The Indian
Diaspora is a generic term to describe the people who migrated from territories that are
currently within the borders of the Republic of India. It also refers to their
descendants. The Diaspora is currently estimated to number over twenty million. composed
of "NRIs" (Indian citizens not residing in India) and "PIOs" (Persons
of Indian Origin who have acquired the citizenship of some other country). The Diaspora
covers practically every part of the world. It numbers more than a million each in eleven
countries, while as many as twenty-two countries have concentrations of at least a hundred
thousand ethnic Indians.
The Diaspora is very special to India. Residing in distant lands,
its members have succeeded spectacularly in their chosen professions by dint of their
single-minded dedication and hard work. What is more, they have retained their emotional,
cultural and spiritual links with the country of their origin. This strikes a reciprocal
chord in the hearts of people of India. It is to nurture this symbiotic relationship to
mutual advantage that the Government of India, following the express directions of the
Prime Minister, had established a High Level Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. L.M
Singhvi, MP, with the mandate to make an in-depth study of the problems and difficulties,
the hopes and expectations of the overseas Indian communities. Given the great diversity
and global spread of the Indian Diaspora, it was a mammoth task. The Committee completed
it within the timeframe set for it, with the active cooperation of NRIs and PIOs and
submitted the Report to the Prime Minister on 8th January, 2002.
The High Level Committee in its recommendations suggested
formation of an organization on the lines of Planning Commission to look after the affairs
of Overseas Indians. Hon’ble PM has however decided to have a full- fledged Ministry
of Overseas Indian Affairs headed by Shri Jagdish Tytler, Minister of State with
Independent Charge to deal with affairs related to Overseas Indians. |
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Non Resident
Indians & Persons of Indian Origin Division
Ministry of
External Affairs
ISIL Building
9, Bhagwan
Das Road
New Delhi-110
001
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Last updated on 05 October 2004
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