JEDDAH, 30 September — NRI, an abbreviation used for non-resident Indians, was ironically referred to by some sections of the community as non-required Indians. These sections felt that they were being ignored by successive governments back home and not given due importance while formulating policies.
“Not so. The present government considers them as so important in the country’s social fabric that they are now recognized as a national resource of India,” Consul General Syed Akbaruddin said over the weekend.
Speaking at a program to commemorate the 55th anniversary of India’s independence at a function at Le Jeddah Meridien, the consul general, urged the community to make use of the upcoming “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” (Indians Abroad Day) being held in New Delhi from Jan. 9-11 to voice their grievances and opinions on various issues concerning them.
“This is an opportunity for all NRIs and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) to understand the sentiments of 20 million-strong Indian diaspora in 110 countries and their expectations of India, and propose an appropriate policy framework for a sustained and productive interaction,” he said.
The event marked a spellbinding program of patriotic and other songs from Bollywood playback singer Muhammad Aziz as well as from local artists. Some of the songs were yesteryear hits rendered by Muhammad Rafi and others crooned by Aziz for various Hindi films.
Akbaruddin released a souvenir brought out by Indian Cultural Society to mark the event.
The consul general also presented a shawl and an award to Aziz on ICS’ behalf for completing 25 years as a crooner.