Altogether 4,500 non-resident Indians (NRIs) from 85 countries have registered themselves for the 15th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) convention, which will be held in the city from January 21 to January 23. While most of the participants are from the US, UAE and Malaysia, 2,254 Indians will also attend the convention. Prominent foreign guests, including Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Norway MP Himanshu Gulati and New Zealand MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi will also attend the convention being organised by the ministry of foreign affairs on the theme of ‘Role of Indian Diaspora in building New India’.
“A total of 4,500 NRIs have registered themselves to take part in the PBD convention,” said district magistrate Surendra Singh.
According to the list of participants, 449 NRIs from the US, 395 from UAE, 202 from Malaysia, 153 from 109 from Oman and 104 from the UK will take part in the three-day event. Besides, participants from about 80 other countries will also visit Varanasi.
I understand at this conclave the Pravasi Bharitya Sammaan is also conferred or announced.. It is understood that this covet award is given on the merit and social standing of a person in the country he is residing and is referred by the Indian Mission in that particular country. However, it is noted that many times the award goes to some of the big businessmen in the country who has done or contribute nothing to the mass in that country for uplifting the Bharat''s name in his country of domicile. I am a resident of Thailand and can say that last year award went to the most undeserving candidate who had a closed connection with the Diplomat mission in Thailand bypassing some of the old residence who has done a lot for not only for the local community but for many of Indian Origins who are in need of assistance. May be it is the time to change the selection structure so that only the deserving candidates are awarded so that the importance of the award is maintained.
A temporary NRI office has been created at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Trade Facilitation Centre in Bada Lalpur area, where all major events of the convention will take place.
A tent city has been created at Aidhey village, where 1,480 guests will stay in 620 well-furnished cottages.
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