The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Madhya Pradesh's Indore will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
"Looking forward to being in the vibrant city of Indore tomorrow, 9th January to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This is a great opportunity to deepen the connect with our diaspora, which has distinguished itself globally," PM Modi in a tweet.
Modi will also inaugurate the first-ever digital PBD exhibition on the theme "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle to highlight the contribution of the diaspora freedom fighters in India's Independence.
Union ministers S. Jaishankar and Anurag Thakur addressed the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas programme on Sunday held as part of the PBD convention.
While speaking at the event Jaishankar said that the identity of a diaspora is very much derived from how closely it is connected to its roots and India's efforts have been to encourage easier exposure to its culture and traditions.
"Our efforts have been to encourage easier exposure (for diaspora) to the Indian culture and traditions," he said.
'Diaspora: Reliable partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal' is the theme for the convention this year.
Over 3,500 diaspora members from 70 countries will be attending the event.
According to officials, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the chief guest and the Republic of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi will be the special guest of honour.
Earlier, due to the pandemic, the 16th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention was held virtually.
A commemorative postal stamp Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen' will be released to underline the importance of safe, legal, orderly and skilled migration.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9 to mark the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in Mumbai from South Africa on that day in 1915.
With PTI inputs
