Minister Ravi Praises Indian-Americans At R-Day Event In NY

NEW YORK (NNN-UNI) -- Scores of Indian-Americans celebrated Republic Day last night in the presence of Minister for Overseas Indians Vayalar Ravi, community leaders, local politicians and diplomats.

Welcoming the gathering, Consul General Prabhu Dayal, who hosted the meeting, pointed out that the bilateral relationship is the strongest ever thanks to the efforts of the Indian community in the US, which excelled in various fields and contributed significantly for the cause.

“A lot of credit in this respect should go to you,” he stated from the podium where both national flags were put up.

The minister echoed the consul general's sentiments. “You're more knowledgeable about India than resident Indians thanks to the electronic media,” he remarked.

Pointing out that India is now a major economic powerhouse, Ravi said, “We have not been affected much despite the widespread negative effects of the crisis in several parts of the world triggered by the Wall Street.”

He attributed that to the deft handling of the situation by the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The ongoing rural employment scheme in India is the largest of its kind in the world providing guaranteed jobs to millions of villagers. --NNN-UNI