Delivering her valedictory address at the conclusion of the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi on Sunday, she said : “Your immense capacity in talent, skills, experience and finances are known to all. I hope that we will see a rapid increase in the number, size and scope of developmental activities in India by overseas Indians. I am sure that we will also see these initiatives evolving into more comprehensive and long-term projects that will have a significant positive impact on many lives. We would like to measure such projects not in terms of the money spent on them, but in terms of the humans touched and improved by them. Therefore, I call upon each and every one of you to participate to the best of your ability, in at least one endeavour in India for building a better future for the disadvantaged sections of society”.

The President said that it has become a practice to host regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in a country outside India with a view to reach out to Overseas Indians in the country and neighbouring regions. Last year in October it was hosted in Durban and was attended by about 500 delegates from 12 countries and was graced by President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. The next regional PBD will be in Toronto in Canada, this year.

The President thanked the Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for its proposal to set up a Memorial for Indentured Workers at Kolkata Port. This memorial will mark the indomitable spirit of Indian emigrants. In this context, the President quoted noted poet and Nobel Laurate, Rabindra Nath Tagore’s words – “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.”

The President said that this 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas coincides with the 96th anniversary of the homecoming of Mahatma Gandhi back to Indian shores from South Africa on January 9. She was happy to note the presence of Mahatma Gandhi’s grand daughter, Ela Gandhi in the 9th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. She said that she was honoured to have the presence of New Zealand Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand who was the chief guest on the occasion. Sir Anand Satyanand had earlier paid a state visit to India in September 2008 and also during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, last year.