Rajasthan:

Model for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Text: Niyati Patel

The seeds of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India’s annual convention to connect with its vast diaspora, were in many ways sown in Rajasthan. On the occasion of the state’s 50th anniversary in 2000, Rajasthan had organised the International Rajasthani Conclave, under the initiative of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot. It was one of the most memorable events for the state and its people. The event, which took place on September 23 – 24 in Jaipur, was an effort to salute and recognise Rajasthanis all over the world, who had brought laurels to the state and their respective countries of domicile. The response was so overwhelming that it inspired the Government of India to host a larger initiative, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in order to connect with the 30 million Indian diaspora across the world. It has now become the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and is held every year in January. The three-day event culminates on January 9, to mark the day when Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most famous and illustrious pravasi, returned from South Africa in 1915.

As the partner state for the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Rajasthan is showcasing the investment opportunities in the state and promises a platform to interact with chief ministers, union and state ministers, and prominent people of Indian origin from other countries. According to the organisers, more than 1,500 delegates from 110 countries are expected to participate in this event.