The 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 9PBD) got off to a colourful start here on Saturday. The day 1 of the event belonged to the youth as it was Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with the Young Indian Diaspora from across the world connecting with their motherland and discovering its wonders.
With over 400 youth participating in the ‘Youth Pravis Bharatiya Divas (PBD) , the atmosphere was full of youth energy at the inaugural session on “Role of Diaspora in the Transformation of India”.
Kicking off the event , Karnataka’s Industry Minister R V Deshpande said “With 65 per cent of the Indian population being under 35 years, it’s a great opportunity for the young Diaspora to foster friendship, discover the country’s hoary tradition and rich culture and identify with its ethos,”
Suriname Vice-President Michael Ashwin Adhin addressing the youth , impressed the audience with liberal use of sanskrit in his speech. Speaking to the youth he exhorted them to come out and use their energies to the development of the motherland. Adhin said the time was right when India play a bigger global role and become “Vishwa Guru”
The theme of the PBD 2017 this time is “Redefining Engagement with Indian Diaspora” an attempt by the government to involve the NRI’s with the motherland in a bigger way than ever before.
Speaking to The Sunday Guardian , R V Deshpande Karnataka’s Industries minister said, “ I am glad that we are hosting the event in Bengaluru. We have put our best foot forward and showcase why Karnataka is not just a preferred destination to invest but also the strong heritage and cultural background make Karnataka a must visit state for every NRI”
Technology is a strength that Bengaluru can offer , the state which contributes over 33 percent of IT/ ITeS revenues in the got an opportunity to showcase the same in a big way as was visible at the discussion sessions. About 10 plenary sessions are being held on various topics, including two on start-ups and disruptive innovations and investment opportunities in Karnataka.
Being held for the first time in Karnataka at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre on the city’s outskirts, the three-day event has drawn about 2,000 NRIs from 72 countries worldwide to redefine their engagement with their motherland.
It will deliberate on how the diaspora and missions may come together through social media to fully utilize the commercial and business opportunities available in other countries and facilitating linkages with
Indian business houses and chambers of commerce. About 6,340 delegates from across the country are also attending the mega event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the event on Sunday and deliver the keynote address in the presence of Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa as the chief guest.
Celebrated every alternate year since 2003 in January second week, the biennial event commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915 and provides a common forum for addressing issues concerning the Diaspora, especially NRIs and PIOs.
President Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards and delivery the valedictory address on Monday.
The chief ministers of seven states across the country are also attending the event.The Kannada and Culture department has organised cultural shows in the evenings to entertain the delegates for all the three days to show the colourful culture of the state.