Developing the Gateway – Part 2 – Building a Common Platform

In Part 1, I was writing about the challenges in building a stronger association among the Non resident Indians in Atlantic Canada. To many NRIs, these associations are seen just as a social networking opportunity and based on regional preferences. Seldom contacts from within the organization is used to cultivate a job lead or towards professional development. As a result, for career oriented younger generation, the ‘value add’ from attending a social event is negligible and hence they ignore these associations.  The government agencies and other private organizations who deal with India are also left without proper business guidance. They rarely approach the multitude of organizations out there for any help. This is partly due to the fact that they are unaware of all the groups that exist and even in the case when they are aware, they don’t think it as appropriate to approach a ‘cultural’ group for business discussions.  Now before I get shot by someone in Canada for not mentioning the Canada –India Business council, let me haste to add that it is non-existent in Atlantic Canada. The council is active in Ontario and to some extent in British Columbia, but that’s about the existence of the group in Canada.  So, I promised that we will talk about the advantages of having a well formed group of enterprising NRIs representing the nation and here are some.  

1. Clear the misconceptions to the local business world

 The greatest challenge for a small or medium local business to start dealing with a firm in India or even to start thinking about approaching India for trade is the misconception they have about the country. International Trade Canada is doing all its worth to help local businesses, but it goes beyond that. Even with all the advances the country has made, India still is a different culture and culture is part of doing business. It is crucial to understand the nature of Indians, what they really mean when they say something etc. And in order for this transfer to happen successfully, it is quintessential that there is some Indian flavour involved in training and setting the right expectations.  A professional/cultural association can act as a bridge connecting the two worlds. By virtue of living and working in North America for an extended period of time, the members of the Diaspora are well versed with both sides of the world. They can create avenues for the local community to explore India, in all its senses.  

1. Support the local initiatives

 Issues such as immigration, education, health care are on top priority in all provinces across Canada, especially so in Atlantic Canada. While the governments of these provinces and other quasi government agencies are working towards solving these problems, it is clearly being one sided. The existing community also has a responsibility in welcoming the immigrants, making them feel at home, creating job opportunities for them etc.  Even though multitude of associations exist, the lack of a well defined program or objective for these associations makes it hard on the new comer to approach any of them for assistance with settling in. Also, none of these associations work with provincial or federal agencies in creating assistance programs. All this means that there is no value for the immigrant or new comer in approaching these organizations and hence they mostly stay away.  

1. Promote professional networking within the community

 The Indian Diaspora is made up of people from different walks of life, professionals, academics, business men etc. With a little planning, a lot of value can be derived from creating a common platform to exchange ideas and to promote community development. This common body can then act as a reference point for all new comers and provide them with networking contacts that is very relevant to finding good opportunities in Atlantic Canada.  Given the shy nature of new comers, it will be a great support if they can start networking with familiar faces first and then move on to other contacts within the region. It is also a great opportunity for students to find employment by using these contacts and thus staying back in Atlantic Canada after they complete their education.   There are many more smaller benefits of having a well organized, well led group and I hope to present them in different contexts as we develop this blog from inputs from other NRI’s who might have had a different experience. So feel free to comment on any or all of the above aspects and share your thoughts.  Education brings the most number of new comers to the province every year. So naturally, the best way to increase the talent pool and number of immigrants would be to retain the students. Why is it such a hard task? Lets explore some aspects in the Part 3, coming soon !  Until then, Venkatesh.