A diaspora conference focused on Punjab was organized by the Chandigarh-based Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) in January. Apart from the presentation of papers, the conference threw light on the pioneering spirit of the Punjabi community that has left some indelible footprints in every continent of the world. It was moderated mainly by DG, CRRID Rashpal Malhotra and retired ambassador P.S. Sahai, CRRID's principal adviser. A host of well-informed members of the diaspora, bureaucrats, journalists, were among those in attendance
WELCOME SHAKE: GOPIO President Inder Singh is welcomed to the conference by Chief Guest the Governor of Punjab S. F. Rodrigues. Also seen in CRRID's P.S. Sahai (centre)
“The conference is structured in a way that enables participants to benefit from different perspectives provided by academicians, diaspora members, NGOs and the Government—based both in India and abroad. It is only through the sharing of such experiences and learning that the Government in the past has been able to evolve viable and practicable policies for encouraging increasing involvement of the diaspora in the development of Punjab. They have also helped the Government to take appropriate steps in looking after the diaspora.”
—P. S. Sahai
GOOD EXCHANGE: The conference had participants from all over the world, the sessions were engaging. Conference papers ranged from subjects such as illegal migration to failed NRI marriages, socio-economic status of immigrants, knowledge sharing, education, healthcare and the role of media, art and literature in connecting the diaspora
WELL MODERATED: The conference was a success, and well moderated mainly due to the untiring efforts of CRRID DG Rashpal Malhotra (second from left), and CRRID's principal adviser P.S. Sahai (second from right)
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