(Reopens FES 83)

Nathan had initiated a think-tank to develop deeperunderstanding between India and Singapore. He had once toldthe Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), a think-tank ofNational University of Singapore, to champion theunderstanding of a "Singapore in India and India inSingapore", Pillai said. "While Singapore and India enjoyed friendly relations,they did not have, in his views, a deep understanding of eachother. His advise to me was – you should champion a Singaporein India and India in Singapore. That way you can helpincrease each country’s understanding of the other," he said. ISAS, Pillai said, was trying to live up to the formerpresident’s expectations. He said Nathan was a man of foresight who stronglybelieved that diaspora of various South Asian countries hadmuch in common. There was much potential and value in bringing themtogether in neutral venue and Singapore was one of that,Pillai said, adding that Nathan was also the driving forcebehind the publication of Indian Diaspora book in 2006, themost comprehensive account of Indian diaspora even today. "To show our deep gratitude for his immense contribution,the South Asian Diaspora Convention 2016, held in July,conferred on him the Outstanding Member of the South AsiaDiaspora Award," Pillai added. PTI GSCPS