New Delhi, Jan 12
India, like Brazil, is developing on its own and Africa is closely
watching it so that it can emulate the model, says Kenya-based
Pheroze Nowrojee, winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2007.
Nowrojee is a renowned lawyer and a prominent human rights activist
in Kenya. His family shifted there in 1896. However, Nowrojee says
he will remain Indian at heart always.
"India is growing on its own like Brazil and we are waiting to see
where it goes so that we can emulate its success story," Nowrojee
told IANS in an interview here.
"India is making an effort in addressing issues such as corruption
and socio-economic disparities and that is helping the country in
weaving its success story. We are keenly watching the mechanics of
that effort," he said.
"Today you see energy and confidence in India which was not there
fifteen years ago."
"We at Africa are closely watching India's gradual transformation
and how it is emerging as one of the world leaders. And we look up
to India as an icon and are waiting to emulate its success model,"
added the multifaceted lawyer who is also an author, poet and
columnist.
He was conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at a ceremony Tuesday on the occasion of the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2007.
"Africa shares a common colonial past with India and our problems
remain the same till today. So anything that works for India's
benefit, will work for us as well," Nowrojee averred.
"While India is gaining economic muscle and there is a growing
political power, its leadership and their intellectual value should
be maintained," affirmed Nowrojee, an alumnus of St. Xavier's,
Mumbai.
According to him, the Supreme Court of India and the Election
Commission are regarded in high esteem in Africa.
"The Supreme Court of India provides intellectual leadership to the
legal world in Africa and its decisions are now cited in the courts
of Kenya and Zimbabwe," he said.
"However, India should watch that it does not indulge in communal
conflict as that is contrary to its spirit and ideals. And even
though the country is developing exponentially, it has long way to
go which it should not forget," Nowrojee stated.
"We embody India's positive strengths in tolerance and unity and
India should watch that nothing tarnishes that spirit."
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