The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas concluded on Monday in Jaipur with a call to promote a greater relationship with the Indian diaspora. Addressing the valedictory session of the PBD, President Pratibha Patil said India deeply cherish its relationship with PIOs. The President also honoured more than a dozen POIs, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime minister Kamla Persad Bissessar.
It was an emotional moment when Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla received Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award and she touched President’s feet. The President addressed a jam packed hall with over 1,400 delegates from over 60 countries and other dignitaries and praised the POIs for their outstanding contribution to the society.
The President under lined India’s development in last few years and said India needs to harness private investment in the fields like skill development, health and education at a time of economic uncertainty and profound change in the world. She said India will continue to actively engage with the overseas Indian community as partners in the development and progress of the country. The President said education and health were key areas of the strategy of inclusive development in India’s 11th Plan and it will be continue to be focus on such areas in the 12th Plan.
Striking an emotional chord, the Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla ended her address with Jai Hind and Jai Trinidad and Tobago and said she gave a Rajastahni touch to her costumes as she was so moved by culture. The organisers also announced that the regional PBD convention for Gulf region will take place in Dubai.
The minister for overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi said the PBD was biggest convention and the Rajasthan government left no stone unturned in making it a success. The event has given an opportunity to POIs to express their view on several issues.