The Indian Business Council (IBC) in Kuwait has donated Rs.1.67 million ($38,000) towards the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to help tsunami victims in the country.

The cheque was handed over Wednesday evening to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at a function at the Delhi Secretariat.

K. Wadhawan, IBC chief, said that the organisation was fully geared to help the country and the present sum was collected in just a couple of days through donations by the business community who had come to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held in Mumbai last week.

Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit said that it was not the amount that matters but the gesture and sense of identification with the victims of the tsunami that counted. "I will certainly communicate your feelings to the government of India."

Leading Indian businessman in Kuwait, Dhiraj Oberoi, the former president of this business body, was also present at the function.

Oberoi said that it was a matter of pride and satisfaction to Indians living and working abroad the way the government had declined to accept any foreign donations for the tsunami-hit people. "We have shown to the world that India is a different country."

Members of the IBC said the Gulf NRIs were ready to help the country and it was up to the government to identify projects.

"We have the expertise, discipline and funds that could be usefully utilised,"
IBC coordinator and special advisor, Saulat Ali Khan said.