Diaspora takes a shine to India

The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Samaroh, starting on Friday, promises to be more than a mere punk show.

Long accused of investing little in their homeland, as opposed to non-resident Chinese, non-resident Indians are descending in hordes to scout for business opportunities in the land of their origin.

Thus, motel owners from the US -- motels in the US are now lovingly called 'Potels' as a large number of these are owned by Patels, immigrants from Gujarat -- will look at repeating their success story in India.

A team of hoteliers, under the aegis of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, is scheduled to meet the National Highways Authority of India to seek permission to set up motels along the highways.

The association is of the view that motels along the national highways make a perfect case for investment in India since such a business model does not exist here.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, an influential association of Indian doctors in the US, is scheduled to visit various hospitals in the country to assess the areas of investment.

Of late, several NRI doctors have shown an inclination to work here for a couple of months every year as patients from across the world come to India for cheap treatment.

Also making the rounds of local hospitals will be Singapore's health minister, to identify areas of future cooperation.

"This time, professionals are coming as part of associations, while last year the visits were mostly on an individual basis," said Amit Mitra, general secretary of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Besides, around eight state governments are hosting various sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Samaroh this year, to attract investments from NRIs.

Last year, only four states had participated in the event.

Also, more high-profile NRIs and people of Indian origin will make an appearance this year. The list includes Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo, former Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, South Africa National Assembly Speaker Frene N Ginwala, Metdist Chairman R K Bagri and Professor of Economics and Director, Centre for the Study of Global Economics, London School of Economics, Meghnad Desai.