Ahmedabad: Lauding overseas Indians for touching new heights of success, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Jan 13, 2004) said they have overcome numerous hurdles in this era of stiff competition through hard work and devotion.

"Today's world is one of competition. Those lagging behind would fall by the wayside," he said addressing the Vishwa Gujarati Parivar Mahotsav, a conference of non-resident Gujaratis organised by the State Government as a part of "Vibrant Gujarat Uttaryan 2004" celebration.

The Prime Minister had a special word of praise for Gujarati NRIs who had accepted challenges and were continuing to win accolades abroad for their outstanding contributions in various facets of life.

Observing that Gujaratis were found in almost all parts of the world, he recalled that on his foreign trips he came across people from the State and said to a wide applause from the audience, "without meeting them my task is not complete".

Even at the airports, they are always there to greet him, Vajpayee said adding that the Gujarati families have strongly espoused the cause of unity, togetherness and brotherhood.