbabwe and Malawi, where people of Indian origin comprise a significant
proportion of the population and/or make useful contribution to economic and
social life of those countries, their physical, civil and political, as well as
social and cultural rights are under continuing attack, and at times, resulting
in violent atrocities;
- Calls on the United Nations, the Government of India
and the governments of respective countries to take all appropriate measures and
actions to cease the abuses and atrocities being inflicted on the People of
Indian Origin in the respective countries;
- Condemns violation of human rights
in any form and any where in the world.
Fiji
- Whereas the Conference is cognizant of the forcible and violent removal of the
duly elected government, and having recognized that all citizens are duly
entitled to equal justice, freedom and protection under the United Nations
charters:
- Calls for the end of the practice of apartheid inflicted on the
people of Indian origin, and the full restoration of democracy and political
representation within a period of 9 months;
- The Conference also calls upon the international community to bring diplomatic
and moral pressure on the authorities in Fiji and consider instituting phased
economic boycott to force the return of democracy.
Guyana
Whereas all citizens of Guyana are duly entitled to equal justice, freedom and
protection provided under the United Nations charters; and also recognizing that
there is a continuing series of attacks, abuse and killings directed against the
people of Indian origin in Guyana:
The Conference calls on the Government of
Guyana to take all required steps immediately to stop all such attacks, and to
prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future;
The Conference also
urges the Government of Guyana to take necessary measures to ensure equitable
ethnic balance in all government bodies, including the security forces to ensure
protection of the people of Indian origin.
Trinidad and Tobago
Whereas the Conference is cognizant of the failure of constitutional protocol
resulting in the political deadlock that exists, and the ensuing abuses and
attacks against the people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago:
It calls
on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to take all necessary measures to
ensure the civil, political and human rights of the people of Indian origin;
The
Conference also calls on all parties to respect the rule of democracy and the
laws of the land so that the next elections are fair and free from impediments;
It requests the international community to exert appropriate influence and
pressure on the Government to take measures to stop the abuses against the
people of Indian origin and ensure their safety and well-being.
Zimbabwe
Whereas the Conference is cognizant of the current threats and uncertainty of
the lives of the people of Indian origin in Zimbabwe:
It calls on the Government
of Zimbabwe to respect the civil, political and human rights of the people of
Indian origin as guaranteed by the UN Charters;
It also calls on the Government
of Zimbabwe to take all measures to refrain from threats and acrimonious
language directed against property and the safety of the people of Indian
origin;
The Conference urges the international community to bring diplomatic and
moral pressure on the Government of Zimbabwe to cease the discriminatory
treatment meted out to the people of Indian origin in Zimbabwe and to ensure the
safety of their life and property.
Malawi
Whereas the Conference is cognizant of the current threats and uncertainty
affecting the lives of the people of Indian origin in Malawi:
It calls on the
Government of Malawi to respect the civil, political and human rights of the
people of Indian origin, as guaranteed by the UN Charters;
It impresses on the
Government of Malawi the need to take all measures to refrain from threats and
acrimonious language directed against the safety and property of people of
Indian origin in Malawi;
The Conference further requests the international
community to bring diplomatic and moral pressures on the Government of Malawi to
ensure enjoyment of all civil, political and human rights of people of Indian
origin resident in Malawi.
Reported by
Dr. H.U. Qureshi
Coordinator, Third European Regional Conference of GOPIO,
Leiden
and
Secretary-General, Foundation For Critical Choices For India,
Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
ITEM 2
THIRD GLOBAL INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE along with
INDIAN AND
NRI/PIO ECONOMIC SUMMIT
September 12th to 15th, 2002
Crowne Plaza Hotel, La Guardia Airport, 104-04 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, New
York 11369, USA
Conference Theme
“People of Indian Origin – Technology, Investment, Business and
Networking Opportunities”
The Indian and NRI/PIO Economic Summit on Thursday, September 12th
(Papers are
invited for presentation at the Economic Summit. Contact: Dr. Sid Gautam
sgautam@methodist.edu or Dr. Sushila Gidwani-Buschi shilaji@aol.com)
Conference Sessions on Friday, Sept. 13th and Saturday, Sept. 14th
Opportunities
in Hospitality Industry
Franchising
Trading and Business Opportunities in North
America
Opportunities in Nanotechnology/Biotechnology/Genomics
Next Generation
Software/Networking/Wireless Technologies
Service Industry Opportunities for
NRIs/PIOs
Opportunities in India
Opportunities in West Indies and Africa
Opportunities in Europe, Middle East and Far East
Organized By
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
&
GOPIO
Business Council and GOPIO New York
Co-Sponsored by
PIO/NRI Chambers of Commerce from all over the world
PIO/NRI Chambers of Commerce are requested to contact GOPIO to become an
official sponsor. Coporate sponsorship is also available (visit
http://gopio.net/2002_sponsorship.htm). Please contact: GOPIO President Dr.
Thomas Abraham at 203-329-8010, E-mail: gopio@optonline.net; President-Elect
Inder Singh at 818-708-3885, E-mail: indersinghusa@yahoo.com; Secretary General
Ashook Ramsaran at 718-939-8194, E-mail: ramsaran@aol.com or International
Coordinator Dr. Jagat Motwani at 516-421-4688, E-mail: jagatmotwani@yahoo.com
Item 3
GOPIO New York to Organize Indian Youth Scholarship Award Night
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin New York Chapter
Professional
Indian Networking Association (PRINA) and
Indian American Kerala Cultural and
Civic Center
Cordially invite you to an evening of celebration, cultural program, guest
speakers and DJ at the
INDIAN AMERICAN YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARD NIGHT
Saturday, June 29th, 7 p.m.
The Kerala Center
1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, NY
11003; USA; Tel 516-358-2000
Chief Guest
Honorable Pramathesh Rath
COME AND GREET INDIA’S NEW CONSUL GENERAL IN NEW YORK
The evening program will honor excellence among Indian American High School
Seniors with scholarships
Program
Reception and Hors d’oeuvres – 7:00 p.m.
Entertainment and Guest
Speakers – 8:00 p.m.
Buffet Dinner – 9 p.m.
Presentation of Awards – 10 p.m.
Dance to the D.J. Music – 10.30 p.m. Onwards
Admissions - $25 Adults, $15 Students, Complimentary Admission to all
Participating High School Seniors
For reservation, send e-mail to cr@prina-ny.org or call Mr. Lal Motwani,
President of GOPIO-NY at 718-470-1026.
Item 4
GOPIO WELCOMS PIO CARD FEE REDUCTION
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has welcomed the
decision by Vajpayee Administration to reduce the fee for Persons of Indian
Origin (PIO) card scheme. The India Government on June 10th announced reduction
in fee from 1,000 US dollars to that equivalent to Rs 15,000. The decision was
taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee.
"We have been campaigning for this for the last two years," said GOPIO President
Dr. Thomas Abaham. GOPIO passed a resolution to that effect GOPIO's global
Indian convention held in Zurich in 2000. "Although the government had agreed in
principle at that time, it look a long time to implement it," Dr. Abraham added.
GOPIO has called upon all members of the PIO community to avail this
opportunity.
At the recently concluded GOPIO's European Regional Conference, the delegates
passed a resolution urging all Indian political parties to pass the legislation
to grant dual nationality to PIOs in select countries as recommended by the High
Level Committee on Indian Diaspora. According to GOPIO, until recently the
potential of NRIs/PIOs asset was not fully
appreciated by the Government of
India. The establishment of The High Level Committe on Indian Diaspora and its
comprehensive report are first systematic efforts by the Government of India in
the right direction. GOPIO fully supports the committee's recommendations.
Item No. 5
GOPIO CHAPTER NEWS
GOPIO Chicago Chapter will be inaugurated on Friday, July 5th in the evening in
Chicago. Those who live around Chicago area are invited to join the dinner
meeting on July 5th evening.
Please contact or Prashant Gupta at 847-541-4461, E-mail: prashant9@excite.com
Item 6
NRI/PIO NEWS
Two PIOs Honored by President Bush
Two persons of Indian origin are among the 20 scientists to be awarded the
National Medals of Science and Technology (2001) by US President George W Bush.
While presenting the medals to Calyampudi R Rao of Pennsylvania University and
Arun Netravali of Lucent Technologies and Bell Labs, Bush pointed out that the
National medal was the highest honor any scientist could receive from the
President of the US.
"Our honorees," the President said, "Are the prophets of a better age--seeing
the future before a lot of folks see the present. They have earned these medals
and, as they do, they earn the thanks of their fellow American."
Bush pointed out that this year's budget had earmarked major funds for research
and development.
"We will continue to support science and technology," said Bush, "Because
innovation makes America stronger. Innovation helps our economy grow, and helps
people find work.
"Innovation strengthens our national defense and our homeland security, and we
need a strong national defense and homeland security as we fight people who hate
America because we are free."
The world of our children "will be shaped by the people we honor today," Bush
said.
GOPIO Chapter Initiation
One can initiate a chapter and become part of this global network of people of
Indian origin by visiting GOPIO’s Chapter Initiative website
www.gopio.net/chapter_initiative.htm to get a copy of the guidelines governing
GOPIO chapters.
Business and Professional Services Bulletin Board
PIOs are encouraged to publicize businesses and services though GOPIO Business
Council Bulletin Board free of charge. Please visit
www.gopio.net/wboard/bulletin.htm
Visit GOPIO’s Official site at www.gopio.net