Role and Importance of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas-Puri
Jaswant Singh Puri
Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas is a frontrunner event observed on 9th January by the Republic of India. It is celebrated to spot the input and improvement of the Non Resident Indians for the progress and development of India. It strengthens the better understanding of the overseas settled Indian Community with the Indian Government. During the celebration of convention, eminent Indians are conferred honours with Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards by the President of India on non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin or an organization or institutions established by them. Ujjal Dosanjh in Canada, Shridath Surenderanath Ramphal in Guyana, Lord Navnit Dholakia in UK, Professor Sunil, Dr. Sam Pitroda, Manoj Night Shyamalan in USA, Dr. Mariam Chisti in Kuwait and a lot more have been awarded with Parvasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. The day also commemorates the homecoming of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on 9th January, 1915. It was celebrated annually till 2015 but afterwards, it is ceremonised biennially. It is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The Seventeenth Convention of Non-resident Indians will be organized in Indian’s cleanest and smartest city Indore in the heart of Indian State called Madhya Pradesh from 8th January to 10th January, 2023. Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas will be celebrated on 8th January where the Guest of Honour will be Zanela Mascarenhas, Member of Parliament of Australia with inaugural address by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs. Inauguration of 17th Parvasi Bhartiya Diwas Convention will be held on 9th January and addressed by Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. Main address is to be delivered by Prime Minister of India. Prime Minister will also inaugurate PBD Exhibition on the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle” and so on. On day third i.e. 10th January, there will be a session on Potential of Women Diaspora Entrepreneurs towards nation building. It is to be concluded by Valedictory Session by the President of India Droupdi Murmu and Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards.
Er. Harbans Singh Kular, presently staying at Patiala has visited America eleven times. He was a Green Card Holder but could not stay there due to some circumstances and surrendered his Green Card. Presently, he is devoted to writing articles, taking part in social activities. Recently, he has produced a Punjabi Short Movie ‘O Kudi’ under ‘Kular Productions Patiala’. Besides its production and story writing, he has acted in it very well under the direction of Devi Sharma. He deserves cheers for his activities of aesthetic sense.
Dr. Ajit Singh Puri, M.D., D.Sc (Honoris Causa) FICP, FCAI, FICA has written a valuable book ‘How to Prevent Common Diseases’ which has proved useful and enlightening. Its first two editions have been acclaimed worldwide in 36 countries which speak of its utility and acceptance. The book has a Foreword by Lord Walton of Detchant T.D., M.A., MD, D.Sc, FRCP, Former Professor of Neurology and Dean of Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne; former President, British Medical Association, Royal Society of Medicine and General Medical Council; former Warden Green College, Oxford; former President, World Federation of Neurology.
The book has been appreciated by the World Health Organisation. Dr. B.P Kean, Director, External Cooperation and Partnerships, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland conveyed the collective comments that have been printed on the back of the jacket. The WHO team has placed the book at the international level. Comments of BP Kean, Director, External Cooperation and Partnership, WHO Geneva, Switzerland are:
“I trust that the book …… has served the purpose for which it was written by preserving the well-being of many who would otherwise have fallen seriously ill.”
Dr. Ajit Singh Puri has visited many countries like the UK, the USA, Switzerland, Canada, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Holland, Austria, West Germany, Belgium, Italy, France and Luxemburg (many times) to create mass awareness and to extend his areas of specialisation among the public and Non-Resident Indians settled overseas.
It is a real honour that the first-copy of the book ‘How to Prevent Common Diseases’ was presented to , Krishan Kant, Vice-President of India in 2000.
The commendation to observe Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas deserves a pat to the Ex-Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who accepted the suggestions on January 8, 2002 by the L.M. Singhvi led Committee and promulgated confidently to celebrate Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas on 9th January. This day carries immense importance as it established NRIs bonds and connection with their roots and honour their achievements. The day also serves as a platform to frame an international network of NRIs which helps to interact the youth of today with immigrants. The event also imparts an opportunity to discuss the main issues related to Indian Diaspora. The Narendra Modi Government has always accorded the highest priority to the Indian Diaspora which is more than 32 million. It is founded on 4Cs – Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute.
The Ministry of External Affairs is also organizing an open competition to design a logo that will depict the spirit of the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas. The platform for Pravasi Bhartiya Days will rejuvenate and re-energise their bonds with the Government. In the 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Convention, 30 winners of ‘Bharat ko Janiye Quiz’ were declared and invited for an India tour. It was meant to fortify the bond with young overseas Indians (18-35 years) and suffuse in them the spirit to know more about their country of origin.
It is a matter of respect, pride and a fair tribute to the late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj that the government has changed the name of Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra as Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
Dr. Sukhbir Puri, the younger brother of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and son of Late Diwan KS Puri, Chairperson and Managing Director, House of Lords Beverages Limited, Mauritius has launched HOL’s various alcoholic brands. This step of Dr. Sukhbir Puri, will make its glorious presence to be recognised in International arena and parallel to Scotland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia etc.
Dr. Sukhbir Puri, an NRI has an illustrious career to his credit. He has launched the operation of International Distilleries India Ltd. In 1994, he launched Smirnoff Vodka, Spey Royal Scotch, Malibei, Archer’s Green Label and several other International Brands. Above all, he handled comprehensive portfolios across his career in the areas of Marketing, Product Management, Materials Management and Administration.
Dr. Sukhbir Puri possesses a Masters Degree in Chemistry from Rajasthan University and a doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Punjabi University.
He has been adjudged as the best mentor from Western Region and awarded by Prince Charles of UK. Discussions have been going on with Food & Drink Contractors and stakeholders to launch business operations in Punjab and North India.
The number of Diaspora is rising in the US, Canada and UK with higher earning and becoming assertive and active in support of Indian interest. External affairs Minister Jaishankar has asked Diaspora members to participate in Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, 2023 and use this glorious opportunity to exchange ideas about India’s future developments and be partners in the golden period of India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ He expressed his thanks for the Diaspora for their commitment and devotion to their motherland.
Note: This article is dedicated to Smt. Alka Puri, M.A. (Hindi, B.Ed.) who was the Secretary, Ladies Club, Punjabi University, Patiala during the tenure of Vice Chancellor Dr. S.S. Johal, awarded with Padma Bhushan in 2004. Smt. Alka Puri was the wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and mother of Jaswant Singh Puri.
(The views expressed are personal)
January 8,2023
