Indian community in Zambia pledges continued support
THE Indian diaspora remains the single–largest contributor of foreign exchange and development in the country and contributes about US$90 billion to the economy by way of remittances and investments, Indian High commissioner to Zambia Ashok Kumar has said.
Mr. Kumar was speaking during the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights at his residence in Lusaka on Saturday night.
He said the Indian Diaspora was one of the world’s largest overseas groupings with over 30 million overseas Indians.
Mr Kumar was pleased that the Indian community in Zambia had been peacefully coexisting since the early 20th Century while contributing to the country’s economic development.
He said Diwali was celebrated by Indians not only in Zambia but across the globe.
“Diwali is a time for celebration. It is a time to come together with friends and family and good food. But Diwali is also a time for contemplation and reflection,” Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar stated that the Diwali festivals played a significant role in making Indian lives brighter and colourful, stating that in India the Diwali was celebrated with joy and happiness among different communities.
“Our diaspora is an extended family transplanted from the motherland to distant shores. As high achievers, they have enhanced the prestige of India, especially as some have risen to occupy the highest positions in their country. In foreign lands and communities, the Indian diaspora represents the best of our culture, ethos and values. The hard work, discipline and peace-loving nature of Indians have made them role models wherever they have settled,’’ Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar stated that the Indian community valued the importance of diaspora and had introduced a variety of initiatives and measures to strengthen and support their connection with Indian roots and heritage.
He said the overseas citizen of India (OCI) was one such service provided by the Indian Government wherein all persons of Indian origin who had migrated from India and acquired citizenship of Zambia were eligible for grant of Overseas Citizenship of India.