INDIA'S GLOBAL MAGAZINE
Pravasi Bharat 

PRAVASI BHARAT

Bibiji Inderjit Kaur named New Mexico Representative and ambassador to India
Dr Bibiji Inderjit Kaur has been appointed representative and ambassador to India by Bill Richardson, the Governor of New Mexico and US presidential candidate for 2008. Richardson in his directive wrote: “Dr. Kaur’s charge as my representative shall include speaking on behalf of the State’s interest as directed by my office, promotion of the State of New Mexico and acting as New Mexico’s official representative in governmental meetings. Please regard Dr. Kaur as you would me in your dealings between the State of New Mexico and India, its states and cities.” This is the first time anyone has been appointed as an ambassador from New Mexico to India.
In 1990 she was recognised as the ‘Outstanding Woman in New Mexico’ by the then Governor Bruce King’s Commission on the Status of Women, following which, she was inducted into the New Mexico Hall of Fame. In 2006 Bibji was named New Mexico’s Ambassador of Peace by Senator Shannon Robinson.
Awareness workshops about NRI marriages
India’s Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi informed the Rajya Sabha on March 2 that two workshops were organised recently by his ministry, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women, to create awareness among prospective brides and their parents about the problems that may arise in marriages with NRIs.
The ministry has also prepared a revised guidance booklet titled “Marriage to Overseas Indians” which was released by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas on January 7, 2007.
Fiji: Best Foot Forward
The Fiji US Soccer Association led by President Mr. Narendra Narayan and his association will be looking at assisting the Fiji tour in California. Mr. Gurjit Singh, a former Fiji U-20 and Olympic team coach said that this tour is important for the Fiji team. Unlike the last tour of US where they played weaker teams, playing against MLS teams will be an important test. This will give an invaluable exposure to the Fiji players. Fiji needs to get out of Oceania region more often and play tougher teams instead of teams in New Zealand and Australia. In future, it will be beneficial to also play against some of the top tier Mexican teams as well. Consistent build games of this caliber are the only way to qualify for the World Cup. Fiji FA should also pay more attention to the National U-20 and U-17 teams and give them the same amount of exposure, especially with Australia moving to Asia, there is a direct spot for grabs in the National Youth teams. Once, the U-20 and U-17 teams qualify for the Youth World Cup, more Fiji youth players will start featuring for the top clubs as this is where the scouts are recruiting. The 2007 Youth World Cup is in Canada of which the Fiji U-20 has a chance of qualifying. The Fiji coach Buzetti is calling out the Fiji community to come out in droves and support this tour and make it a memorable one.