Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
The Consulate General of India San Francisco celebrated 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in the Bay Area with the participation of local community leaders and media. The event began with the playing of the address of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 17th PBD in Indore. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and enable the diaspora to interact with each other. The theme of this PBD Convention is ‘Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’. Over 3,500 diaspora members from nearly 70 different countries have registered for the PBD Convention.
Addressing the gathering at Indore, the Prime Minister remarked that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is taking place in all its glory after a gap of four years and highlighted the significance and joy of personal interaction. Welcoming everyone on the occasion on behalf of 130 crore Indians, the Prime Minister said that the event is taking place on the land of Madhya Pradesh which is known as the heart of India and famous for the holy waters of Narmada, the greenery, the tribal culture and spirituality. Highlighting the significant role of Pravasi Bhartiyas in the next 25 years of the journey of Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister stated that India’s unique global vision and its role in the global order will be strengthened by them. The Prime Minister stated that he calls every Pravasi Bhartiya a national ambassador of India as they echo the voice of a powerful and capable India when the world evaluates their contributions.
It was followed by Consul General Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad addresses the significance of community in Silicon Valley & US. He welcomed consulate officials and other community leaders gathered to celebrate the event at Amber, Los Altos. He spoke on the significance of the Indian professionals in various facets of life. He highlighted the Make in India vaccine and the record inoculation figures of more than 220 crore free doses to Indians. He mentioned India has about 61,400 registered startups, making it the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem in the world after the US and China. 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millets and is very special for the Indian heritage products.
CG Prasad claimed that India’s macroeconomic fundamentals are strong and it is the fastest growing economy in the world. “We have robust public finances. We have strong manufacturing and export growth. We are the top FDI destination. He also touched upon the consular services offered by his consulate. CGISF has issued over 96000 OCIs and 1.58 lakh services in 2022. CGISF serves 1.5 million Indian Americans living in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Territory of Guam.
His address was followed by comments from Ms. Nilu Gupta Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee, observation by Indian origin Honorary Consul General of Mauritius Mr. Jitu Somaya and recitation of a Hindi poem on diaspora by Ms. Archana Panda. Over 50 community members attended the event.
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