New Delhi, March 9 – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Pratyush Kanth said on Monday that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are the true ambassadors of Indian culture, who play a crucial role in achieving "Developed India@2047".
Speaking at the launch of a book "Great Indo-Canadians" by Toronto-based senior journalist Gurmukh Singh, Kanth said that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has been making significant progress and utilizing the contributions of people of Indian origin living abroad.
"Indians living abroad have earned a name for themselves and the country through hard work. They have also preserved Indian culture wherever they have settled," the BJP National Spokesperson added.
Kanth praised author Gurmukh Singh for playing the role of a guardian of Indian culture and ethos.
"His book transcends the boundaries of standard storytelling and highlights the lives of patriotic Indo-Canadian achievers, who are role models for the younger generation," he said.
This coffee-table book features some unique Indo-Canadian entrepreneurs who have created successful businesses, enriched society by giving back in various ways, including charity, and promoted "Brand India" in Canada.
Among these individuals are those who have received top awards in both Canada and India.
V.I. 'Lucky' Lakshmanan, born in Tamil Nadu, is Canada's top clean energy scientist, and the founder of Process Research ORTECH – which is a global leader in sustainable process technologies today. He has been honoured with the Order of Canada and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
Ramesh Chotai, originally from Gujarat, founded one of Canada's top privately run pharmacy chains – Bromed Pharmaceuticals. He has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.
Satish Thakkar, born in Haryana, who is a chartered accountant-entrepreneur and has led the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Canada India Foundation, and founded the Excelsior Group with interests in real estate, is credited with bringing yoga and Ayurveda to Canada.
Anil Shah, born in Gujarat, who founded Ni-Met, a leader in metal trading, is credited with pioneering Diwali charity galas in Canada.
Surjit Babra, born in Ludhiana, was the first Sikh entrepreneur to establish an airline – SkyLink.
More than anything else, the individuals featured in this book have donated millions to charities in Canada and India.
With its lovely flowing style and attractive visuals, this book makes for a great read.
Gurmukh Singh, based in Toronto, is a former Special Correspondent for The Times of India (Delhi).
He has also written for major Canadian newspapers such as The Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, National Post, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).