Asked about the controversy surrounding the annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Awards, Ravi said a high-level committee headed by the vice president would choose the winners for the next event to be held in Delhi, and he was hopeful, the persons selected would be acceptable to all.

The minister said he had witnessed a visible change in the attitude of Indian Americans during his interactions with the community in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Orlando, Florida and in the American capital on this trip.

First, they are now more confident and assertive. Second, they demonstrate a commitment and enthusiasm towards their country of origin, Ravi said. Having done their little bit for the India-US nuclear deal, they all want to contribute in more ways towards India's progress.

Ravi, whose fortnight-long visit to the US was to take him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Orlando, Washington DC, New York and Chicago, has had a packed schedule including participation in conventions of people of Indian origin from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat.

Ravi also addressed the general body meeting of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the second largest physicians' organization in the USA, in Atlanta.

The minister is scheduled to have a series of meetings with Indian community members in New York later Thursday. On Friday, he will inaugurate the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for International Harmony and Peace at New Jersey and open the International Gujarati Convention at New Jersey.