Central Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention: Celebrating Indian Diaspora’s Contributions

The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention kicked off in Indore on Sunday, marking a return to a physical format after four years. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the strong bonds between the Indian diaspora and the country.

Indore, the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh and the cleanest city in India since 2017, is cautiously optimistic about hosting a successful event over the next two days. 27 overseas Indians will be honored for their contributions in various sectors.

The city has warmly welcomed delegates from around the world, with a festive atmosphere at the airport and railway station, where groups of youngsters have been handing out roses.

The first day of the event, known as “Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,” saw a large turnout at the privately-managed convention center, which serves as the venue for the biennial event.

Jaishankar expressed India’s growing confidence and desire to connect more closely with the international community. He also highlighted the country’s vaccine maitri initiative, which focused significantly on its diaspora-centered partners during the pandemic.

The Indian diaspora was described as the “most talented” by Jaishankar, who emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s roots and promoting Indian culture and traditions abroad.

US-based physician Manoj Jain, who is attending the convention, aims to dispel the misconception that such events are merely for show. He highlighted the meaningful activities and workshops conducted by NRIs, such as his work on tuberculosis elimination in rural Karnataka.

Jaishankar also encouraged members of the diaspora to visit popular tourist spots in the city, and giant cut-outs of the Prime Minister and CM Chauhan line the major roads in anticipation of their speeches.

The event is followed by a two-day investors summit, and the city is excited to host such a major event amidst the approaching Assembly polls. Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the chief guest, while Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the President of Suriname, has been invited as a special guest. The awardees include US-based NRI businessman Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, who was sent back from the Delhi airport on the night of October 23-24, 2021, allegedly for his involvement in the farmers’ agitation at Delhi’s borders.