International Roma Conference and Cultural Festival was held in New Delhi, February 12-14, 2016
In view of the conclusive evidence with regard to ROMA having originated from India, it was imperative for Roma to be formally recognized by the Government of India as People of Indian Origin (PIOs). Award of scholarships to Roma students. Special Cultural fellowships by ICCR for Roma students keeping in view their traditional interest in dance and music. Training of Roma youth in the IT sector under ITEC and other programmes. Encouraging self help groups and NGOs in India to work with Roma communities overseas. There is a large concentration of Roma communities in several countries. Our Embassies in those countries should maintain close contacts and networking with them.
Roma youth delegations to be sponsored for visit to India on the lines of KIP A memorial in Kannauj in a public place to commemorate the millennium of Roma exodus from India. Separately a section, in the newly set up museum in Kannauj, to be devoted to display Roma related material. Need for more extensive research on Roma issues including the historical circumstance of their exodus from India and to examine the continued prejudices and the persecution suffered by them. Need for continuing support by Government of India for the Centre for Roma Studies & Cultural Relations set up in ARSP with ICCR assistance. New Chairs/Centres for Roma Studies to be set up in select Indian universities. Need to work with Roma scholars to develop a standard format for Roma language and identification of Sanskrit - Hindi words already in use.
