Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday cited the dynamism of Indian democracy to dispel the apprehensions of the Indian Diaspora about India’s growth. Saying there was no reason to despair about the present and worry about the future turn of developments in the polity, he maintained that regardless of the outcome of the next elections, the nation will once again demonstrate the strength of democracy and its institutions. Singh was inaugurating the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
“I know that many of you have questions about the future of the Indian economy and concerns about social challenges, the shape of our polity and the issues of governance in our country. There is a perception in some quarters outside India that the country is losing its momentum of the past decade,” he said.
“I wish to assure you that there is no reason to despair about our present or worry about our future. Indeed, as I have said earlier, we are heading into better times ahead and I would urge you to remain engaged in the future of this country with confidence and optimism,” said Singh. In an apparent reference to the logjam in Parliament and opposition to fiscal reforms by some quarters, he said, “With greater political support, we could have legislated deeper reform measures - for example, in the financial and insurance sector.
“However, our decisions are already beginning to make an impact and India is re-emerging as an attractive investment destination. I am confident you will see the evidence clearly in the next few months,” the Prime Minister said. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister presided over the function. Datuk Seri G Palanivel, Senior Malaysian Minister and President of Malaysian Indian Congress was the chief guest of the Pravasi meet.
On Thursday, the last day of the meet the President Pranab Mukherjee will award Pravai Bharatiya Samman to distinguished person from Indian Diaspora. The Thursday’s session will begin with Chief Ministers’ conference on investment opportunities. Narendra Modi, Bhupinder Hooda, Manohar Parrikar, Virbhadra Singh, Oommen Chandy and Mukul Sangma are expected to attend the conference.