Pravasi Bharatiya Divas concludes, 15 NRIs awarded

The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas concluded on Friday at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar in the presence of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, who gave away 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman' awards to 15 members of the Indian diaspora.

The recipients were Guyana President Donald Rabindernauth Ramaotar, Mala Mehta, Dr Rajaram Sanjaya, Kanwaljit Singh Bakhshi, Rajmal Parakh, Duraikannu Karunakaran, Essop Goolam Pahad, Shah Bharatkumar Jayantilal, Ashraf Palarkunnummal, Mahendra Nanji Mehta, Professor Nathu Ram Puri, Satyanarayn Nadella, Dr Lulla Kamlesh and Dr Nandini Tandon. Nadella, Indian-origin CEO of Microsoft, was not present to accept the award.

In his valedictory speech before the gathering of over 3,000 non-resident Indians (NRIs) as well as persons of Indian origin, Ansari called for greater participation of diaspora to contribute in building a new India.

"Overseas Indians can play a major role in building a new India, as they are having experience and resources to deal with problems. They have taken initiatives to transform the country in which they are living. We welcome them to replicate those initiatives here," said Ansari.

Also present were External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) V K Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Gujarat Governor O P Kohli and president of Guyana Donald R Ramotar.

Swaraj lauded the efforts and struggle of overseas Indians and said that Indian diaspora is very dear to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Overseas Indians overcame hurdles and achieved success. They are proud citizens of their country, but, their heart still beats for India. Indian diaspora is close to Modiji's heart. He appealed to them to contribute in India's development whenever he went on foreign tours," Swaraj said.

"I am happy to see so many young NRIs here. It is time for Bharat Banao (make India) and Bharat Me Banao (make in India). Modiji is having a mission of Remake India and young Indian diaspora can play a vital role in realising that vision. We can partner in India's growth story," said Swaraj.

Chief Minister Patel promised that the NRIs will find a cleaner Gujarat when they come next time.

"When on India visit, NRIs feel disappointed about sanitation scenario here and wish to see a cleaner country. I want to promise them that when you come back, you will be able to see that change, as Gujarat has put extra emphasis on Modi's call to make a cleaner India by 2019," said Patel.