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Indian diaspora celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Indian Embassy in Bahrain organised Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2016 celebrations at the Indian School Bahrain’s auditorium in Isa Town to mark the contribution of the diaspora to India's development, with cultural performances by the students. 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has invited the Indian Diaspora to participate in Skill India, Digital India, Namami Ganga and other flagship initiatives of the government.

Leading NRI businessman and 2008 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman recipient Dr B Ravi Pillai was the chief guest.

Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Ram Singh, DT News chief editor Soman Baby and other dignitaries from the Indian diaspora attended the event.

Celebration in Bahrain was in unison with the first limited edition of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which was inaugurated yesterday in New Delhi. 

Speaking at the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) 2016 event in New Delhi on Saturday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said through PBD the government is trying to increase participation of the diaspora.

Minister Priti Patel of the UK called it to be a privilege to be present at PBD 2016 as Prime Minister David Cameron's Diaspora Champion. 

She recalled PM Narendra Modi's visit to the UK and the deep bonds between the two countries.

Minister of State General V.K. Singh welcomed the dignitaries on the occasion. 

The event is being organised for the first time by the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) in the wake of government's decision to merge Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with it. 

Last year, the government had decided to hold larger version of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) after every two years and that limited version of the event will be organised in the intervening year. 

The 13th edition of the PBD was held in Gujarat last year.