What NRIs from Gulf had to say at PBD '08

The 6th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas saw over 1,500 Non Resident Indians from various parts of the globe. This time around NRIs from the Gulf were seen in large numbers. They had much to share and also an equal amount to complain about.

The session involving the Indian Diaspora from the Gulf was attended by over 100 persons and this probably was the only session throughout the event that ran to a full house.

The Indians settled in the Gulf had much to complain about.

The horrific incident in which over 200 workers in the Gulf had to return to India was still fresh in their minds.

Clearly they were asking for more from the Indian government -- a welfare fund for the returnees, more protection from the government of India, just to name a few.

Apart from this, Indians from the Gulf complained extensively about the poor air connectivity between the two countries, which was causing a major problem for them.

They said they had a major problem with Air India and also brought this to the issue of the Indian government. Although they had so many complaints, they clearly seemed to have the upper hand when compared to the rest of the NRIs.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that at least 50 per cent of the funds that roll into India from the NRIs is from the Gulf. It was evident that the NRI from the Gulf was no longer interested in taking the back seat and being preferred over the NRI from the West. They clearly were more outspoken and demanded for their rights with authority.

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi too did not let them down. He made a host of promises for these people, which only gave them more reason to smile about.

He assured them of better air connectivity. He told a media conference later that a private airline will start flying into the Gulf soon and this would sort out the problem. Regarding the Government carrier, he said that the issue will be taken up. Ravi also said that a welfare fund for those who had to come back under difficult circumstances from the Gulf is awaiting the Cabinet nod.

So what did this PBD mean to those Indians settled in the Gulf?

Umesh Chandra, an engineer from Kuwait felt that the event was a good platform to share their experiences. He said that this was a great opportunity for investors, especially for those from the Gulf countries who could purchase land over there.

Umesh said he wishes to return to India for the next PBD and added that the next time he would like it if more options to invest were given.

C Sabu, an entrepreneur from Doha says that the people in the Gulf sure are making money, but there are a lot of problems too. He said that through this forum, they were able to discuss their problems.