Shri Vijay Goel delivers key note address at Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Bengaluru, Karnataka
Minister of state (I/C) for youth affairs and Sports Shri vijay Goel has said that the Government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has embarked on the mission of building a united, strong and modern India – “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, following the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”. In his key note address at the inaugural session of the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas at Bengaluru today he said that a number of path-breaking initiatives have been taken and these are exciting times in India. He said ‘Make in India’ campaign has been launched to develop India as a global manufacturing hub. ‘Digital India’ initiative seeks to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. ‘Skill India’ has being launched to impart necessary skills to prepare Indians for the opportunities in Indian Economy as also the opportunities abroad. A number of initiatives, including Smart Cities Project, have been launched for developing infrastructure. ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ and ‘Clean Ganga’ Mission have been launched for building a clean and green India.
The minister said, the Government is laying great emphasis on promoting enterprise and innovations, in order to unleash the youth energy and to put India on the path of high rate of economic growth and employment generation. ‘Start up India’ campaign has been launched and a very liberal and attractive policy regime, comprising of tax and non-tax incentives, has been created to promote start-ups in India.
Shri Goel said all these initiatives of the Government require active involvement and support of all stakeholders. Huge investments will be necessary. The young Indian Diaspora can play an important role in this ambitious task of building a modern and prosperous India. The Government has also taken various steps to facilitate this process by simplifying rules and procedures for the Overseas Indians.
Shri Goel said the youth are indeed the most dynamic and vibrant segment of the population in any country. India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with about 65% population under 35 years of age. It is expected that by the year 2020, the population of India would have a median age of 28 years only as against 38 years for US, 42 years for China and 48 years for Japan.
He said, the Indian Youth have always been highly talented, hard-working and enterprising. A large number of young Indians have moved to various parts of the world and have made valuable contributions, earning a good name for themselves and for the country of their origin. A sizeable section of Overseas Indian community comprises of highly skilled young professionals, who have been extremely successful in their respective spheres of work. Indian IT professionals command respect all over the world.
Shri Goel said his Ministry is engaged in the noble task of developing the personality and leadership qualities of the youth by involving them in community service and various nation-building activities. This is being done, inter-alia, through two youth volunteering organisations, namely, National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). NYKS currently has 8.6 million youth volunteers enrolled through 3.03 lakh youth clubs with presence in entire rural India and NSS has 3.66 million student volunteers in senior secondary schools and colleges all over the country. In fact, NSS was started in 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi had once said “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. In the same spirit, the Motto of NSS is “Not Me, but You”. We also have Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), which is our premier institution in the field of youth development.
Shri Goel said, the Overseas Indian youth willing to make contribution to various social causes can connect to NYKS, NSS and RGNIYD and work with them to contribute in building a strong India.
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All India Waqf conference gets underway
Ministry, Nawadco and CWC collectively striving to use auqaf for welfare of Minorities Specially Muslims: Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs said that the Centre, National Waqf Development Corporation (NAWADCO) and Central Waqf Council together have launched a campaign to utilise the Waqf properties for socio-economic-educational empowerment of minority communities specially Muslims. The Minority Affairs Ministry has been working on different strategies for welfare of Muslim community which include protection and development of Waqf properties, he added.
Shri Naqvi stated this while inaugurating All India Waqf Conference in New Delhi today. He said that several States have come forward for better utilisation of Waqf properties, for progress of Muslims. Most states have been performing well but more needs to be done by all the States and UTs.
All States should constitute the three Member Tribunals, the Minister said further. Shri Naqvi said that all efforts are being made to ensure that all Waqf Boards and their records across the country are computerised and Minority Affairs Ministry has been providing all possible help to the State Waqf Boards. The Computerisation of Waqf Boards and their properties will help in ensuring transparency in functioning of Waqf Boards
Appreciating all participants for their efforts in ensuring that all auqafs under their charge are properly maintained, controlled, he urged to use the income from such properties to achieve the laid objectives for which such auqafs were created. He urged them to extend their full cooperation in implementing the Waqf Act, Lease Rules, relevant schemes etc., which will not only help in computerization of all records but will also increase the income of the Waqf Boards/Muttawallis. During the meetings, power point presentations on waqf issues were made by the Ministry of Minority Affairs; Central Waqf Council; NAWADCO, Haryana, Karnataka and Kerala State Waqf Boards and extensive deliberations were held on all the items of agenda.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Ameising Luikham,the Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs said thatUnder the provisions of the amended Waqf Act, 1995, the Ministry of Minority Affairs notified the Waqf Properties Lease Rules on 3.6.14. These rules provide for restriction on grant of lease in certain cases; procedure to be followed for lease/registration/renewal of lease properties; rights and obligations of the lessor and lessee etc. Based on the difficulties faced by some State Waqf Boards in implementing the notified rules, some amendments therein were modified on 25.8.2015. One of the important provisions of the Act relate to framing of Waqf Rules by the State/UT Governments. For assisting the State/UT Governments in this regard, the Ministry of Minority Affairs prepared the relevant model rules and provided copies thereof to all States/UTs on 18.7.16 for consideration. However, most states are yet to notify revised rules. He hoped that constructive and positive results will emerge from today’s deliberations.
Earlier welcoming the gathering Shri Jaa-ne Aalam,J S in the Ministry outlined the agenda of the meeting.
Shri Ashok Pai, CEO, NAWADCO said that income of merely Rs.163 crores from huge Waqf properties shows that steps need to be taken to improve the management of Waqf properties. Emphasising the effective implementation of Lease Rules under revised Act, he promised to extend all possible help in developing the Waqf properties. He said across the country 100 properties have been identified and intentions received for developing 35 properties, so far.
The Secretary CWC, Shri Jamal Ahmad gave vote of thanks at the end of inaugural session.
Management of Waqf properties is a very important area of public policy. The Waqf Act 1995 regulates the administration of Waqfs. The Ministry has also launched several schemes. This Conference has been organized to review the implementation of the schemes for strengthening of Waqf Boards and computerization of records as well as to review the functioning of the Waqf Act 1995.
To deal with complaints regarding Waqf properties, one-man “Board of Adjudication” will be established soon at the Centre level to be headed by a retired Supreme Court Justice or retired High Court Chief Justice. Three-member Tribunals are being established in the States. About 15-16 states have established these tribunals.
The conference will discuss various issues related to implementation of amendments incorporated in the Waqf Act, 1995; Waqf Properties Lease Rules, 2014; framing of Waqf Rules by the State/UT Governments; review of progress under the schemes relating to grant of financial assistance to the State Waqf Boards for computerization of Waqf properties; strengthening of Waqf Boards; and development of Waqf properties by National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd. (NAWADCO).
Officials from about 20 States/UTs are participating in the Conference besides Officers from the Ministry, NAWADCO, CWC and NMDFC. Those participating include Assam,Chhatisgarh,Delhi,Haryana,Kerala,Madhya,Pudducheri,Orissa,Tamilnadu,Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh etc.
Address by Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.) Minister of State for External Affairs at the Inaugural Session of Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Role of Diaspora Youth in the Transformation of India
His Excellency Michael Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of Suriname,
Shri Siddaramaiahji, Chief Minister of Karnataka,
Shri Vijay Goel ji, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports,
My young friends and delegates attending the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention,
Young overseas Indians from four Know India Programmes,
Students from the National Service Scheme,
Students from colleges and universities in Bengaluru area,
It is a pleasure to be here today at the inaugural session of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
At the outset, I extend to all of you warm and heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all in this New Year 2017.
A long time ago, your elders embarked on an arduous journey, uprooting themselves from familiar surroundings, to seek their dreams. Armed only with their belief in their abilities, they transformed the world around them against all odds and constructed realities from dreams.
The common thread, the indestructible filament that binds all of you together is the enduring connect with a country whose history dates back to five millennia, whose contemporary reality takes you on an incredible journey and whose future offers you endless possibilities. We consider you as one of our own and we offer you the best of what we have.
Whether you are looking for adventure tourism, or affordable quality education, or tech start-ups or even a market for novel utility products, India offers limitless opportunities. For example, Bengaluru alone is home to many educational and research institutions such. It is also home to several active tech startups. Similar facilities and opportunities exist in towns and cities across the country.
To familiarize the Diaspora youth with the limitless opportunity and potential that is India, and to harness their imagination and creativity, we have several programmes in place.
The Know India Programme, through which many of you are visiting India presently, is one such scheme aimed to give you a flavour of India and provide a platform for interaction with policy makers; industry and civil society. We hope that the KIP alumni will remain in touch with one another as well as with us, including through new networking platforms.
The Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children enables Diaspora youth to pursue Undergraduate courses in Indian Universities and Institutes. This programme has recently been revamped and extended from 44 to 66 countries; and the number of scholarships has also been increased. A portal has been set up to enable online application and processing.
Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz programme which Prime Minister launched for young overseas Indians in the last PBD in 2015 in Gandhinagar was another initiative which received tremendous response. The winners received medals from PM during the inauguration of Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra on Gandhiji’s birthday, October 2 this year.
The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas which we launched in 2015 was yet another reflection of our conviction in the power of the youth Diaspora to bring in change. The 2015 Youth PBD was about3Cs, Connect- to connect the Indian Diasporas to their motherland;Celebrate- to celebrate the pride in the history and civilization heritage of India and;Contribute- participation in transforming India.
I would like to mention in this Youth PBD 2017, about 4 Ts through which you can transform your lives as well as that of India. These are:
• Talent
• Technology
• Training
• Teamwork
The first T: Talent
By 2020, the average age in India will be 29 making it the world’s youngest country with 64% of the population in the working age group. The Prime Minister’s vision will make India the skill capital of the world by 2022. Whatever your chosen field of endeavour, you will encounter many Indians in your peer group. If you have the relevant talent, relevant skill-set and are willing to partner with us, there is a world of opportunity for you. Cross-fertilization of ideas can also bring rich rewards to your host country.
Sharpening of talents or skills requires infrastructure that we can build together as partners. Skilling is not a zero-sum-game. An increase in competence levels and range of skills in India would contribute to greater employment opportunities both within India and elsewhere, thanks to linkage and multiplier effects.
The skilling eco-system should also lead to innovation and techno-entrepreneurship which, directly or indirectly, result in social good. I am happy to note that the Youth PBD 2017 has a plenary session on Start-ups and Innovation which have a social impact in India.
The second T: Technology
Indian achievements in the field of Science and Technology need no reiteration: From super computer to indigenous space programme; Mars Mission to Chandrayaan; Antarctic mission to oceanographic research, there are several stellar examples. We have always believed in Technology with a human face.
Knowledge-based economies know no boundaries. Today, the world is already a digital village. With technology, we can transform lives at the touch of a button.
From the use of networking platforms to stay connected; or social media to disseminate information; creation of technology partnerships, there are a zillion ways in which you can transform lives through technology.
The third T: Training
In an age of rapid technological transformation, learning is not a one-time process with a fixed beginning and end, but a continuous flow of constantly learning, unlearning and relearning.
We consider this as a two-way process. Knowledge multiplies when shared. We are ready to offer training and education to you in areas where we are good at and similarly, we will be happy to take you up on your offers of expertise in your areas of interest. Training could also take the shape of internships; volunteering or even philanthropy. The choice is yours.
Living far from home as students is challenging. We must make it easier for students to focus on excellence– whether they are Indian students abroad, or NRI students or other foreign students in India. To help us understand the related issues and possible solutions, the Youth PBD 2017 includes plenary sessions on issues faced by Indian students abroad and NRI and PIO students in India. We have recently launched a platform for online registration of Indian students abroad – it is voluntary and will help us estimate the number of such students, map them and also reach out to them in a more effective manner.
At the Youth PBD you will also have an opportunity to meet and interact with the young students who have come here from all over India and especially from colleges and universities in Bengaluru.
And finally, T: Teamwork
Global good cannot be achieved by any single country alone. Also, the challenges that we face in the world today are too complicated to be addressed by any single country. We need to realize this and stand together. We need to strengthen the bridges that connect us and create new ones.
We have launched a number of flagship programmes to achieve our developmental objectives. Our dream is of a prosperous, skilful, enterprising, clean and futuristic India. The Smart Cities Mission; the Digital India; the Skill India; the Start Up India; the Swacch Bharat Campaign are all part of our efforts to realize that dream. We also look at our friends and partner countries to realize that dream. Our challenges also offer opportunities for you to be part of India’s growth story through which you will also realize your dreams.
I could give several reasons why India has an exciting story to offer, but the most compelling is what you see around you for yourself. Take the time to visit the Exhibition at the PBD convention which showcases the flagship programmes, state governments’ initiatives; and Indian craft and cultural bazaar. I am sure you will also enjoy the cultural performances in the evening. I invite you to also participate in the PBD convention tomorrow and hear the Prime Minister’s vision for the Diaspora and this nation, and the Chief Ministers of eight states who will address the overseas Indian community.
We have amongst us today, the young Vice-President of Suriname, H.E Mr. Michael Ashwin Adhin. His presence and participation at the PBD is I am an inspiration to Diaspora youth especially those from the girmitiya countries.
Before I conclude, let me take this opportunity, on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs, to place my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of Karnataka for their support in making this event possible.
Thank You.
DRDO at 104th Indian Science Congress-2017 in Tirupati
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is participating in “Pride of India-Science Expo-2017” being held from 3-7 January at the Sri Venkateswara University Campus, Tirupati. The five-day event has been organized as part of 104th Indian Science Congress (ISC-2017) inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The DRDO Pavillion at the mega science expo was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu on 3 January 2017. He also visited various DRDO stalls and took keen interest in the DRDO products and technologies displayed there.
A special plenary session titled “Frontiers of Defense Research” was organized on 04 January 2017 at the venue. Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Director General (MSS) at DRDO Dr G. Satheesh Reddy was the Convener of the session, in which eminent scientists from DRDO delivered their lectures. This included the Chief Controller R&D (Human Resources & Technology Management) Shri M.D. Hafizur Rahaman, Director General (Micro Electronic Devices & Computational Systems) Dr. G. Athithan, Director General - Life Sciences Dr. Shashi Bala Singh and Dr. B.S. Subhash Chandran of DRDL, Hyderabad.
40 DRDO laboratories are participating at the expo to showcase state-of-the-art military systems and technologies at the DRDO Pavilion which narrate the saga of Self-reliance & National Pride with the “Make in India” spirit. Star attractions of the outdoor exhibits include the Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile Agni-5, Akash Weapon System, Shaurya Missile, the model of the Brahmos missile, Remotely Operated Vehicle Daksh Robot etc. Indoor exhibits include models of AEW&C, LCA Tejas, Rustom UAV, the Advanced light-weight Torpedo (TAL), Multi-mode Hand Grenade, NBC Suit, Anti-mine Boots, Micro Wave Power Module, S-Band MSS Terminal, Integrated Multi Function Sight (IMFS), Preemptor System, various Life Sciences Products including Bukhari-the heating system, Alocal Cream, Ready-to-Eat Packaged Foods, Juices etc. DRDO pavilion has been a major attraction at the Pride of India Expo amongst visitors & students.
NW/RAJ
Media Statement by Prime Minister during the State visit of Prime Minister of Portugal to India (January 07, 2017)
Your Excellency, Prime Minister Antonio Costa,
Distinguished delegates,
Members of the media,
Friends,
Good Evening, to you all.
Excellency,
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to India.This may be your first State Visit to India, but you are neither a stranger to India, nor is India unfamiliar to you.So, in addition to extending a warm welcome on this chilly evening, I must also say, Welcome Back! We are deeply honoured that you have accepted our invitation to be the Chief Guest at our Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Indian Diaspora Day celebrations, in Bengaluru. Tomorrow, we will have the privilege to celebrate your outstanding accomplishments as a distinguished leader who has family roots in India. I also wish to congratulate you for the several successes that Portugal has had under your Prime Ministership. Under your leadership, the Portuguese economy is on a steady course and right direction.
Friends,
India and Portugal have built a modern bilateral partnership on the foundation of a shared historical connect.Our partnership is also strengthened by a strong convergence on global issues, including at the United Nations. In my extensive discussions with Prime Minister Costa today, we reviewed the full range of India–Portugal ties across various sectors. We agreed that the two countries must focus on action oriented approach to realize the full potential of economic opportunities in our partnership. The agreements signed today are just one indication of our shared resolve to do exactly that.
Friends,
Expansion and deepening of trade, investment, and business partnerships between our two countries is our shared priority. Areas of infrastructure, waste and water management, solar and wind energy, and innovation are full of opportunities to build strong commercial ties between our two economies.Our experiences of creating an ecosystem for start-ups could be an exciting area of bilateral engagement. It offers unique possibilities for building a rewarding partnership between our young business entrepreneurs that creates both value and wealth for both our societies.I am confident that the partnership being forged between Start-up Portugal and Start-up India will help us in our mutual quest to innovate and progress. Prime Minister Costa and I also agreed to deepen our partnership in the field of security and defence.The MoU on Defence cooperation signed today will help us harness our respective strengths in this field for mutual benefit.Sports is another area that holds promise for our bilateral ties. We are aware, Excellency, that you are an avid soccer fan. Portugal's strength in football and the rapid development of this sport in India could well form the nucleus of an emerging partnership in sporting disciplines.
Friends,
India and Portugal share common views on many international issues. I thanked Prime Minister Costa for Portugal’s consistent support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council. We are also grateful for the support extended by Portugal to India’s membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime, and for its continued support for India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We also discussed the need for the global community to take strong and urgent action against the rapidly growing and widely spreading threats of violence and terror.
Excellency,
India and Portugal share a common cultural canvas.We deeply appreciate the contribution of your father, Orlando Costa, to enriching this space and to Goan and Indo-Portuguese literature. Today, we have released a commemorative stamp celebrating two dance forms. These two art forms, one Portuguese and the other Indian, are wonderful examples of our cultural affinities.
Excellency,
You have an exciting agenda of engagements and travels in India over the next couple of days.I wish you and your delegation the very best for stay and experience in Bengaluru, Gujarat and Goa.I especially wish that you have a memorable visit to Goa and are able to reconnect with your ancestral roots.
President of India condoles the passing away of Shri Om Puri
In a message to his son, Shri Ishaan Puri, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, Shri Om Puri.
A veteran and iconic actor, Shri Om Puri delighted fans all over the world with his masterful screen presence and performance. For his contribution to Indian Cinema, he was honoured with numerous awards including the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ in the year 1990. In the passing away of Shri Om Puri, the Indian film industry has lost a highly talented and acclaimed actor who played memorable roles in numerous movies. He shall always be remembered for his powerful and versatile acting, which brought life into the celluloid characters he played in films. His sad demise has left a huge void in the field of Indian film industry, which will be difficult to fill.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to all members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give your family and you the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.
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AKT/NT
Prime Minister of Portugal calls on President
His Excellency Mr. Antonio Costa, the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic called on President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 7, 2017).
Welcoming the Portuguese Prime Minister to India, the President said India attaches great value to its historical bonds with Portugal spanning over 500 years. India and Portugal share core values of democracy, pluralism, multiculturalism and rule of law. The two countries built on many commonalities and have developed a broad programme of mutually beneficial co-operation.
The President said Prime Minister Antonio’s visit takes place at a time when relations between India and Portugal are in an excellent state. In trade and investment, scientific research, education, culture and security, our success is substantial. There is much promise and potential for building on our friendship and strengthening our 21st century partnership. Both the countries seek to strengthen their collaboration in areas where they have synergies including defence, maritime cooperation and oceanography and partnerships in third countries. Trade and investment ties between India and Portugal have much scope for improvement. Bilateral trade is of the order of USD 700 million. It needs to be energised and the trade basket diversified. The President also praised the 70,000 strong Indian Diaspora in Portugal for playing an important role in strengthening India-Portugal relations.
The Portuguese Prime Minister reciprocated the President’s sentiments and said he was honoured to pay a state visit to India as the first Portuguese Prime Minister of Indian origin. He said the two countries share history and common values. There is need to strengthen and modernize the United Nations. Therefore, Portugal supports the inclusion of countries like India in the UN Security Council. Only a strong UN can deal with challenges like terrorism, climate change etc. He said there is need to do much more than has been done in the past as far as bilateral relations concerned. Portugal is keen to strengthen relations with India.