KOCHI (TIP): President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee expressed confidence that the Indian economy would bounce back to an 8-9% GDP growth due to its strong economic fundamentals and the reforms driven policy initiatives of government of India.

Addressing the valedictory session of the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here on January 9, Mr. Mukherjee said, “To achieve this order of growth over a sustained period of time, would need large doses of investment. The overseas Indians could help by investing in Indian companies and in the capital market and earn higher dividends as the yield of the equity markets in India was much higher than elsewhere.”

India, he said, was a “land of immense opportunity; the second fastest growing economy after China. But for a brief period of economic deceleration, six of the nine years that have gone by witnessed a GDP growth of around 8%.”

The President said that he wished to see the Indian Diaspora as a strong partner in India’s development, not just in economic growth but in the knowledge economy. “Knowledge and experience you have gained can ply decisive role in the growth story of India”, he said. “Together, we will keep our tryst with destiny,” he said, amid huge applause an added “we are proud of your services to India”. Earlier, the President gave away the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to 15 eminent persons of Indian origin for their outstanding contribution for enhancing India’s prestige in a tangible way.

The award winners for 2013 included Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag President of Mauritius, who was “recognized for his outstanding contributions in public service and fostering friendly relations between India and Mauritius; Australia-India Society of Victoria (award received by Mr. Gurdip Singh Arora) “recognized for its role in protecting the rights of Indian migrants and establishing a network of welfare activities”;

Mr. Ashok Shambhomal Vaswani, Guinea “recognized for his efforts in building strong bridges between India and the people of the Republic of Guinea”; Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait (award received by Dr. Narayan Namboori) “recognized for its contribution to the field of healthcare facilities for Indians and Kuwaitis”; Tan Sri Ravindran Menon, Malaysia “honored for his contribution in fostering better understanding of Indian community in Malaysia, and for his philanthropic works”; Dr. Rasik Vihari Joshi, Mexico “honored for eminence in his field of work, for enhancing India’s image and for promoting better understanding of India abroad”;

Dr. Satendra Kumar Singh, Fiji “honored for his immense contribution to promotion of Indian culture and heritage in New Zealand, Fiji and South Pacific”; Mr. Gilbert Canabady Moutien, Reunion Islands “recognized for his immense contribution to strengthening and fostering business ties between India and Reunion Island and his efforts in promoting Indian culture and heritage”;

Mr.Mohammed Rabeeh Karuvanthodi, Saudi Arabia “honored for his efforts and contribution in promoting healthcare facilities in GCC countries and his philanthropic activities”; Mr. Ismail Ebrahim Ebrahim, South Africa “recognized for his commitment to the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, his outstanding contribution to public service and fostering closer ties between India and South Africa”; Mr. Bava Pandalingal, Abu Dhabi, UAE “honored for his efforts and dedication in the service of Indian communities in UAE”; Ms. Patricia Maria Rozario, UK “recognized for her outstanding contribution to the Western Classical Music and her eminence in skills which have enhanced India’s prestige abroad”; Dr. Narendra Ramkrishna Kumar, USA “honored for his contribution in the healthcare sector and promoting India and Indians abroad”; Mr. Subash Razdan, Chairman and Co- Founder of Gandhi Peace Foundation, USA “recognized for enhancing the prestige of India through his contribution to public and the Indian community”; and Prof. Dr. Gurcharan Singh Chatwal, Germany, “honored for fostering closer scientific relations between India and Germany, and for enhancing India’s prestige abroad”. Dr. Chatwal, however, could not arrive to receive the award due to “unavoidable reasons”.