Delivering the inaugural address at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jaishankar stressed that relationship with the Indian diaspora was very much in evidence amidst the challenges of the pandemic…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar heaped praise on the Indian community living abroad, saying that it is the largest and most talented diaspora in the world.
In the inaugural address at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, Jaishankar said what is perhaps unique about the Indian community is the intensity of the bonding which is promoted by conventions like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which is underway in the city of Indore. “…India has the largest diaspora in the world and many would say, the most talented. But what is perhaps unique about us is the intensity of the bonding between the community abroad and the motherland,” the minister said while addressing the youthful delegates from India and abroad.
“And that is a two-way street which is promoted particularly by activities like the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas,” he added.
Minister Jaishankar made these remarks in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan, Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, and Australian Parlimentrain Zaneta Mascarenhas.
The three-day 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held under the theme of this PBD Convention: “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.
Delivering the inaugural address, Jaishankar stressed that this relationship with the Indian diaspora was very much in evidence amidst the challenges of the Covid pandemic. “On its part, the Government of India undertook the Vande Bharat Mission and the Vaccine Maitri initiative, which were focused significantly on our diaspora-centered partners,” he said.
The external Affairs Minister also recognized to the tremendous response that the Indian government received from the PIO-NRI community during the most difficult moments of our own Covid experience.
“So as we meet today, I can truly say that our bonds have become even stronger as a result of all the trials and tribulations that we went through during the Covid period,” he added.
Jaishankar explained that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots.
“Here too, our efforts have been to encourage easier exposure to Indian culture and traditions abroad. Many of our Embassies, in fact I think most of them today now offer yoga, dance and music classes,” he said.
Jaishankar holds talks with Guyana President
Meanwhile, Jaishankar met Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and discussed deep people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“An honour to call on the Chief Guest of the PBD Convention, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana. Discussed our deep and abiding people-to-people ties. Exchanged views on strengthening our bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a tweet on Sunday. Guyana President, who is the chief guest of the 17th PBD Convention, was warmly welcomed in Indore on Sunday. On Ali’s arrival, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the African leader’s attendance at the Pravasi Bharatiya event is apt given the significant strength of Indian-origin people in Guyana.
“The heart of @incredibleindia warmly welcomes President Dr Mohamed Irfaan of Guyana as the Chief Guest of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023. With 40 per cent of Guyana’s population being of Indian origin, apt that the President of Guyana joins us in celebrating our Pravasis,” Bagchi tweeted.
The three-day convention is being organised in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh government in Indore with the aim to enhance engagement with overseas Indians. The theme of this PBD Convention is ‘Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’. Over 3,500 diaspora members from nearly 70 different countries have registered for the PBD convention.
The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas inauguration was held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports today. After the inaugural event, Jaishankar called on Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi ahead of the PBD convention on Monday, where the latter is the Special Guest of Honour.
“A pleasure to call on President @CSantokhi of Suriname in Indore today. His presence at the 17th PBD Convention underlines the close bonds between our countries. Discussed enhancing our relationship in the economic, culture, capacity building and people to people domains,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Meanwhile, the External Affairs minister also had a lively interaction with the Indian diaspora from the UK in Indore.
“Discussed Modi Government’s Easier to do Business; Ease of Living and Migration and Mobility initiatives. Confident that the Living Bridge will promote a stronger India-UK partnership,” Jaishankar said in another tweet.
On Monday, the PBD Convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will feature addresses by the chief guest, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2023 and preside over the Valedictory Session. (ANI)