An Abu Dhabi-based NRI doctor given a cheque for Rs 1 crore to the External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for India, becoming 'Swachh Bharat,' and becoming a bigger economic player on the world stage go hand in hand.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil said that, "If India needs to emerge a strong nation globally, its workforce should be healthy. This can happen only when the population is healthy and disease-free. It is my strong conviction that Swachh Bharat will accelerate the process of creating healthy citizens."

India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI) a non-profit government trust currently chaired by Swaraj that invites NRIs, PIOs, and OCI card holders to donate to development projects in India.

Valayil, who in 2007 founded VPS Healthcare, a group of hospitals, medical centres and pharmaceutical businesses in the UAE, said that, "With high productivity and less absenteeism, soon India will be in a trajectory of accelerated economic development."  

In a video message to overseas Indians uploaded to the Ministry of External Affairs' Twitter page Indian Diplomacy, Swaraj said that, "This money isn't just a donation. It's a way to connect to your roots. It's a way to repay your debt to your motherland. It's a way to express your emotional attachment to your country."

Nandini