25-09-2008 : Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has urged the youth of Indian origin around the world to become goodwill ambassadors. The President was speaking while interacting with a group of 31 persons of Indian origin from 10 different countries who are currently participating in the 9th Know India Programme of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The meeting took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
The President said that the youngsters should build a network of friends to spread the message that India stands for peace in the world and for the principles of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who taught India about Non-violence and Peace. These were the principles, Smt. Patil said, by which India won its independence and through which it wants peace on the globe. The President said that India is making rapid economic progress and is one of the fastest growing economies today. The President said that India's youth is excelling in various fields such as Information Technology, in which India is a world leader. Smt. Patil further said there no doubt are challenges before the country, such as poverty and disease and said she was confident that the Nation would be able to overcome these challenges successfully. The President also said that the Government is working for inclusive growth and the creation of an equitable society.
Interacting with the President, the participants said that during their visits to the States of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, their experiences were memorable, incredible and spiritual. Many of them were overwhelmed to visit the land of their forefathers. All of them felt that the programme has given them an opportunity to understand the culture of India and to know about the economic developments taking place in India. The visit also made them proud of being of Indian origin and also gave them a sense of belonging and being connected, a feeling which they never experienced before.
The release issued at 1400 hrs
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