16th PBD at Indian High Commission in Canberra

by Santosh Gupta, Canberra

The 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD 2021) was organised at the High Commission of India in Canberra on Saturday 9 January 2021 from 3 pm to 7.30 pm.  The well planned and presented program started with the welcome address by the High Commissioner of India to Australia Mr. Gitesh Sarma.  

The 16th PBD began with the welcome remarks by the Hon Minister for External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar. Chief Guest H. E. Mr. Chandrika Persad Santokhi, President of Suriname made the Keynote Address and suggested Visa-free travel between two countries and Suriname taking the initiative. After that, the Hon. Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi Ji addressed the nation. 

There were two plenary sessions and one Valedictory session. The valedictory address was made by the Hon. President of India H. E. Shri Ram Nath Kovind. In the 1st plenary session, Mr. M. A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman & MD of LULU Group praised PM Modi and External Affairs Minister for their initiatives in talking to the Heads of Gulf Nations to provide medical and other assistance to all the Indians residing there and unbale to return to India during COVID-19 lock downs.
All sessions were conducted remotely and directly telecast from New Delhi. The panelist attended remotely from across the globe and from different countries such as Australia, UAE, Singapore, USA, UK. A copy of the E-Brochure was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The program concluded with a group photo of all the attendees followed by the dinner.

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