Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is a major annual event orchestrated by the Indian Government?s Ministry of External Affairs ?to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.? It is a way for Indian government to show its global diaspora ? that remitted nearly $68 billion to motherland – that it cares.
PM: The remittance of close to sixty nine billion dollars annually by the overseas Indians makes an invaluable contribution to the economy
? Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 8, 2017
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As an Indian-American with an OCI?who has lived and worked in a dozen countries, I had read about the event held in the years past. This year I happen to be in Bangalore, and had an opportunity to attend the event and to see firsthand the Rock Star status Mr. Narendra Modi commands even among the Indian diaspora.
Getting there to BIEC: Navigating Bangalore Traffic on an Ola using Digital App. Most NRIs would dread driving on Indian roads!
A warm, Desi cultural welcome to the delegates
The Black Cat NSG commandos awaiting the arrival of VVIPs
Settling in with a Selfie before Mr. Modi Speaks!
Prime Minister Modi “Whether knowledge, time or money, we welcome your contributions that strengthen India?s partnership with overseas community” ?Other Modi bytes :
- “We don’t see the colour of the passport, our relationship is based on blood.”
- “Earlier there used to be talk of ‘brain drain’. With your help, we want to turn that drain into ‘brain gain’.”
- “There are over 30 million Indians living abroad. They are respected not just for their strength in numbers, but for the contributions they make to India and the country they live in.”
A?lot of food for thought ?.. and some good food too (catered by #TajBangalore)
A few heads Nodding off at a session after lunch. The NRI/OCI diaspora is diverse and varied. Not surprisingly, their issues too are varied and wide ranging. The techie from Houston can?t relate to the issues of the migrant workers in Saudi Arabia or the Girmityas in Mauritius or Fiji. … but the officials at PBD took pains to show they care!
A fellow OCI asks the Minister a question on an issue close to her heart!
A global event in Bangalore wouldn?t be complete without techies showcasing their digital Apps. Mr. Modi quipped “….And Sorry, did I mention our well known Information Technology Professionals?”
Pictures and narrative by Mohan K
Other links on the event
- Bengaluru Hosts 14th Edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?- News18
- Times of India Live: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017: PM Modi thanks overseas Indian community for their support in the fight against black money & corruption
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Sushma all over PBD despite her absence?-?BENGALURU: Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj’s illness has been kept away from the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017. Indian Express
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Proud to be person of Indian origin: Portugal PM?-?Costa, who traces his roots to Goa, was the chief guest at PBD-2017. “Yes, I am actually a person of Indian origin,” Costa said
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Govt cracking down on illegal recruitment agencies hiring for overseas jobs?Speaking about the steps being taken by the government to address the grievances, complaints and petitions of the migrant workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the PBD-2017
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