Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Celebrated at New York Consulate General

January 23, 2018 Meeshika Sharma Newsticker, World News

The Indian diaspora  celebrated Pravasi Bhartiya Divas at the Consulate General of India at New York.

The celebration commenced two days prior to the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas event, a day chosen to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. It is observed annually on Jan. 9 by India to recognize the contribution of the overseas community towards the development of India.

 This occasion is marked by holding special programs to recognize the contributions of non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin who have made exceptional contributions in their chosen profession and provides a symposium to discuss issues and concerns of people of the diaspora.

At the Consulate General of India at New York event, Shahana Bagban and Daxa Amin welcomed all the guests and invited newly appointed president of the Federation of Indian Associations Srujal Parikh.

Parikh spoke to the event-goers and took the opportunity to welcome dignitaries on stage for the ceremonial lamp lighting.

K. Devadasan Nair, the consul community affairs official, then addressed the guests and echoed the same sentiment as Vajpayee.

Many dignitaries also spoke at the event, including Ramesh Patel, chair of FIA; TV Asia’s H.R. Shah, Neeta Jain, Democratic district leader in New York’s 25th Assembly District Part B.; director of immigration and special consul in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office Jenifer Rajkumar, AIA president Gobind Munjal and Srinivas Ganaguni of Lead India 2020.

FIA past-president Ankur Vaidya then addressed the gathering and sought support of the Indian American community to make the 2018 India Day Parade — held annually in New York Aug. 15 — a huge success.

The program also featured a Ganesh Vandana performance by dancers Mithali, Manasvi and Kangana from Surati for Performing Arts. Additionally, a Kathak dance was performed by Himani from Surati as well as other entertainment.