The Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was inaugurated on Friday 17th October in London at the Queen Elizabeth convention centre in presence of hundreds of people from the Indian diaspora, including the MPs, Peers, businessmen and community leaders.
The ceremony started with a lighting of diya by the British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Mrs Sushma Swaraj, High Commissioner of India to UK, Mr Ranjan Mathai and Mr Prem Narain, Secretary, MOIA.
Welcoming the audience, the High Commissioner said that he was extremely pleased to convey his gratitude to the government of UK, British Parliamentarians, British Indian community leaders, organisations, business leaders, academics and media persons for their invaluable support.
Philip Hammond, Britain's Foreign Secretary said "I am delighted that the UK has been chosen as the host nation for this first Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas under the new Indian government.
“I want to recognise the exceptional contribution the UK's 1.5mn strong Indian diaspora are making to this country. It is a contribution felt in the British society and culture. In britain's economy and also in politics.
“India has impressive fundamentals as the world's biggest democracy and rising economic power house, with a hard wired culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Allied with PM Shri Narendra Modi's ambitious economic development programme, these characters have the capacity to make India an increasingly strong player on the world stage in the coming years- a force for good, for stability and prosperity. We want UK to be a key partner in the next chapter of India's story. PM Modi wants to transform India and we believe that UK can help. "
He also expressed delight for the bilateral relations India and UK have shared, especially the decision to erect a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament square- at one of the world heritage sites.
Addressing the audience, the Minister of External Affairs, Mrs Sushma Swaraj said, “I am delighted to see in this room so many distinguished British Indians, who have done exceedingly well in their chosen fields. There is hardly any profession in which Indians have not excelled. You have brought honour not only to this country but also to your country of origin. You have made India proud. We regard you as a pillar of great strength in our partnership with the United Kingdom.
“During this short span of my stay here, I have heard many success stories of British Indians. I go back to India not only impressed, but with a renewed conviction that India’s active engagement with its diaspora has a most promising future. It is good for India, good for the United Kingdom and good for the partnership between our two nations.
“Ever since the new government took charge a few months ago, the Indian economy has already shown early signs of recovery. We aim not only to sustain the trend, but also accelerate it. Our government believes that large-scale infrastructure expansion, efficient and value-added manufacturing, skills development, specialized education, youth development and judicious use of new technologies will put India on the path of progressive economic development.
“There is no better time than now for the Indian diaspora to come forward to join hands with us as partners in India’s growth story. My visit has reinforced my confidence in the potential and resourcefulness of the British Indian community.
“I also had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond to broadly review the steadily strengthening relations between our two countries. We shared the view that the relationship is progressing well. We are committed to working closely with the UK in all areas of common interests and concerns, including at the international level.”
After her formal English speech, Sushma Swaraj, switched to Hindi to express her delight at her first visit to London as the External Affairs Minister.
She then spoke about BJP's historic election victory earlier this year that had the audience clapping and cheering. Mrs Swaraj added that it's the hope and expectation of people especially youngsters that gave encouragement to change the Coalition face of India. She went on to say that she was aware that people outside India have more hope in them. And they would do best to deliver that.
In an emotional plea to the Indian Diaspora in the UK to invest in their motherland, Mrs Swaraj said "now is the time" to come to India to tap the "immense opportunities" awaiting them.
The Minister while launching the two-day Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here, also said she attached great importance to the event as it is the first large-scale engagement of the new government with the highly successful and vibrant Indian- origin community of the UK and other European countries.
While highlighting the "tremendous opportunities" and "exciting projects" across various sectors, she also acknowledged concerns of the Indian Diaspora seeking greater ease in sustaining links with their motherland.
"I have come here not just to address you but to invite you; now is the time to come to India. There are immense opportunities waiting there for you. I promise I will listen to all your problems and solve each one of them," she said.
"As we rejoice in the success of the Indian Diaspora, we also invite you to actively participate in India's growth story. Our Government is fully committed to good governance, clear policies, efficiency, accountability, speedy decision making, transparency and favourable business environment," she said.
The 2 days event included several discussions such as: Role and contribution of Indian diaspora to the British, how can the diaspora and the government of India leverage each other's strengths to mutual benefit, leveraging new opportunities for India and UK in ICT and financial services, Investments in India: the way forward, role of social media and youth in promoting diaspora's links with India, opportunities and challenges in India-UK collaboration in trade and investments, NRI/PIO businesses in European countries: achievements and constraints, Scope and potential of diaspora's engagement in education, research and innovation in India, issues of concern to Indian diaspora and possible solutions and role and contribution of diaspora's cultural contacts.
Participants included MPs and Peers of Indian origin, and several community heads.
The event concluded on 18th October, with a gala dinner and cultural performance, that included music and dance representing different parts of India.
