Varanasi, January 21: Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Monday inaugurated the 15th Edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas at Deendayal Hastakala Sankul in Varanasi. The Union Minister lauded the roles played by Indian at International platforms and emphasised on the key features like shared identity and shared commonness, binding the relations together.

Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Union Minister said, “India is a land of limitless opportunities, and Pravasi Bharatiyas are and will continue to be partners in the progress of our motherland.” Expressing her happiness, she said that PBD2019 is a tale of courage, determination and character. Also, she cited the examples of Google CEO Sunder Pichai, Microsoft COO Satya Nadella, IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath to name a few, and thanked the diaspora for kindling a new wave for India abroad. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019: History, Significance And All About 15th PBD Convention in Varanasi.

Other than the Swaraj, Union Minister of State and in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Gen (Retd.) VK Singh, Norway MP Himanshu Gulati and New Zealand MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were present at the inaugural event.

During the ceremony, Guest of Honour New Zealand MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi stressed on the need to work out on Dual citizenship and Nomination of NRIs to Rajya Sabha for active participation in politics. Along with this he also opined that Indian and New Zealand could work in the sector of agriculture and horticulture. The other guest of honour Norway MP Himanshu Gulati, recalled the journey of his parents from India to Norway 40 years ago.

Expressing his opinion, Union Minister of State Information and Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore urged the Indian identity – residing outside – to join in the building of a New India. He also lauded the role of NRIs in preserving their cultural values and respect for the motherland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the plenary session of 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention on Tuesday, and President Shri Ram Nath Kovind will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to select overseas Indians on the closing day, i.e. January 23, 2019. Prime Minister of Mauritius – Pravind Jugnauth – is the chief guest on this occasion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 21, 2019 07:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).