Delivering the presidential address on the occasion of the 28th anniversary celebrations of the International Punjabi Convention here, he called upon NRIs to invest in Punjab, particularly in infrastructure. He was supportive of the idea of establishment of a hospital by NRIs in Punjab. In his keynote address, Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia offered the assistance ofthe Punjab School Education Board in organising courses in Punjabi language and culture for Punjabis living abroad. The president of the International Punjabi Society (IPS), Bhai Mohan Singh, said that academic performance awards would be instituted and expressed the organisation's commitment to bring about a "Punjabi renaissance".

The IPS also honoured prominent Punjabis on the occasion. They include Dr Anil Kohli, eminent dentist and physician to the President, athletes Paramjit Singh and Sunita Rani, Dr D.S. Gambhir, cardiologist from G.B. Pant Hospital in New Delhi, and Kanwar Sandhu, editor of Chandigarh edition of The Indian Express. Former finance minister Manmohan Singh and former chairman of Punjab State Electricity Board N.S. Vasant, who were to be honoured, were not present.

Earlier, local chapter IPS president Jaspal Singh Kandhari welcomed the participants while the annual report was presented by P.S. Bedi, honorary general secretary of the Society. Amarjit Singh Sethi, honorary general secretary of the Chandigarh unit, presented the vote of thanks.

Later, Gujral, who is chairman of the Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir Trust, paid a visit to the Musafir auditorium in connection with the 100th birth anniversary of Musafir, which falls on January 15.