Identity of diaspora is derived from how closely it’s connected to roots: S. Jaishankar

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali arrives in Indore on Sunday to attend the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 as Chief Guest. PTI

The administration has rolled out the red carpet for delegates from across the world, lending the city a decked up look right from the airport and the railway station, where groups of youngsters have been stationed carrying roses.

With most delegates having reached Indore, the first day of the event, observed as “Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas”, witnessed a large turnout at the privately managed convention centre, serving as the venue of the biennial event, which is held to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915.

In his remarks, Jaishankar said India, which is “increasingly confident” about its prospects, seeks to connect more closely with the international community. The Covid-19 pandemic, he said, saw New Delhi focusing its vaccine maitri initiative significantly on its diaspora-centered partners.

“As we meet today, I can truly say that our bonds have become even stronger as a result of all the trials and tribulations that we went through during the Covid period,” Jaishankar said. Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan were also present on the occasion.

Describing Indian diaspora as the “most talented”, Jaishankar said: “The identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots. Here too, our efforts have been to encourage easier exposure to Indian culture and traditions abroad.”

Manoj Jain, a US-based physician on infectious diseases, who is among those who have travelled to Indore for the convention, told The Indian Express that he wants to “dispel the myth” that these events are merely “pomp and show”.

“I visit India every six months working on TB elimination. Many people think these Pravasi Bharatiya events are all pomp and show. But there is a great amount of meaningful activity that NRIs are doing. Take for instance the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. Over the past four days, we did a workshop in Bhopal. We also extensively visited rural Karnataka in this regard,” said Dr Jain, who teaches at the Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health.

In his speech, Jaishankar also urged members of the diaspora to visit Indore’s popular tourist spots such as Chappan Dukan and Sarafa Bazar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the convention on Monday.

“We have been directed to pull out all stops to make the event a success. And the moment it ends, the two-day investors summit will begin,” said an official involved in the arrangements.

Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the chief guest, while Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname, has been invited as a special guest at the convention. The awardees include US-based NRI businessman Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, who was sent back from Delhi airport on the night of October 23-24, 2021, allegedly for his involvement in the farmers’ agitation at Delhi’s borders.