Sam Pitroda

NEW DELHI: For Indians settled in the United States who are serious about doing something for the country they left behind, but are clueless about how to go about it, there is finally a solution at hand -- the CII Council of Indian Americans.

The brainchild of tech visionary Sam Pitroda, the council formed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was launched here on Dec. 13.

This initiative has been designed “to institutionalize the Indian U.S.-based diaspora’s engagement with India,” said Pitroda, who was known as the ‘telecom czar’ during the regime of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. “It will help build stronger ties between India and Indian Americans. The idea is to create a platform that can help Indian Americans channelize time, energy and emotions on the country of their origin,” said Pitroda, the chairman of the council.

“You have a need here and you have a need there. The idea is to synchronize them. For those who want to give, there is plenty to do.”

The council will also help build a database of Indian Americans and provide India access to talent and resources in the U.S.

Pitroda’s enthusiasm for the idea was infectious. “If you were born in a village in Punjab that has a serious water problem, and didn’t know what you could do, you can approach the council. It will put you in touch with the right people.”

Moving beyond the dry talk of business and investments, Pitroda provided an emotional flavoring to this network mechanism. “It’s not about investment opportunities or business. It’s about focusing on emotions of those who left home, who have their roots here.”

Pitroda identified rural economy, education, health care, water, energy and tourism as six key areas of concern where Indian Americans can make a real difference.

Besides, there is a bigger cultural dynamic at work with second and third generation Indian Americans bringing their unique attitudes and insights to the common problems.

“Bright young Indian kids in the U.S. are looking for interesting experiences. In the process, they change and they change India,” said Pitroda.

CII president Sunil Kant Munjal sounded equally upbeat. “The council would act as a clearing house for exploring opportunities in both directions,” he said. Anil Kumar, who co-chairs the council, said it would act as a catalyst for Indian Americans to contribute their technical and management expertise to joint programs for India’s development.