Migrate if you have to, but ensure all-round benefits CHANAKYA

[Sharad Puranik]

A recent press release from the Government of India stated that about 1.30 crore job opportunities have opened up in Europe and will be filled till 2015, thanks to the rapidly ageing European population.

Sensing an opportunity for deserving Indians, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) wasted no time in inking a deal with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for the implementation of an European Union-sponsored legal migration programme.

When I read reports of this, I couldn't help but note that this is yet another case of Chanakya's management ideas in Arthashastra being applied worldwide. Chanakya had said: "Settlement of people should be done by bringing in people from foreign lands" (2.1.1.).

Whether knowingly or unknowingly, Europe is doing something exhorted centuries ago in India. Still, there's no denying the fact that the visas being offered by European countries for working professionals is a huge opportunity for Indian teachers, artists, craftsmen, managers and businessmen.

The vibrant expatriate Indian communities have already made an impact in the US, Middle-East and the UK. Now it's time for us to lead in the rest of Europe.

But how do we do this?

1) Don't lose this chance

This is an opportunity for working people to prove their worth in European nations. Hence, make it a point to check whether you are eligible for the same.

There are openings right from floor jobs in manufacturing facilities to vacancies in the government departments.

Let's be there before other populated countries join this global rat race. Europeans are developed economically, and we can learn a lot from their systems. It will open a new world for us.

2) Make an impact

I suggest you go, and not as job seekers but as 'equal' partners. If they provide an opportunity to you, give them our traditional systems in return – family culture, spiritual knowledge and the ancient sciences which are our strengths.

We can always instill Indian values and ethos over there. And the best way to make an impact is by contributing your maximum through hard work and dedication.

3) Learn and come back

Learn from the cleanliness, technology, economic policies, etc practised in these developed countries. However, do come back to share and apply the same back in India. Do invest back into our nation and its growth.

This country requires you as much as others. Whether it's Europe or any other advanced country that's beckoning you, learn the best from that place and apply the same here.


(The author is a 'strategic management' trainer and consultant, and is the Director of SPM Foundation, the vision of which is to bring back ancient Indian knowledge in modern day applications. He can be emailed at rchanak...@gmail.com)