Saturday, July 8 2006 12:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Colourful turbans were in abundance at a Rajasthani convention here attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who used the occasion to 'connect with the community' for 'new partnerships' for her state.

The Rajasthani International Convention 2006 saw more than 2,000 delegates from around the world participate in the event at the Huntington Hilton Hotel on Long Island last weekend. The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), New York, hosted the function. It was co-sponsored by the government of Rajasthan.

Business owners, industrialists, entrepreneurs, physicians, other professionals and the Maharaja of Jaipur were part of the four-day affair.

Like their previous convention in 2003, a large delegation representing the Rajasthan government took part. "Our participation is to connect with the community here for new partnerships, particularly in education and healthcare for Rajasthan," Raje told IANS.

She said the state needed personal involvement, dedication and the time of the Rajasthani diaspora, more than funds.

However, the state government is also looking for non-resident Indian investment.

"You have my assurance that you will find the policies in place... and the place in order, for a worthy investment," she told the audience at the inaugural.

Ghanshyam Tiwari, education minister of Rajasthan, shared her vision.

"We welcome private participation across the entire spectrum of education, right from pre-school and schools to colleges and professional/technical institutions. Rest assured you will find the state of Rajasthan ready with the perfect mix of policies and potential, to make your venture a huge success," he said.

RANA president Ajay K. Lodha, who was also convener this year, announced that a water harvesting project 'Akash Ganga' undertaken in Rajasthan by the New York chapter during the 2003 convention has won a World Bank grant of $196,000. This would help solve the water problem in parched areas of the state.

RANA has also undertaken two other charitable projects - Akshaya Patra and Janani Vikas. The former seeks to improve education among underprivileged school going children and the second empower women in rural Rajasthan.

Several seminars on topics related to education, healthcare and development programmes for Rajasthan were also held.

For medical professionals, there was a parallel session on continuing medical education throughout the convention. Awards were presented to honour six achievers.

There was also a lot of fun and entertainment for the delegates. Rajasthani folk dances, music and food were free flowing. Vendors exhibited arts and craft from Rajasthan, including miniature paintings, tie and dye textiles and chunky jewellery.

Cultural events included a Bollywood Night with singer Sunidhi Chauhan, a poetry recital and a DJ session for RANA youths.