By Shashank Pasupuleti
Calls for a permanent institutional framework to connect Indian professionals abroad with national development initiatives
Proposes Telangana as the first state to launch pilot projects with the involvement of global Indian experts
Hyderabad: All India Professionals Congress (AIPC) Chairman and former Member of Parliament Madhu Yaskhi Goud has called for greater participation of the Indian diaspora in the country’s development, stressing the need to harness the knowledge, professional expertise and international experience of Indians living abroad.
Speaking at a panel discussion on “Institutionalizing Diaspora Connect” during the Bharat Summit–2026 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), Goud said India must move beyond occasional interactions with its overseas community and establish a structured mechanism that enables professionals abroad to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
The discussion brought together former Union Ministers Salman Khurshid and M.M. Pallam Raju, Telangana Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, Jukkal MLA Thota Laxmi Kantha Rao, summit organiser Pushp Raj and representatives from several countries. The participants exchanged views on strengthening institutional engagement with the Indian diaspora and expanding its role in India’s development.
outlining his vision under the theme “Professionals for Rebuilding the Republic,” Goud proposed closer coordination among the Overseas Congress, the Congress Foreign Affairs Department and the All India Professionals Congress.
He emphasised that the collective strength of these organisations could help establish a long-term platform through which Indian professionals across the world could contribute their expertise to addressing critical challenges back home.
Presenting a three-point roadmap, Goud proposed the creation of a comprehensive global registry of Indian professionals, documenting their skills, experience and areas of specialisation. Such a database, he said, would help identify experts willing to contribute to development initiatives in India.
His second proposal focused on establishing sector-specific task forces in healthcare, agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, urban development and law. These groups would bring together professionals with international exposure to develop practical solutions and implement pilot projects in Congress-governed states.
Goud suggested Telangana as the starting point for these initiatives, with successful projects subsequently serving as models for implementation in other states.
As part of his third proposal, he called for a permanent diaspora coordination mechanism involving the three Congress organisations. The proposed framework would include quarterly progress reviews and annual national or international conferences to assess outcomes, strengthen collaboration and identify new opportunities.
The former MP also underlined the responsibility of successful Indian professionals, both at home and abroad, towards the upliftment of socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
He observed that those who had benefited from education, professional opportunities and global exposure could make a significant difference by sharing their knowledge and resources with communities that continue to face barriers to progress.
Describing such participation as “planned patriotism,” Goud said the involvement of professionals in nation-building should not be viewed merely as an act of charity, but as a sustained commitment to the country’s future.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Overseas Congress members who continue to uphold the party’s principles and democratic values across the world.
Appreciating their commitment, Goud urged them to take their engagement a step further by connecting their professional networks, expertise and international experience with development programmes in India.
He stressed that diaspora engagement should not remain confined to conferences, discussions or symbolic gestures. Instead, it should translate into measurable initiatives capable of delivering tangible benefits, particularly to underserved communities.
Goud concluded by calling for a collective effort to build a lasting institutional platform that would channel the talent, experience and capabilities of Indian professionals worldwide towards the larger goal of rebuilding the Republic.
