Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India and CII jointly organized 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Celebrations in New Delhi during January 8-9, 2008 with a view to associating the NRIs in the development process of India. Government of Gujarat was invited to participate in this event by the Ministry. Since a large number of NRIs of Gujarat origins are settled in major countries overseas, the State Government decided to participate actively in this event, like all the previous five celebrations.
The theme as decided by the Organizers this year was Engaging the Diaspora: The Way Ahead aiming to associate NRIs in the development process of India. A high level delegation led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, comprising Shri Jay Narayan Vyas, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Tourism & NRG and Shri D Rajagopalan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Mines) accompanied by other senior officers of the State Government participated in this event.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 8th January, 2008 which was also attended by Shri Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius along with other dignitaries. About 1,500 delegates from different parts of globe participated in the event. As a part of the event, various sessions covering diverse sectors like Health & Education, Knowledge Economy, Culture, Challenges in Women Empowerment & Leadership, Investment & Infrastructure, Trade & Business Opportunities, Developmental Challenges of the State: Partnership Opportunities, Working Sessions on Regions, Diaspora Philanthropy : Empowerment of Rural Women, etc. were organized.
 Addressing all the delegates of the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas along with other state chief ministers in the Plenary Session on Developmental Challenges of the State: Partnership Opportunities on 9th January, Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat made an impressive presentation giving a brief account on the progressive work done in Gujarat in different spheres of activities, leading to the well-being of the people of the state. Printed copies of his speech which was very well received by the participants of the event were also circulated.
In the state exhibition area, Gujarat was allotted a space of 72 sq. mtrs to develop a pavilion. The pavilion inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri  Narendra Modi on 8th January projected Gujarat as the most advanced and progressive state in the country. All the initiatives taken in the recent past by the Government in the economic, infrastructure and social sectors were highlighted in the form of colourful translates. In addition, suitably designed information kiosks were also placed. Scrollers were also placed covering the observations made on Gujarat by leading industrialists, opinion makers and international organizations. The social sector schemes included the panels on Chiranjeevi Yojana, Jyotigram Yojana, Vanbandhu Yojana, Garib Samruddhi Yojana, etc. Tourism potential of the state was amply demonstrated in the form of a scroller showing important tourist destinations. The pavilion was visited by most of the participants of the event and appreciated the concept and design. Important among the dignitary who visited Gujarat Pavilion was Shri Vyalar Ravi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
There was also an exclusive State Session on Gujarat in the afternoon on 9th  January, attended by more than 250 NRI delegates. Hon’ble Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering urged the NRIs to get a feel of the investor-friendly environment created in Gujarat. He in fact asked them to henceforth reckon Gujarat as their new address of prosperity. He emphasized that infrastructure and congenial environment would be the key for long term sustainable investments and therefore, Gujarat has gone beyond the traditional contours of infrastructure components and decided to develop its infrastructure in tune with the requirements of 21st century. He invited the participants to associate with the development process of the state in appropriate manner.
Earlier, Shri Jay Narayan Vyas, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Tourism & NRG  addressed the gathering and informed of the steps being planned specifically to establish close linkages with the Gujaratis overseas as also to promote tourism. He also invited the NRIs to visit various attractive tourist destinations in Gujarat. He also appealed to the NRGs to come forward and associate themselves actively in the progressive march of their motherland – Gujarat.
Through participation in the 6th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Gujarat could consolidate its image as the most progressive state in India, re-positioning its place in the minds of potential investors from overseas. |
