Shri P. Sreeramakrishnan, Hon'ble Speaker, Kerala Legislature,

Shri N. K. Premachandran, Member of Parliament,

Prof. P.J. Kurien, Former Deputy Chairman, Rajyasabha,

Adv. V.K. Prasanth, Mayor, Corporation Thiruvananthapuram,

Adv. I. B. Satheesh, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Shri R.S. Bharathi, Member of Parliament, Tamil Nadu,

Dr. D. Babu Paul IAS (Retd.)

Shri M.M. Hassan, Former Minister for Norka Kerala,

Shri V. S. Surendran Pillai, Chairman, Celebration Committee,

Shri M.S. Faizal Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Noorul Islam University,

Shri Kadakkal Ramesh, Vice Chairman, NRI Council of India,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.

       I am very happy to address the valedictory meeting of the 17^th Pravasi Bharatheeya Day celebrations of the Pravasi Bharathi News Bulletin and NRI Coordination Council.

Let me at the outset, congratulate Shri P. Sreeramakrishnan, Hon'ble Speaker, Kerala Legislature, Adv. I. B. Satheesh MLA, noted actor Shri Indrans, noted entrepreneurs Shri Gokulam Gopalan and Shri Sanil Kumar Bhaskaran on being honored today.

I also appreciate the efforts of the Pravasi Bharathi Forum and NRI Co-Ordination Council which regular make earnest attempt to solve the issues of non-resident Keralites.  Their efforts to organize this function at a time when non resident Keralites are contributing greatly to the rebuilding of our beloved State, in laudable.

As we all know, it was in 2002 that 9^th January was declared as  Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas by the Government of India to honour Non-Resident Indians spread all over the world for their outstanding contribution to social welfare.  The date, 9^th January, commemorates the return of Gandhiji from South Africa to India in 1915. Choosing such a historically important date to recognize the services of our non-resident citizens indicates the significance we have attached to the contributions of Indians who work abroad.

Migration has been a major reason for change in the quality of life in many societies. We may recall that in the eighties and nineties, the remittances from abroad had pushed Kerala's real per capita income to an all time high.  At that time, our economists had called this a special model of
export-led growth, because the commodity that we exported was human labour.

I understand that today, we have around  16.25 lakh Non-Resident Malayalis and 90% of them are working in the Gulf countries. I am told that 35.5% of these non-resident Keralites work in the United Arab Emirates.  Naturally, the economic and social impact of the Gulf phenomenon on Kerala is clearly evident in the progress we have achieved in the last three decades.

The contribution of the Non-resident Keralites is seen not only at the family level, but also at the community, State and national level. The greatest change it has brought about is in the family level, by improving household earnings, which lead to better health, education and life style.  Today, our Economic Review says that around 50 lakh people in Kerala are dependent on Non-Resident Malayalis. Besides, the participation of many of our people in the Loka Kerala Sabha which was constituted to build a Navakeralam, is ample proof of the non-resident Keralites' dedication to the needs of our State.

Recently, we had also seen the international impact of the Keralite presence in other countries. The very positive response that our rebuilding initiatives received from governments and citizens of the countries where our people serve, especially the Gulf countries, was a reflection of how much those nations valued the services of Keralites.  Their love for Kerala is actually a recognition of the dedicated work done by our people in enriching the economic profile and global visibility of those nations.

However, there are some realities that we cannot ignore. First of all, after the recession of 2008, remittances to our State from abroad have come down and the number of job opportunities in foreign countries is also coming down. Added to this, we also have to ensure livelihood for hundreds of people who return from the Gulf countries. I am told that associations like the Kerala Gulf Returnees’ Organisation (AKGRO) are conducting some activities in this direction.  It is satisfying to know that people like Pravasibandhu
Dr. S. Ahamed and Shri Kadakkal Ramesh, are working to extend financial aid to the Gulf Returnees for self employment, treatment, education of their children etc.

You may be aware of the activities of the Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department (NORKA) which has been offering Legal aid for those working abroad and other assistance through programmes like Saanthvanam and Kaarunya etc. The associations of non-resident Keralites should also take the lead in creating awareness about healthy living among our people, because one of the major reasons for many people returning from Gulf countries is poor health. The extreme heat and food habits in Gulf countries contribute to health issues which reduce the productivity of our people abroad. 

Therefore, I would suggest that organizations of non-resident Keralites should initiate awareness programmes about skill requirements, legal provisions for migrants, for people who would like to work in other countries. Though there are facilities for these activities at the government level, the cooperation of people who are well aware of the conditions in other countries would increase the effect of such work.

I sincerely hope that organizations like  NRI Coordination Council, Kerala Gulf Returnees’ Organisation etc., would come forward to conduct such awareness programmes at the village levels so that our youth who intend to seek employment abroad would get a clear picture of what awaits them.

       I once again congratulate the people who were honored today. I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Thank You,

Jai Hind.