NRIs feel a touch of motherland in Jaipur
For NRIs the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an occasion to come back to their roots or explore investment opportunities in India. But for Nigeria, the event is a source of learning and acquiring skills to organise similar convention. Nigeria sent a group of 10 people, including three MPs to participate in the PBD conference in Jaipur.
“I am so moved by the convention. I have been participating in PBD conventions for a decade or more, but the Jaipur convention is better than others,” says Rupesh Kapadia, who came from Canada. Mr Kapadia also participated in PBD gatherings in Delhi and Chennai. “Here we feel a touch of mother land,” he added.
The venue, Birla Auditorium, presented a mini-India like picture where POIs assembled in their traditional costumes in the backdrop of Rajasthani architectural structures and glittering stalls.
“It is unique experience. People are so hospitable and we are happy to gather in Jaipur,” says Rohita from Canada, who has her roots in Gujarat.
“I am sure such occasions help us relate to our mother land,” she said. Canda has sent a delegation of 69 Indians. Malaysia has sent a group of 192 POIs followed by United States with 125 delegates. Peru, Bamuda and Madagascar have sent one each POIs for the PBD convention.
Chaos also ruled the second day of meet as several delegates found it difficult to find a place to sit. Even cricketer Brian Lara was seen sitting an isolated place when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was addressing the delegates.
Most of the POIs said they were impressed by the progress India made in last few years. “Not only India, but Rajasthan also made remarkable development. i am a regular visitor to India and Jaipur and now i see a big change in term of development,” says Vinish, who is settled in Dubai. “It is a great opportunity for us to learn from this convention,” says Abike Dabiri Erewa from Nigeria.
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