The event will also be the highpoint of the relationship that Modi has developed with NRIs over the years, a bond that was evident during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls when hundreds of expats poured into India to campaign for him. A group of 650 volunteers had powered the 'Modi for PM' mission in Gujarat alone, led by Bharat Barai, one of the key figures in the organization of Modi's Madison Square Garden programme.
At PBD-2015, apart from NRIs, attendees will include President of Guyana Donald R Ramotar, South Africa's minister of international relations Maite Nkona-Mashabane, and vice-president of Mauritius Monique Ohsan Bellepeau. American astronaut of Indian origin Sunita Willams and ambassadors from several nations will be among other notables.
Modi will first pay homage to Gandhi by opening Dandi Kutir — a 3D museum on Bapu's life — at Mahatma Mandir. Next, he will open PBD. A coin commemorating the 100 years of Gandhi's return will be released. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and CM Anandiben Patel will host lunch and dinner, respectively, for NRIs guests.
The PM has fulfilled one of the promises made at the Madison Square Garden — merging PIO and OCI schemes to ensure expats visit their homeland without hassles. Modi will also gift lifelong visas to NRIs.
As for Pravasi Bharatiyas, they are abuzz with excitement. "I have high hopes from PBD-2015. I want to set up a 3D TV manufacturing unit in India," said Sohan Roy from Dubai who hails from Kerala. "Due to lack of contacts here, I was forced to set it up in China. I feel the new government's approach will help NRIs." An NRI tycoon from Thailand, Atul Jogani, agreed the attitude of Modi-led government was positive. "This is an excellent platform to fuel mutual growth," he said.
Total FDI from individual NRIs in 2000-2013 was $4,684.25 million, and their remittances to India in 2013-14 were $70 billion. Modi's focus for PBD will boost these numbers. The government has already launched 'Make In India' and 'Digital India' initiatives. Special seminars for state-specific investment opportunities have been organized on Friday in which CMs of over 10 states will pitch for NRI investments. Union ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Uma Bharti will also attend.
http://ift.tt/1wsuE2L Modi,mahatma mandir,13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Stay updated on the go with The Times of India’s mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.
0 comments:
Post a Comment