Reiterating regional PBD’s theme – 'Ancient Route, New Journey' – Jawed Ashraf, High Commissioner of India to Singapore said, “India and ASEAN may be celebrating 25 years of partnership, but India and Southeast Asia have a relationship that goes back over two millennia, and this is something we will highlight at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in a variety of ways.”
The ASEAN India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held on January 6-7, 2018 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. In addition to government of India’s celebration of Indian diaspora’s achievements, PBD conventions provide a platform to NRIs to engage with the Government on their issues of concern, explore investment opportunities back home and network with other overseas Indians.
“There’s a great deal of buzz (about the PBD) in Singapore, and we’re also delighted that there will be delegations from practically every ASEAN country,” said the High Commissioner.
Till now, the programmes were held in India but to expand their scope, it was decided that Indian Missions and Consulates will also celebrate PBD every year. Just 17 days away, PBD 2018 is an event everyone is looking forward to for building both economic and emotional connections between India and ASEAN.
With a scintillating lineup of speakers, which includes Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) N Chandrababu Naidu and Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, PBD 2018 will showcase India’s commitment to growth and to forming new partnerships in the region.
In an exclusive interview with Connected to India here is what the Indian High Commissioner had to say on the preparations of the mega event.
