External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari today launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas website in New Delhi. The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention will be held from 7 to 9th January next year in Kolkata. The theme: is “From Roots to Return: Reigniting Diaspora Connect with Bharat”. The Convention will be organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the State Government of West Bengal.  

 

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Jaishankar said the Indian diaspora serves as a living bridge between the country and the world. He said the diaspora is not merely connected to India through its past, but it is also an important stakeholder in India’s future. He highlighted that India’s economic growth is today a global talking point. He further stated that the Convention will provide an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the countries they reside in and to India. He added that the theme reflects the endeavour to deepen connection with their ancestral roots.

 

In his address, Chief Minister of West Bengal said that it is an honour that West Bengal has been selected by the External Affairs Ministry to organise this event. He said preparation is underway in mission mode. He invited delegates to experience Bengal’s cultural heritage and hospitality. 

 

Our correspondent reports that the event will bring together Indian diaspora members, young diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, innovators and other stakeholders from across the world. It is the flagship event of the Government that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other. Pravasi Bahratiya Diwas is celebrated on 9th January commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.