Drs. Rajindre Tewari conveyed his greetings from Holland. Drs Tewari, on behalf of the Indian diaspora in Holland, communicated the expectations of a sustained relationship between India and Holland irrespective of political climate change in India. He illustrated the need of the global Indian diaspora by alluding to the menu at an Indian restaurant. According to Drs Tewari, it is time to go beyond regional flavours and embrace a unified Indian offering for fostering greater cultural and commercial ties. Indian diaspora in Holland which is finding favour nearer home, in Germany, would be glad to engage with India for research, education, business, commerce, and enterprise for a mutually beneficial relationship between the diaspora and its mother nation. Drs Tewari also encouraged the global Indian diaspora to come together for opportunities like the India-South Africa joint petition to the WTO.

Dr Malay Mishra spoke about the OCI card at length, continuing on the subject tabled for discussion by Dr Ramsamy. Dr Mishra shared a brief history of the Ministry of Overseas India Affairs, and editor Chakravarty highlighted some significant milestones of the MOIA under Dr Mishra’s stewardship. Dr Mishra was instrumental in laying the foundation for providing privileges, similar to those enjoyed by Indian citizens, to the global Indian diaspora who belong to the “People of Indian Origin (PIO)” category. Lord Ranger also spoke highly about Dr Malay Mishra. Speaking about the U.K. exhibit in Trinidad & Tobago, Lord Ranger was all praises for Dr Mishra’s gesture and hospitality when he was Indian High Commissioner to T&T.