New Delhi, August 15, 2004
PTI
Hailing Indians abroad as "our Brain Bank", Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh on Sunday said they have shown "we can be as good
as the best in the world".
The Indians abroad have provided a challenge
to his Government to create an environment in which merit is recognised
and hard work and creativity are rewarded, the Prime Minister said in
his Independence Day address.
"Indians abroad are our 'Brain Bank'.
They have shown how enterprising we Indians can be if the environment
is conducive. If the required infrastructure is provided and individual
initiative is rewarded, we can be as good as the best in the world,"
Singh said.
He said Indians have contributed a great
deal to the advancement of knowledge. "We value the positive role
that the people of Indian origin have played in other countries. People
of Indian origin are our cultural ambassadors wherever they live,"
he said.
The Prime Minister said "at home,
this is the challenge for our Government. To create an environment in
which merit is recognised, hard work and creativity are rewarded".