By SEETA PERSAD Saturday, November 28 2009

India’s Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Thursday night highly praised people of Indian origin who had settled in Trinidad and Tobago and other countries throughout the world.

He was, at the time, delivering a welcome speech at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wrighton Road, Port-of-Spain, on Thursday evening.

His audience comprised of special guests invited by the Indian High Commissioner to TT, Malay Mishra. Among them were members of the business community as well as prominent people of East Indian descent. “The sun never sets on people of Indian origin across the world as they remain a phenomenal community, with their creative ability forging new establishments wherever they are settled,” Singh said.

He urged the businessmen of TT to make use of opportunities offered by India. “Walk with us to find new pathways to major investments in India,” he urged. He noted too that the Indian diaspora provided a mega network between India and the rest of the world. He emphasised that pluralism and individualism enable East Indians to adapt, and adopt new homes and neighbourhoods. He went on to say that the Indian heritage was all encompassing as it offered shade to everyone in branches all over the world. He cited as an example, the banyan tree that has the capacity to shade people.

Singh had the attention of every one when he said his government was committed to cementing a new dawn with the people of Indian origin of TT and the rest of the world. He also said that Indians have travelled the world for many years, as traders and teachers.

He touched on the topic of the education system in India, saying that while the universities offered a high standard of eduction they have not been aggressive in attracting overseas students. This he said, was being one of the mandates of the government of India for the future.

He said that the shared culture remains a cornerstone in India in the relationship with the diaspora.

Mishra introduced Singh as the first Indian Prime Minister of India since Jawaharlal Nehru, to return to power after completing a full five-year term. During his tenure as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, Singh was widely credited for carrying out economic reforms in India. In 1991 he recalled, a move by Singh which resulted in the end of the infamous Licence Raj system.

Following the 2004 general elections, Singh was unexpectedly declared as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Indian National Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. He was sworn in as the prime minister on May 22, 2004, along with the First Manmohan Singh Cabinet. After the Indian National Congress won the 2009 general elections, Singh was reappointed as the Prime Minister of India on May 22, 2009.

Each guest had the opportunuty to meet with the Indian PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the function. TT’s Opposition Leader, Basdeo Panday, and his wife Oma Panday together with Winston Dookeran were present at the event. Former president of the TT senate, Linda Baboolal and husband, Michael occupied the front tables.