Dear Editor,
Guyanese born Ashook Ramsaran, current Secretary General of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), who headed a business delegation to the recent diaspora summit in Delhi, met with India’s President Dr. Abdul Kalam.
Ramsaran said the delegation was warmly received by the President who treated them to a “lovely reception” in his magnificent home. He added that the delegation had a fruitful exchange with the Indian President. The meeting took place at the palatial Rashtrapati Bhavan, residence of the President on the sidelines of the Global Indian Diaspora summit in New Delhi. Rashtrapati Bhavan is where President Jagdeo was hosted during his two state visits to India a couple of years ago.
The members of the delegation included Ramsaran and Yesu Persaud from Guyana as well as representatives from Suriname, Trinidad, St. Vincent and Jamaica.
The President met the delegation at the request of the group to bring more awareness to the organization’s goal of encouraging more trade and economic development between India and countries of the Caribbean Region. The Caribbean Business Develop-ment Council’s leader, Ashook Ramsaran, told President Kalam that “we are truly inspired and encouraged by your vision for the technology-based future that shows your insight and promise for a better tomorrow, especially for those who are most needy”.
President Kalam was very receptive of the group, expressing interest in the NY-based CIBDC’s efforts to promote trade and investment in the Caribbean region. He expressed positive views on the synergies between India’s economic interests and the availability of natural resources in the Caribbean and South American region. President Kalam said his office is interested in the organization’s business proposals and welcomes the group’s initiatives. The President wishes that his office be informed of proposals and initiatives so that he can be aware of progress being made.
The President told the gathering that he was very impressed with the warm treatment accorded to India’s Vice President Bhairon Shehkawat and the Indian delegation during the Vice President ‘s visit to Guyana and Trinidad last November. He stated that he is also impressed how Indians in the Global Indian Diaspora have been able to retain their cultural traditions, despite being far removed from India and faced with harsh conditions as indentured laborers.
The Guyanese delegation suggested that the President undertake a visit to Guyana. The President said he had received official invitations but was non-committal about a proposed visit at this time. He said he would like to have more contacts with the countries where Indians are settled.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
