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

Warsaw, Poland, 23rd April, 2009

Namaskar,

It is always a great pleasure to meet compatriots outside India. I would like to thank all of you for coming to this reception being hosted by our Ambassador.

This is my first visit to Poland. And I am impressed by the natural beauty of this country and its warm and friendly people.

Relations between India and Poland have traditionally been friendly and cooperative. Our two countries have a multi-dimensional engagement. We have maintained a tradition of high-level political visits.

It is also heartening that there is growing interaction at the people-to-people level. The strong interest in Indology amongst the Polish people is most gratifying and we should help sustain it. India has old cultural ties with Poland. Several universities in Poland are offering Indology courses at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Sanskrit studies started in Jagiellonian University in 1893. I was also happy to learn about the interest of Polish youth in India, including their interest in Indian films and songs. It is heartening that the number of Polish people going to India has steadily increased in the last few years. It is also good to see the presence of the Indian community here.

I understand that a majority of you have come to Poland in recent years and a number of you have also married in Polish society. Some of you are involved in business. Our bilateral trade, which has been growing at a healthy rate since 2001, has crossed the 1 billion dollar mark for the first time in 2008. The presence of Indian companies and investments by them in Poland is expanding. Polish companies are also having an increasing presence in India. But the potential for us to do more with Poland remains and there are many opportunities, which both sides can exploit.

Indians abroad are well known for being responsible citizens of the countries of their domicile, even while they steadfastly adhere to their culture, ethos and value system. The Government of India is keenly interested in the welfare of our people who choose to live abroad. We now have a separate Ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs, which looks into these issues. The Government of India also annually organizes functions like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and gives the Bhartiya Samman awards in recognition of the contributions made by Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin living abroad, to building bridges of friendship between India and their country of domicile. I have no doubt that each one of you has also contributed in your own way towards building bridges between India and Poland and we appreciate your efforts.

I wish to recognise the role of Indian organisations like the Indian Association of Poland, the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indo-Polish Cultural Committee in promoting cross- cultural understandings. I also understand that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and the Brahma Kumaris have a good following in Poland and are contributing towards better cross cultural understanding between our two countries. India has since time immemorial promoted the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy that is 'The World is One'.

We are happy to see the progress made by Indians living overseas. In some countries, there are multinational corporations owned by Non-Resident Indians and PIOs. Indian professionals like doctors, engineers, financial and legal consultants, university professors, management gurus and many in senior executive positions have a formidable reputation. While they have done well for themselves, they are also sharing their knowledge, expertise know-how and wealth with their native country, India. The IITians have raised millions of dollars in financial grants to their alma maters. I am aware of thousands of NRIs who are making a difference in the lives of peoples in their villages and towns. They have set up charity schools, health clinics, community centres, built roads, provided drinking water facility and engaged in similar developmental activities. These are laudable activities and initiatives, which we deeply appreciate.

India's all round development in the last decade has been impressive. Our profile in the international arena has grown. Though, we have been affected by the global economic downturn, so far the impact has been mostly contained. Our effort is to be on the path of growth and seek growth that is inclusive.

As you might know, the electoral process to constitute the 15th Lok Sabha is currently underway. This is a gigantic exercise involving an electorate of 714 million people. We all can be justly proud of the secular and democratic credentials of our polity.

I would like to express my good wishes to all of you and your families. I urge you to be responsible residents of this country, the land of your domicile and contribute to its happiness, peace and prosperity. I would also like you to support the strengthening of ties between India and Poland.

I bring greetings and good wishes from India to you all, and to the people of Poland.

Jai Hind.