Do visit Pravasi Bharitya Kendra for NRIs when visiting New Delhi
By Manju Mittal
I had the pleasure of visiting Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in Chanakyapuri New Delhi on December 16, 2016 during my recent trip to India. I spent an engrossing half day at PBK and the whole experience was quite overwhelming and a visit to be cherished.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti last October, the Hon Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi inaugurated Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi and dedicated it to the Indian diaspora worldwide. Mr Modi said at the inauguration, “PBK is a tribute to the overseas Indian community; and commemorates their migration to various parts of the world, the challenges they faced abroad, their achievements and contributions. Over time, the Kendra is expected to develop into a hub of activities for sustainable, symbiotic and mutually rewarding economic, social and cultural engagement between India and its Diaspora.”
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra located at the heart of the capital in plots No.15A, 15B and 15D, Dr. Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The Kendra will also house the autonomous bodies India Centre for Migration, a think-tank working on issues pertaining to Indian migrant workers and the India Development Foundation for Overseas Indians, a not-for-profit Trust promoting contributions to flagship programmes in India. The Library in PBK is a valuable repository of material about the Indian Diaspora including books written by overseas Indians in different languages. With an emphasis on digital material, the library will provide access to online journals and prestigious library resources.
The Indian diaspora which is spread across 150 countries, can now visit this place in the posh enclave of and even stay at a new “home” in New Delhi when they visit India. The PBK is a sparkling tribute to the overseas Indian community and is a monument to their migration and success. While visiting this centre’s exhibition and library, overseas Indians can experience the challenges they faced abroad, their achievements and contributions.
The Kendra is spread over 9800 square meters and is a premier convention centre showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indian diaspora from different parts of the world. It is equipped to host a wide range of activities such as meetings, seminars, conferences and cultural events to facilitate exchange of ideas involving diaspora. They can enjoy a meal at a smart restaurant and even spend a night in one of the 24 guest rooms. PBK plans to run short term courses and orientation programmes for the NRI youth.
Draped in Indian art and culture, the centre welcomes you with a huge colourful mural at the entrance showing birds of many countries where Indians have migrated. Every open space showcases displays of paintings, statues and artefacts from every state and corner of India. The atrium has a meditative zen garden with a huge globe topped by a yoga figure in lotus pose celebrating India’s contribution to global yoga movement. Visible from all sides with more figures, the globe projects the worldwide Indian diaspora, estimated at 25 to 30 million.
A highlight is a modern museum on Mahatma Gandhi, the most famous overseas Indian to return home and fight for India’s freedom. No wonder, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on October 2, 2016, on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra impresses one with its Gandhi museum about Gandhi’s life, which also displays a lot of photographs of Gandhi ji and the freedom struggle.
It sure is a first home for NRIs that deserves a visit when they land in New Delhi before they actually visit their family home in India.
Address: Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
Phone: +91 11 2415 6403
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9-5pm
Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=10133