Indians meet Indians

The first ever Pravasi Bharathiya Divas held in New Delhi was a grand old affair. The Indian Government left no stone unturned in laying the red carpet out for its prodigal sons and daughters. Over 3500 delegates from all over the world attended the three-day extravaganza and left with many fond memories.

Organized to discuss the potential of the global community of Indians and to urge the diaspora to invest in and contribute to India’s development, the event achieved these goals and more.

NRIS and PIOs from all walks of life mingled with one another, giving special meaning to the event’s slogan 'Indians meet Indians’. A special bond, a unique senses of kinship thrived in the hearts of visiting desis.

Representing our readers and the Desi community in New England was a particular honor and my eyes never ceased searching for New England pravasis at the event. Lokvani had easy, often exclusive access to various seminars and sessions, to our surprise and delight, many present there were regular readers of Lokvani.

The Prime Minister Mr. Vajpayee , welcomed the delegates making a commitment to grant dual citizenship to people of Indian origin residing in certain countries. He asked all present to contribute to the welfare of the motherland, not just monetarily but with ideas and innovations.

Other prominent speakers included Prof. Amarteya Sen, Mr. V.S. Naipaul, Mr. Advani and Mr. Aneerud Jugnauth.

The delegates were pampered silly with scrumptious food every day. Lunches and dinners were elaborate and extremely well presented. Many delegates, this reporter spoke to expressed a reluctance to go back home, so over whelmed were they with all the attention and affection showered upon them!

On the entertainment front, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya and the gang electrified one night’s cultural program, a big hit with both pravasis and Dilli vasis alike.

The last evening, delegates from the USA attended a reception at the American Ambassy in New Delhi, hosted by Ambassador Blackwell. Expressing interest in Lokvani and its service to the community, he acknowledged he felt a special bond to the NE region.

I’ll miss the friends I made among my pravasi bhais and behens, India was awesome, but boy, am I glad to be home in good old MA!

A detailed report of the conference will be featured in upcoming issues of Lokvani.

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