The 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been kicked off in Gandhinagar, Gujarat this morning. 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.
Mrs. Sushma Swaraj 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.