Pravasi Bharateeya (Overseas Indians) - Not Brain Drain but Brain Gain

In ancient times our Vision was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one Family) and our Mission was Krinvanto Vishvam Aryam (Let us culturize the world). With this noble vision and mission, our ancient seers and sages went around the world. 4,000 years ago they culturized Iran, Armenia, Afghanistan, Russia and many parts of Europe. They established Mitanni and Hittite Empires 3,500 years ago in distant Anatolia (Syria, Iraq, Turkey). 2,000 years before we went to many parts of south East Asia. Indo-European languages, Indo-Iranian languages and languages in South East Asian countries are spoken by more than 40% of the world population. These languages contain Sanskrit words. So long as Bharateeyas went overseas, Bharat was respected as Vishwa Guru.

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The golden age of Gupta empire brought wealth and prosperity to our people. We relaxed and went into a period of long slumber. Our downfall started when we relaxed and stopped going overseas. Let us revive the ancient spirit of One Family, One Earth and One Future, create mini Bharat everywhere to bring peace and prosperity on planet earth.

Diaspora Scale
There are 3.5 crore Indians overseas. Of these 2 crore were taken by British as Indentured labourers, some 100 to 150 years before to Guyana, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Re-Union, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad etc. Less than 2 crore Indians left Bharat in last 75 years for jobs to USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and West Asia. Many call these NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) as Never Returning Indians and use the term Brain Drain. How can we say that only these 2 crore Indians have brains and we, the rest of India are good for nothing. In fact Bharatvasis and Bharat Vamshis are two sides of the same coin and together we make India great again (MIGA). Israel, Norway and Ireland have more than 50% living overseas and yet their percapita income is very high. They have benefitted a lot from their diaspora.

While the success of Global Indians in international arenas is well known, their contributions to rural and urban India are equally significant but less celebrated. Through technology, healthcare, education, economic guidance, and philanthropy, Indian diaspora are helping uplift India’s villages and create a stronger, more inclusive nation.

Contributions of 3.5 Crore Overseas Indians to the Development of Rural and Urban India

1. Remittances to Bharat: India received $125 billion in remittances in 2023, making it the world’s top recipient. In fiscal year 2024–25, this amount rose to a record $135.46 billion—a 14% year-over-year increase. (The Times of India+2Reuters+2The Economic Times+2) Contribution to India’s GDP: In 2023, remittances accounted for 3.52% of India’s GDP.

Remittances surpass FDI, offering vital support for households—funding education, healthcare, housing—especially in rural communities. (TERN Global Healthcare+1World Bank+1) They help strengthen India’s foreign reserves and stabilize the current account, complementing service exports.

2. Resurgent India Bonds – A Turning Point in India’s Economic History
In 1998, India faced economic sanctions from several Western countries after conducting its second nuclear tests at Pokhran. In response, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Indian government introduced a bold and innovative measure called the Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs). These were special financial instruments targeted at Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and members of the Indian diaspora around the world.

The bonds were issued in three major currencies—US dollars, British pounds, and German Deutschmarks—with a five-year term. The response was overwhelming. In just 20 days, over 74,000 overseas Indians from more than 30 countries invested in the bonds, raising a total of $4.23 billion. (423 crore dollars). This swift and successful fundraising effort demonstrated the emotional and financial commitment of overseas Indians to their motherland during a critical time.

The global Indian community’s strong support not only stabilized India’s economy but also sent a powerful message to the world about India’s self-reliance and unity. Within a short time, in 2000, US President Bill Clinton visited India and addressed a joint session of Parliament. During his speech, he acknowledged India’s growing importance and stated that no country could afford to ignore or antagonize India. The success of the Resurgent India Bonds was a proud moment in Indian history. It showed how diaspora philanthropy and patriotism can become a force for national resilience and global respect.

India launched India Development Bonds (IDBs) in 1991, Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs) in 1998, and India Millennium Deposits (IMDs) in 2000 CE to tap into the financial strength of the overseas Indian community (NRIs & PIOs) during times of economic need. India raised over $1.6 billion to overcome Balance of payment (BoP) crisis in 1991, raised over $4.2 billion as forex support during Pokhran post-nuclear economic sanctions in 1998 and raised over $5.5 billion for infrastructure funding for new millennium in 2000. NRIs still participate heavily in bond markets via regulated routes.

3. Technology & Innovation
Global technology leaders like Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) and Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) have supported projects that bring the benefits of the digital revolution to India’s villages. Google’s Internet Saathi programme, launched in partnership with Tata Trusts, has trained over 30 lakh rural women to use the internet. This has helped many become more confident, aware, and independent. Similarly, Microsoft has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help farmers predict weather and crop diseases, improving yields and reducing losses. They inspire a generation of Indian youth to dream globally and innovate locally. Microsoft has donated thousands of laptops to over 100 government run schools. Google has provided free internet services in many Indian railway stations.

4. Health & Science
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, emphasizes public health, mental wellness, and disease prevention — critical issues in India’s healthcare landscape. Indian-origin scientists, like Dr. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (Nobel Laureate), have elevated India’s standing in global research and inspired policies supporting scientific education and discovery.

5. Economics & Policy
Economists like Dr. Gita Gopinath (IMF) and Raghuram Rajan (former RBI Governor) provide policy insights that strengthen India’s economic strategies. Their global influence brings credibility to India’s reform agenda and development plans, helping attract foreign investment and support for initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and Startup India.

6. Business & Investment
Global Indian entrepreneurs and business leaders are investing back in India’s infrastructure, education, and startups. The Indian diaspora contributes over $100 billion annually in remittances — a vital support for families and local economies. Venture capitalists of Indian origin are also funding Indian innovation, especially in healthcare, ed-tech, and clean energy.

7. Education & Skill Development
Organizations like Pratham, Ekal Vidyalaya, Sewa International and American India Foundation, led and supported by NRIs, have significantly improved access to education in India’s underserved regions. They support skilling programmes for youth and promote digital classrooms, bridging the education gap between urban and rural India.

8. Crisis Response and Philanthropy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian diaspora and organisations like Sewa International mobilized millions of dollars in aid, oxygen concentrators, vaccines, and medical equipment for India. This quick and heartfelt response showcased their strong emotional bond and deep sense of responsibility toward their homeland.

9. Cultural Ambassadors
From Mira Nair in cinema to Zubin Mehta in music, global Indians have introduced Indian art, literature, yoga, dance, and Ayurveda to the world stage. Their influence builds respect for India’s ancient wisdom and modern talent, enhancing India’s soft power.

SANYOGI a Global Cultural Message

The phrase “Sanyogi se aawe, sangit bhajan gāve” (“संयोगी से आवे, संगीत भजन गावे”) means: “From unity comes music and devotional songs.” Sanyogi Se Aawe in short means Sanskrit, Yoga, Gita, Seva, Ayurved and Vedic life style. SANYOGI is also an acronym for India’s spiritual and cultural gifts to the world:

· S – Sanskrit

· A – Ayurveda

· N – Namaste

· Y – Yoga

· O – Outreach (Seva or Service)

· G – Gita (Bhagavad Gita)

· I – Indian (Vedic) Living

These values are part of India’s soft power and global spiritual influence.

Global Adoption of Indian Culture

· S Sanskrit: Prof. Satyavrat Shastri, a Sanskrit scholar, taught across the world — including in Thailand, Germany, and Canada. One of his students was Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand.

· A Ayurveda is recognized as a traditional medicine in more than 30 countries.

· N Namaste for Peace: Pastor Eddie Smith from a church in Georgia, USA asks everyone to greet each other with “Namaste” instead of saying “Hi.” He explains that Namaste means: “The divine in me bows to the divine in you.” When we see goodness or divinity in others, we naturally respect them. This simple greeting can bring more peace and harmony among people.

· Y Yoga: Indira Devi (aka Eugene Peterson), born in Hungary, helped spread Yoga internationally in the early 20th century.

· O Outreach: During COVID-19, India gifted over 1.43 crore vaccine doses to 46 countries, showing its spirit of outreach (Seva or service).

· G Gita: Mustafa Bülent Ecevit, four times Prime Minister of Turkey, translated the Bhagavad Gita into Turkish.

· I Indian (Vedic) Living: In Malaysia, artists like Dato Ramli Ibrahim and Chandrabanu perform Bharatanatyam, despite opposition from some religious groups.

Sanskrit chants, Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian spirituality are embraced by people across the world. They promote peace, healing, and cultural unity. The SANYOGI spirit is India’s message to the world — of harmony through wisdom and compassion.

Indians as Global Leaders

Many people of Indian origin have held top positions in Western countries:

· Kamala Harris – Vice President of the USA

· Dr. Anand Satyanand – Governor General of New Zealand

· Antonio Costa – Prime Minister of Portugal

· Devan Nair, S. R. Nathan, and Tharman Shanmugaratnam – Presidents of Singapore

· Leo Varadkar – Prime Minister of Ireland

· Rishi Sunak – Prime Minister of United Kingdom

These leaders show that Indians can rise to the highest positions even in powerful nations.

Courage of Rishi Sunak and Leo Varadkar
Leo Varadkar became the Prime Minister of Ireland in June 2017, and Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the UK in October 2022.

Savita Halappanavar (1981–2012), an Indian-origin dentist in Ireland, died of sepsis after being denied an abortion during a miscarriage. Her pathetic death shocked the nation. Soon after becoming Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, whose father is Indian, called for a national vote on legalizing abortion. In 2018, the referendum passed with 66% support. The new law is often called “Savita’s Law.” Varadkar was later named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018.

Rishi Sunak, upon becoming Prime Minister, spoke strongly about protecting family values. He said he opposes “Love Jihad” and is committed to safeguarding families, especially for the sake of his two daughters.

Our Responsibility – creating Dharmic Law Makers in the world
Most Indians have friends and relatives spread all over the world. We must encourage them to participate actively in different political parties and become elected members and law makers. Indians are respected across the globe as excellent attorney generals, bankers, consultants, doctors, engineers, financial and tech professionals. With our strong family values, respect for women, law abiding nature and understanding of dharma, Indians can also become some of the best lawmakers in the world. We must talk to all our friends and relatives overseas and encourage them to become law makers.

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