SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL AT THE RECEPTION FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY

Vienna, Austria, 5th October 2011

Members of the Indian community - My Fellow Citizens,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to have this opportunity to interact with the Indian community which across the world today numbers over 25 million. Indians abroad are law-abiding, hardworking, and enterprising. With your energy, your dynamism, your entrepreneurship and your skills you have contributed much to the country of your birth, as well as the country you have selected to live in. Those of you in Austria are no exception.

I am informed that the Indian community in Austria exceeds twenty thousand. This number may appear relatively small; nonetheless, you are making a perceptible contribution in various walks of life. Amongst you are successful businessmen, medical professionals, academics, scientists, students and researchers, as well as management and engineering professionals. I am sure that the goodwill generated by all of you, contributes profoundly to the relationship between India and Austria.

Our two countries enjoy warm and close relations, the foundations of which were laid in the last Century by our leaders. One of our patriots and freedom fighters, Subhash Chandra Bose, came to Austria in 1934. He established the India-Central European Society in Vienna, for the promotion of commercial and cultural relations between Central Europe and India. You would also be aware of the important role played by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in facilitating an Agreement on Austria's State Treaty of 1955. Austria's neutrality and our policy of Non-Alignment saw close cooperation between the leaderships of our two countries. Our countries share a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights, which binds our two peoples together. My own visit to Austria is aimed at giving new momentum to our bilateral relations. All of you can also contribute to this goal. I encourage you in your individual capacities to strengthen and help to expand the bilateral partnership.

The world is changing and India is changing too. The Indian economy has recorded impressive rates of growth on a sustained basis since our process of economic reforms began. India is among the most attractive destinations globally for doing business. Several Indian companies have expanded their global presence in various sectors across the world, including here in Austria. This has raised India's profile among the comity of nations.

We are working to see how the economic dynamism of India, can be harnessed to benefit our peoples and raise their living standards. This is one of the important tasks in which we are engaged. We want our growth process to be inclusive, so that all sections of our populace can have improved standards of living. I am sure that you will be forthcoming in contributing to these national objectives. Your efforts will be most welcome as part of a collective Indian enterprise, in which you are participants. Even though you live overseas, we in India remain concerned about your welfare and progress. India has various initiatives for the benefit of its overseas diaspora. We have a full-fledged Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for the benefit and welfare of the Indian Diaspora. Each year, we celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. I hope to see many of you participating in such events.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the strong and vibrant political and economic partnership between India and Austria can only benefit from endeavours of people who forge ties of friendship. We, in India, are proud of all of you.

I take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy Dussehra, which will be celebrated tomorrow. The many festivals that we observe in India are, of course, joyous occasions but they also speak about our rich and varied cultural traditions.

As Indians overseas, I am sure, festivals are also a time to invite your friends - the nationals of the countries that you live in - to be a part of the celebrations. This way, you share with them your happiness and, at the same time, acquaint them with India. I wish all of you and your families the very best for your future progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!