The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD), a flagship event organized by the Government of India to engage with the Indian diaspora, was held in Indore on January 9-10, 2023. The event was attended by a large number of Indian diaspora from across the world, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others.
The theme of PBD 2023 was “Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Building the New India.” The two-day event was packed with a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and cultural performances, aimed at showcasing the contribution of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress and development.
One of the main highlights of PBD 2023 was a speech by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, who emphasized the importance of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India’s global presence. He spoke about the various initiatives taken by the government to engage with the Indian diaspora, including the creation of a Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, the launch of the e-Migrate system, and the establishment of the PBD as an annual event.
The Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of the Indian diaspora, including their contributions to the fields of science, technology, medicine, and arts, and the way in which they have helped to promote India’s image abroad. He also spoke about the importance of the Indian diaspora in maintaining the cultural ties between India and the countries in which they reside, and the role they play in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.
During the panel discussions, the Indian diaspora shared their views on various topics, including the role of the Indian diaspora in promoting India’s image abroad, the challenges faced by the Indian diaspora in their adopted countries, and the opportunities for investment in India. The diaspora participants also had the opportunity to interact with the Indian government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders.
One of the key concerns raised by the Indian diaspora was the need for a more streamlined and efficient process for obtaining visas and citizenship in India. They emphasized the need for a more simplified and user-friendly system that would make it easier for them to travel to India and to access the services they need while they are there. The Indian government representatives assured the diaspora participants that they are working on addressing these issues and are committed to making the process of obtaining visas and citizenship as simple and straightforward as possible.
Another concern raised by the Indian diaspora was the need for better infrastructure and support systems in India. Many diaspora participants expressed the view that India still lags behind other countries in terms of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and housing options, and that more needs to be done to address these challenges. The Indian government representatives acknowledged these concerns and emphasized their commitment to investing in the development of these sectors and improving the standard of living for all citizens, including the Indian diaspora.
The cultural program held on the second day of the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of India and provided a platform for the Indian diaspora to showcase their talents. The program included classical dance performances, music concerts, and folk performances, highlighting the diversity and richness of India’s cultural traditions.
The PBD 2023 also provided an opportunity for the Indian diaspora to network with each other and to explore business and investment opportunities in India. A large number of Indian businesses and organizations participated in the event, showcasing their products and services and providing information on investment opportunities in India.
In conclusion, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2023 was a successful event that brought together the Indian diaspora from across the world to celebrate their connection to India
