Guyanese Ashook Ramsaran, president of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), made a passionate presentation at a plenary session of the 12th Annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), an Indian diaspora conference held in New Delhi, India from January 7-9.
Ramsaran made several suggestions to the organisers of the PBD, which, if implemented, will benefit Guyana and Indo-Guyanese and the Indo-Caribbean diaspora.
The concept of the Indian diaspora was partially the brainchild of Guyanese. It was discussed by prominent Indo-Guyanese American leaders, including Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram, and Dr Mahin Gosine, among others, at a planning session at City University of New York (CUNY) Doctoral Centre in New York in February 1987.
Concept
The discussions were initiated by Professor Brinsley Samaroo to organise the Fourth Conference of Indians in the diaspora, focusing on Indo-Caribbean people.
The concept of an Indian diaspora conclave in India was suggested by Guyanese Dharamdatt Sukhai, Ramesh Kalicharran, and Bisram, with Dr Mukhund Modi and Atal Behari Vajpayee – before he became prime minister – at an Indian restaurant in New York. The needs and benefits of a regular conference among people of Indian origin in India were discussed.
After he became prime minister, Vajpayee appointed Ambassador LM Singhvi to head a committee to develop the concept of a diaspora conclave. The committee held several meetings with the diaspora including with Indo-Caribbean people in New York. Out of these meetings, a report was developed that was accepted by the Indian Cabinet to host the PBD that began in 2003.
The conference is held from January 7-9 to coincide with the return of Gandhi to India from South Africa. The PBD is held to bring the global Indian community to interact and discuss matters pertaining to their general and specific interests and concerns that will aid their home countries as their communities.
Connected
In an interview, asked why he attends PBD, Ramsaran, who comes from Whim Village on the Corentyne, noted that, like others, he comes to the annual PBD because it makes people feel connected.
“I am able to meet so many influential people from around the world as well as from the Indian national and state governments. I can outline issues confronting the diaspora including those facing Guyanese and other Caribbean people. I can lobby for various forms of assistance on their behalf,” said Ramsaran. “We care about India and the global community. But we want meaningful dialogue on matters of our interest and our concern relating to India to be discussed and resolved as expeditiously as possible.”
Ramsaran said GOPIO feels that, based on complaints, there is a need for improved consular services, including visas, passports and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards. Guyanese and most foreigners need a visa to travel to India. However, holders of a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card do not need a visa.
He said he is seeking the input of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) and Ministry of External Affairs (MOEA) for GOPIO’s global outreach to assist in updating the 2001 Non-Resident Indian (NRI)/PIO population census that was developed by the high-level commission headed by the late Ambassador Dr Singhvi.
Ramsaran raised several issues at the conference at his plenary session that will benefit Guyana. One issue pertains to the implication of OIC and PIO cards and their expected merger into one for all people of Indian origin.
He urged that the organisers of PBD consult with or seek input from GOPIO and or other leading international Indian organisations on relevant sessions impacting on the diaspora, as well as in the selection of speakers for future PBD events.
Ramsaran also suggested more Indian government responsiveness and engagement on the NRI/PIO community’s needs. Ramsaran pledged GOPIO’s support for MOIA on surveys of Indian migration, second journeys, and remigration.
He also urged Indian organisations to exercise more transparency and accountability in their affairs, as well as responsible leadership and democratic succession. He said there should be inter-ethnic collaboration where Indians are settled so as to avoid isolation of Indian communities in multiethnic societies.
Congratulations
In Delhi, Ramsaran met Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of the Mahatma. Last October, Ela sent a message congratulating Guyanese organisers of the 18th Mahatma Gandhi Peace March in Richmond Hill, applauding their work to unite people. Ramsaran discussed with Gandhi on keys to peaceful existence in multiethnic societies like Guyana.
Ramsaran said Gandhi reiterated her message of cooperation and collaboration with peace and harmony that are vital to those in multi-ethnic societies, including the Caribbean countries of Guyana, Trinidad and others which share significant populations of African and Indian origin, similar to South Africa. (Vishnu Bisram contributed to this article)
