01-19-2019 Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and Hindi Diwas
Chicago IL: Ms. Nupur Jhingran, a community member, welcomed the guests and participants of the event. She gave a brief introduction about Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, its relevance and role of NRIs in India. She also recited a poem written by her for the occasion.
Consul General Mrs. Neeta Bhushan delivered the keynote address. She welcomed and thanked the community for their presence in the celebration of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas at the Consulate. She highlighted that PBD is being celebrated as a festival from January 21-23 in Varanasi followed by Kumbh Mela in Prayag Raj and celebration of Republic Day in New Delhi on 26th January. She acknowledged that 30 million Indians living abroad have made significant contributions and have numerous milestones and achievements to their credit. She mentioned that the effort of the government has been to reach out to the Indian community settled across the world. Consul General once again stated that the Consulate has tried to be a very open and transparent. It is there for the community in matters of crisis, such as any medical emergency, loss of passport, theft of personal belongings or any unforeseen situation. Also, that the Consulate has 24/7 helpline emergency number, open house on every first and third Wednesday of the month, consular camps, as well as very active media platforms. She emphasized the efforts of Government in 2016 in Operation Sankat Mochan, where 150 Indians were evacuated from Sudan. Thousands of Indians were evacuated from Yemen in 2014-15. In total 90, 000 Indians were evacuated from over 54 countries.
Consul General spoke about India’s rapid economic transformation. India being a 2.5 trillion-dollar economy, and surging towards 5 trillion, the country moved to 77th position on ease of doing business ranking, and IMF projected India’s growth rate to be about 7.5% in the coming years. She also highlighted new government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, rural electrification, etc.
A Video and PowerPoint presentation highlighting reasons to attend PBD, and details on PBD was shown on the occasion. CG also honored previous Pravasi Bharatiya Samman recipients.
Consulate also celebrated the Vishwa Hindi Diwas the same day after the PBD. Master Aabeer Awasthi, age 9 sang a song in Hindi. Ms. Gurbachan Kaur of Hindi Lovers Club gave a small speech on how they are promoting Hindi for the last 8 years. Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, President & CEO of Global Natural resources Inc., and Mrs. Shanu Sinha, Director of Indian American Cultural Association recited a poem in Hindi. Ms. Nishika Dubey an eight-year-old girl recited a poem by Pt. Harivansh Rai Bachahan.
The event was well attended by community leaders, heads of various Indian American Associations, community members and Consulate staff.
Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA
Suresh Bodiwala
Chairman
Asian Media USA
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