The 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has begun at Gandhinagar in Gujarat this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the mega Indian Diaspora event tomorrow. Beginning of the 13th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was full of synergy and enthusiasm with the opening day devoted to Indian diaspora youth. In a plenary session on -“Bharat ko jano” diaspora youth shared their views on Indian culture, philosophy and traditions as well as initiatives taken by the new government at the Centre. 'Bharat Ko Maano' session focused on innovations and contributions of India in the fields of Science & Technology. Union Minister Dr. Harshvardhan urged the Indian diaspora to actively consider pursuing research and innovation in India. Young achiever Professor of Mathematics in Princeton University, Dr. Manjul Bhargava, spoke about interesting methods of teaching Mathematics using the rhymes and rhythms of Sanskrit Shlokas.
Speaking on Gandhian Thought in context of 21st century, Minister of State for External Affairs, General V. K. Singh, reminded the youth about the sacrifices made by Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters. Students from various countries studying in Indian educational institutions under youth exchange program were also being a part of it. All of them overwhelmed to receive a great attention from Indian government.
Earlier, inaugurating the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called upon the young Indian diaspora to contribute in the initiatives and programs launched by Government of India.
Addressing the the gathering, mainly students and young Indian diaspora, she appealed them to become the ambassador of a modern India which is taking shape following many new initiatives and programs by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mrs. Swaraj said the pravasi is the most significant example of India’s soft power abroad. She said India will always consider pravasis as one of it own, regardless of the colour of their passports or land of their citizenship. She said that about 25 million people of Indian origin residing outside India and they are connecting India with globe with their bonding. She emphasised on three Cs, connect, celebrate and contribute in the advancement of modern India.
External Affairs Minister said that the Narendra Modi Government is focusing on infrastructure development and moving towards a transparent policy. Earlier, welcoming hundreds of youth delegates, Mrs. Swaraj said that it is a special joy to interact with the youth “who share a special bond of heart with India”. She said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a platform to connect the diaspora with the motherland and promote the concept of a global Indian family.
Union Minster of state for youth affairs and Sports Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal also spoke on this occasion. Ms. Priti Patel, Member of Parliament and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury in United Kingdom and Dr. Rashmi Das- Chairperson of World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) were present on this occasion.
The three-day diaspora conclave is being held at the Mahatma Mandir complex in Gandhinagar from 7 to 9 to mark the centenary of India’s “sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya” or foremost Indian diaspora member, Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India.
