New Delhi: Hailing Indians abroad as "our Brain Bank", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Aug 15, 2004) said they have shown "we can be as good as the best in the world".

The Indians abroad have provided a challenge to his Government to create an environment in which merit is recognised and hard work and creativity are rewarded, the Prime Minister said in his Independence Day address.

"Indians abroad are our 'Brain Bank'. They have shown how enterprising we Indians can be if the environment is conducive. If the required infrastructure is provided and individual initiative is rewarded, we can be as good as the best in the world," Singh said.

He said Indians have contributed a great deal to the advancement of knowledge. "We value the positive role that the people of Indian origin have played in other countries. People of Indian origin are our cultural ambassadors wherever they live," he said.

The Prime Minister said, "At home, this is the challenge for our Government. To create an environment in which merit is recognised, hard work and creativity are rewarded."