Sunil Kaushal –
Indian Newslink should be congratulated for being a pillar of pious journalism for the Indian Diaspora in New Zealand for the last 16 years, mainly driven by renowned journalist Venkat Raman, who has nearly 50 years of global experience in the same field.
With an ever growing Indian population into New Zealand, (156,000 in 2011 and 174,000 in 2014 due to increased migration), every Indian is like a Shakti and if the strength of the entire diaspora can be consolidated, it could become a driving force for New Zealand’s progress and bring our motherland closer to our adopted homeland.
The Indian Diaspora in New Zealand contributes to the country’s success in various ways, including industry knowledge, enterprise, economic strength, educational standards, expertise and professional skills which are widely acknowledged.
Significant contributors
According to economists at ANZ the Indian Diaspora contributed 4.8% to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013.
Today, we have three politicians from the Indian community that too first generation Indians. Hindi is now the fourth most spoken language. Indian festivals such as Holi and Diwali are enthusiastically celebrated across New Zealand; sometimes too many at the same day and time.
Increasing travellers
The number of arrivals from India is steadily growing (40,880 visitors in the year ending March 2015, up 27.5% over the previous 12 months).
The World Tourism Organisation predicts that India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020.
India has more than 50 million passport holders who are potential travellers (External Affairs ministry predicts the number to rise to 100 million by 2022) the source market for outbound travel is wide and complex because of its size and variety.
Enormous opportunity
India provides New Zealand with enormous promise and opportunity in the longer term as a valuable source market. Some of these visitors fall in love with God’s own country and become long term residents in years to come. It is no surprise that global agencies such as the World Economic Forum and the Legato Institute have voted New Zealand as one of the top10 countries for Ease of Doing Business and as one of the most prosperous nations.
The two-way trade between New Zealand and India as at the end of September 2015 was $1.2 billion with a potential to grow. Indian companies are looking at New Zealand as a source of talent and IP as was evidenced by the recent visit of GTech group of companies from Kerala in India.
Embrace India
The world is ready to ‘embrace India,’ the proof of which was the positive response of 177 countries to heed the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to observe June 21 as ‘International Yoga Day.’
The Indian Diaspora has a lot to give to the world, we only lack the confidence. We need to forge and take pride in a common identity and heritage, and to use this strength collectively.
Mr Modi has been quoted as saying, “We are extremely proud of our Diaspora. They have made India global and their strong values have endeared them wherever they have gone.”
Major Asset
A successful, prosperous and politically influential diaspora is an asset to India, much as a strong and self-reliant India would be a source of strength and inspiration for the diaspora. This synergy can act as a vibrant bridge between New Zealand and India and sustain our relationship.
Sunil Kaushal is former Chairman of the New Zealand India Business Council.
