Friday, February 25 2005 16:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Fundamentalists attitude limits one's horizon and secularism is one of the intrinsic qualities that has helped Indians to make a mark abroad, according to internationally-acclaimed American economist of Indian origin Jagdish Bhagwati.

"Indians have been able to leave their mark in the overseas mainly because of two qualities which are intrinsic to India. One of these is secularism and the other is a good educational and cultural background," he said while accepting "Pravasi Bharatiya Samman" from External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh at a function in New Delhi today (Feb 25, 2005).

"In a fundamentalist attitude, we cannot concentrate on better things in life and your horizon remain limited," Bhagwati said.

Welcoming Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's announcement of giving citizenship to Indian settled in certain countries, he said people of Indian origin while seeking such citizenship should not merely think of their rights but also bear certain obligations to India in return for dual citizenship.

Natwar Singh said, "It has now been universally acknowledged that Indian talent is second to none. Wherever they have gone, they have contributed richly to the country of their adoption."

Minister of State for External Affairs Jagdish Tytler dispelled the notion that India was merely interested in the Dollars of people of Indian origin. "We seek their contribution in terms of sharing their experience in the development of India."