New Delhi: Describing them as the "voice of Indian diaspora", the UPA government has assured people of Indian origin that it will do whatever possible for their assistance.

"We have taken many initiatives to meet the growing aspirations of overseas Indians and to look into their grievances and our government is always there to assist you," Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi told a gathering of people of Indian origin here last night.

Besides, the issue of OCI cards and creation of "Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), we are also in process of setting up a university, an Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) and a Council for Promotion of Overseas Employment, he said.

Ravi also gave away Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIA)'s community service awards to five persons.

Baroness Prashar, Ram Lakhina (Netherlands), PNC Menon (Oman), Moses V Nagamootoo (Guyana) and Mani Bhaumik (USA) received the awards.

Lord Bhikhu Parekh (UK) received GOPIA Roll of Honour award and J C Sharma, a former IFS, received distinguish service award.

ZEE TV bagged special recognition award for its outstanding reach to NRI communities and help in bringing them together.

GOPIA was formed in 1989 to bring the Indian community together on one platform.
Source : PTI