Indo Thai News Special Correspondent Abhimanshu caught up with him on the sidelines of PBD 2023 at Indore, India. Excerpts from the conversation:

ITN:  Are you excited to attend such a grand event?

AA:  Certainly, this event is significant for Indore as it offers us a chance to rekindle our bond with our beloved Indian diaspora.

I want to express my admiration and congratulations to the Indian and Madhya Pradesh governments for impeccably organising such a magnificent event in our city.

ITN:  What significance does an event like PBD 2023 hold?

AA:  When noteworthy events such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are organised in smaller cities, they have a favourable impact on the lives of the general public residing in those cities.

It would be beneficial to hold such events more frequently in smaller cities, as they present an excellent opportunity to exhibit the immense potential of the country’s smaller cities (tier-2).

ITN:   Being a company with a history of over 50 years, what transformations have you observed in Indore? Additionally, have you noticed any positive measures the government took to promote business growth in the city?

AA:  Indore has a rich cultural heritage and a progressive outlook. The city has endured many hardships and has come out stronger every time.

We are extremely content with the present government and its actions. Our Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s initiatives, such as the grand-scale implementation of the National Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign and simpler regulations for small-scale businesses, have led to substantial progress and advancement in the city over the years.

ITN: Swachh Bharat Mission was implemented all over the country. What made Indore stand out?

AA: It is a joint effort of the government and the citizens. As previously mentioned, our Chief Minister implemented some significant measures to ensure the accomplishment of the mission.

Key officials of the State Government took to the streets to promote awareness of the initiative. They visited each household and distributed dustbins and even participated in the cleaning process themselves. We observed that numerous garbage trucks were deployed for the campaign.

One of Asia’s largest plants for generating Bio-CNG from daily domestic waste was inaugurated by PM Modi in 2022. It accelerated our economy and marked a significant step towards sustainable development.

The State Government initiated another strategic and widely popular campaign called ‘Plant a Tree’ in 2021, wherein our CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan plants at least one tree daily. This systematic and scientific endeavour of the government garnered massive support and active community participation on a state-wide scale, with lakhs of volunteers joining hands to save our planet.

Moreover, the citizens of Indore have been immensely supportive of the campaign. We have a deeply ingrained habit of cleanliness, and it only takes a catalyst to bring it to the forefront.

You may have observed the public restrooms are evenly distributed throughout the city and are well-maintained, providing a hygienic and sanitary environment.

ITN:  As an established businessman, how conducive do you believe Indore is for aspiring entrepreneurs?

AA: Since the inception of my company, Ajmera Pharmaceuticals, we have witnessed that Indore has undergone a significant transformation over time, with the State Government taking various measures, such as providing subsidies and tax relaxations, thereby making Madhya Pradesh a more favourable destination for startups.

Our government’s objective is to promote inclusive growth and generate employment opportunities by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the Information Technology (IT), Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS), and Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sectors.

The State Government has consistently supported young entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the ‘Mukhyamantri Udyam Kranti Yojna’ and providing Plug-and-Play infrastructure facilities. Furthermore, Madhya Pradesh boasts a large pool of skilled human resources, making it well-prepared for the future.

ITN:  As a resident of Indore, what major attractions would you recommend for visitors?

AA:  You are in Indore, India’s ‘Cleanest City’. The city has impressively secured this title for six consecutive years. It is a remarkable achievement that deserves recognition.

Indore, known for its great history, romantic atmosphere, spiritually enriched surroundings, and much more, serves as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh.

The Rajwada Palace, Gopal Mandir, and Shekhar Nagar Market are significant landmarks you must visit.

Indore can rightfully claim to be the street food capital of India, with Sarafa Bazaar being a prime example. During the day, it serves as a bustling jewellery marketplace, but at night, it transforms into a lively street food court that you must visit.

Indore is a city where you can’t stay indoors with plenty to explore and experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the cleanest city in India and indulge in all it offers.

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The post Ajmera Pharmaceuticals: Blending Ancient Life Science with Modern Scientific Practice appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

Indo Thai News Special Correspondent Abhimanshu caught up with him on the sidelines of PBD 2023  at Indore, India. Excerpts from the conversation:

ITN: Tell us a little bit about your experience at PBD 2023.

ABK: The experience has been amazing so far. I have come with a purpose here and hope to spread awareness about the health issues related to knees and what leads to knee replacements. PBD is a great platform for connecting with such a diverse crowd.

ITN: What motivated you to become a knee surgeon?

ABK: I come from a long line of surgeons. My grandfather was a doctor, my father is an orthopaedic surgeon, and my sister is a doctor. Thus being the eldest in the family, I had to carry my family legacy and tradition.

What made me love my profession is that being a doctor, you can do a lot of good. It gives you a platform to spread awareness among people and make a difference in the world.

ITN: Tell us more about your awareness campaign and the good work you have done through it.

ABK: Throughout my career as an Orthopaedic Surgeon, my primary interest has been the KNEE, not only in surgeries and replacements but also in the overall health and well-being of the knee. If you look at the data from around the world, you will discover that knee problems have increased daily.

Patients can take preventative measures to protect their knees before reaching the point of requiring knee replacement surgery. With this belief, I started my campaign, ‘Let’s Walk Again’.

ITN: Could you provide further information about your “Let’s Walk Again” campaign?

ABK: With this campaign, I want people to start walking again. See, knee problems are the most widespread medical conditions yet the least spoken about or debated upon.

I want people to understand that there are several things that they can potentially do. That’s where Let’s Walk Again comes through, in which we counsel people suffering from knee issues and help them understand the recovery process.

ITN: Where can one find these camps? 

ABK: I have been trying to do it globally. I will also use the PBD platform to spread awareness about the campaign.

By god’s grace, I have successfully arranged Free Knee Replacement Camps across various locations, including Kargil and Leh in India, Africa, and UAE.

ITN: How would you advise our readers on ways to care for their knees and reduce the likelihood of requiring knee replacement surgery?

ABK: One of the most important things we usually ignore is the significance of direct sunlight. By this, I mean that you need to expose yourself, even for 15 minutes in the entire day, to direct sunlight along with a nutritional and healthy diet.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or wear and tear arthritis, is not restricted to a specific age group. Even though we have an active lifestyle and there is a growing focus on fitness, the knee remains to be ignored.

ITN: What would you like to leave our readers with?

ABK: I would like to tell everyone that whenever you feel that early arthritis has set in or is detected by your doctor. That is the time you need to start taking care of your knee. Take control of your well-being, and do not look for quick solutions.

By detecting and treating arthritis in its early stages, you can prevent it from progressing to a moderate or severe phase where knee replacement surgery may become necessary.

However, there comes a point where you must determine whether the issue has progressed to the degree that necessitates surgery or whether you prefer to live with the pain. I have encountered individuals who endured pain for years, only to experience a realization of regret once they underwent surgery.

As a surgeon, I aim to have my patients standing and walking within 6 to 12 hours of the operation. The recovery process can be relatively easy if you have properly maintained your muscles before the surgery.

Everyone should incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises in their daily routine, and you will start noticing the difference.

Four more must-read articles from Indo Thai News

The Triple Bottom Line: Prioritizing People, Planet, and Profit!

Fostering Friendship and Goodwill: The Indian Cultural Association, Nigeria

Places Around Indore for a Day Trip: Colours of Malwa

Explore the Serene Beauty of Krabi

The post Let’s Walk Again: Tips for a Healthy Knee! appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

He is the Professor of Marketing at EGADE Business School of Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), Mexico City and a visiting professor at Boston University, Massachusetts and the University of Fraser Valley.

Dr Rajagopal has authored “Sustainable Growth in Global Markets” and “Butterfly Effect in Competitive Markets: Driving Small Changes for Large Differences”, which provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of market and business management outside the domestic market.

Indo Thai News Special Correspondent Abhimanshu caught up with him on the sidelines of PBD 2023 at Indore, India. Excerpts from the conversation:

ITN: How often do you visit India?

RG: I have been very comfortable visiting India. It is my country, and I love being here. I feel elated every time I come to India. Here, I teach in some prominent business schools and universities, which is one reason for my frequent visit.

ITN: What do you feel differentiates the education imparted in India compared to the education system in Mexico?

RG: The principal difference that I find is that the students, particularly in business schools, choose to take up management education with a guarantee of employment through campus placements.

In the western hemisphere, be it American or Latin American universities, the focus is more on studies, and you must educate yourself. The brand name of the university, along with your calibre, helps you seek out a good job.

They understand that there is no job guarantee even if they have joined any particular management school. So, everyone works hard to learn new things and keep them updated.

ITN: Do they (students in the western hemisphere) learn diversely?

RG: Yes, they focus more on ‘knowing, doing and being’. They intend to know as much. The students are naturally inclined toward entrepreneurship, and seeking employment comes secondary to them.

Many Boston university students, when I ask them what they want to do after their MBA, always say, first, they want to try out their start-up. If it is successful, then it is fine. If not, then they would seek employment.

This is what I mean by ‘knowing, doing and being’. There is a dedication. The students believe that if they have learnt management, entrepreneurship and innovation, they must show it.

They initially want to harness their energy towards entrepreneurship rather than immediately joining a corporate office. They are much more inclined towards innovation and exhibiting their knowledge.

ITN: The Indian government, with its New Education Policy 2020, has laid down special emphasis towards research and innovation. How do you feel about that?

RG: This is a very positive step, but it should not be limited to classrooms. It should not be limited to case studies. See, you have to put the students in entrepreneurial shoes, which will help them develop entrepreneurial skills.

In other countries, we have entrepreneurial labs, where we try to teach the students how to develop a bankable proposal, go to them and try to get a loan.

ITN: You believe in pushing the students towards practical experience?

RG: Yes, students should be given practical learning experiences. I discovered that there is one institution, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India in Ahmedabad; they are more focused on developing practical knowledge. Their motive is that whoever joins the institute should come out as an entrepreneur.

ITN: You think an applied education system would be much more beneficial, right?

RG: Yes, of course. It should be more service oriented. You need to help the students exhibit their entrepreneurship skills.

‘Triple Bottom Line’ is a new concept that developed over a period after the United Nations came out with its Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on the three Ps.

The three Ps are— ‘People, Planet, and then Profit’. People are the stakeholders, so we must encourage them and develop an inclination towards sustainability and motivate them to gain profits—a win-win situation for everyone.

ITN: Should the research field in India have robust government and financial support?

RG: Absolutely. I have lived in India for several years and moved out around 22 years ago. I have seen that in an Indian research environment, there is a lot of sponsorship.

Take the example of good institutes like CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research), and many other organisations that provide good financial support to research students through their fellowship programs.

But the only concern I have is students in the fields such as Biotechnology who end up as research professors upon completion or start teaching in some university.

Very few of them get the opportunity to demonstrate themselves in a laboratory environment, which can help them develop their problem-solving skills, which is a very big challenge.

ITN: How important is a systematic integration of the government and corporations for research development?

RG: In western countries, particularly in the USA, Mexico and Canada, the students are sponsored by Bio-tech companies. They are scholars sponsored by a particular institution, so they must demonstrate what they have learnt.

Most of the companies provide around 90% of scholarships. Just giving the research fellowships does not offer the students a good platform to showcase their learning. The big question is what the students will do after completing their PhDs.

Thus, systematic integration of the government, corporate and students is necessary for the growth and development of any particular research field. The term used to describe this type of integrated setting is ‘Challenge-Based Learning’.

ITN: What would you advise the young students aspiring to enter the research field?

RG: My suggestion is that they should be more focused on using their knowledge in a more applied way rather than just seeking employment.

If someone is a good innovator, then they will be recruited by good companies.

ITN: But, Sir, the monetary factor is also an important factor which can curtail someone’s innovative aspirations. How should one strike a balance between the two?

RG: Usually, in western countries, even after graduating from good institutes, the students need to prove themselves. Therefore, they learn to develop a bankable proposal and invest their time, knowledge and calibre in developing or displaying something.

See, there is always a risk in everything we do. Here the people may take less risk because the job is guaranteed. If someone gets admitted to top universities like IIM, they believe that after two years, they will definitely get a job and thus will not be open to voluntarily taking the risk.

I always tell the students to take risks and exhibit their knowledge. The more knowledge you acquire, the better future you build.

Four more must-read articles from Indo Thai News

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You Can Learn a Lot from the Simplest Movies
Taj Mahotsav: Experience the Magic of Incredible India
Explore the Serene Beauty of Krabi

The post The Triple Bottom Line: Prioritizing People, Planet, and Profit! appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

In 2021, the Indian President conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to ICA in recognition of their outstanding community service, promoting India’s honour and prestige, and fostering the interest of overseas Indians.

Indo Thai News  Special Correspondent Abhimanshu caught up with him on the sidelines of PBD 2023 at Indore, India. Excerpts from the conversation:

ITN: How has your experience been so far?

SJ: First of all, I would like to thank the government of India and Madhya Pradesh for such a great opportunity. I am happy that the government is making efforts to recognize the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with Indians around the globe in such a conducive environment. I congratulate the Madhya Pradesh government for successfully organizing such a grand event.

ITN: What does Indian Cultural Association stands for?

SJ: The goal of the Indian Cultural Association is to organize various functions, shows, and other cultural, social and welfare programs to display the social and cultural image of India.

We aim to foster and strengthen friendship and goodwill between the people of India and Nigeria.

Our objective is to establish better contacts among the Indian Community in Nigeria and to promote and establish a lasting spirit of fellowship and mutual bond of good friendliness.

For its great efforts in promoting and spreading the Indian cultural ethos outside the country, our association received the revered Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award during the virtual celebration held in 2021.

ITN: Did you enjoy the dinner party that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hosted on the eve of PBD?

SJ: I was overwhelmed with the opportunity to meet Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, at the dinner party on the eve of PBD. It was great to meet him. I could see the vibrancy in his personality.

ITN: What does PBD mean to you?

SJ: I am happy that the government of India is attaching such importance to a great event like this. I congratulate the Indian government for organizing a grand event like PBD that aims to unite and connect the Indian NRIs from across the globe.

ITN: Has the government’s efforts through PBD impacted the general perspective of the Indian diaspora?  

SJ: I must say that this government has successfully tried to reconnect with the Indian diaspora more vibrantly and productively.

Every Indian knows that there is a Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and is looking forward to attending the programme. Such enthusiasm symbolizes that the Indian diaspora is getting a chance to reconnect with its roots.

ITN: Does the Indian diaspora view India as a potential investment market?

SJ: I would like to inform you that there is a massive difference in the perspective of Indians and foreigners on how they currently view India. The efforts put forward by this government have helped Indians gain due recognition all over the world. The Indian community in Nigeria has experienced this change.

India has become a favourite destination for foreign investment, which we have seen reflected in its foreign reserves and industrial growth. All the parameters, including a boom in the share market, indicate that India will be a leading economy in times to come.

Four more must-read articles from Indo Thai News

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Pattaya Floating Market – A Unique Experience

The post Fostering Friendship and Goodwill: The Indian Cultural Association, Nigeria appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

Some of his famous works include:

• Nomad River— a gripping and experimental movie about four contrasting individuals who embark on a personal journey amid the looming threat of climate change and a river water crisis in India.
• Transference —an American thriller about how a trauma therapist’s past demons come to light, forcing her to confront them.
• And the Dream that Mattered — a Korean drama about an Asian actor on the rise to Hollywood fame, returns to Korea, where he finds reconnecting with family more challenging than he expected. He also realizes that his future creative path will be a lonely one.
• Web of Life— an American commercial drama about two siblings with disparate lifestyles — a surfer and an academic. They must come together and grow against the convoluted schemes of a local con artist who has become a cult leader.

In Conversation with Filmmaker Aditya J Patwardhan (AJP)

Indo Thai News  Special Correspondent Abhimanshu caught up with this young and vibrant director on the sidelines of PBD 2023 at Indore, India. Excerpts from the conversation:

ITN: How would you describe your experience at PBD 2023 thus far?

AJP: The experience has been amazing, it’s been half an hour in the convention centre, and I am meeting amazing people right away.

ITN: Tell us a little about yourself.

AJP: I was born and brought up in Jaipur (Rajasthan). I have been in LA (Los Angeles) for the past eight years and have been working as a film director there. I make films both types of movies. For instance, four of my movies are out; two are commercial, and two are artsy.

ITN: Where did you start your career? 

AJP: I started my career in LA. Thus I do not have much exposure to the Indian film industry. As with any industry, the film industry is more or less the same in both places, the cultural context differs, but from an overall perspective, everything else is similar.

ITN: Did you move to LA for career or academic pursuits?

AJP: Since I do not come from a film background, I joined a ten-month filmmaking course in LA to learn the skills. After the course, I just kept working.

ITN: Is there a defined path for outsiders to make it in the film industry?

AJP: The film industry is not streamlined, so there is no defined path to success. The struggle in any art field is long, but with the help of modern technology, it has become easier for outsiders to make movies. So you do not need to be part of the film industry or that ladder to make your first film.

One of the best ways is to start making movies with whatever ideas you have. Film festivals are open to all and not restricted to any particular class, so if you make something good, you will get recognition.

ITN: How to set a benchmark for making a good movie?

AJP: A good film originates from good writing and ideas. Anything we see on screen is first presented through a script. You have to read good scripts and watch good movies because you might have innate talent, but there is a technique to filmmaking or scriptwriting or how the story is structured.

The age-old techniques that have been working since Ramayana or Mahabharata tell us how to structure your story that appeal to your audience.

ITN: Which movies would you recommend to someone just starting?

AJP: Films of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and Steven Spielberg. They are one of the most popular names people usually take.

One might say that these are clichéd names, but everyone takes them because their stories, whatever the genre, are very appealing, so it’s best to learn from them.

ITN: What are your favourite go-to movies?

AJP: The Godfather, The Matrix, The Lion King, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Lord of the Rings and Duel.

These are some of the simplest movies that you should watch. It will give you basic filmmaking science. You can learn a lot from these movies and understand how the process of filmmaking.

ITN: What is your opinion about adapting a book into a film?

AJP: The Lord of the Rings is one of my favourite movies, and I also loved the book. It is one of the finest examples of bringing a book onto the screen.

Sir Peter Jackson beautifully adapted J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic into a film and did justice to it. He couldn’t incorporate everything, so he took out what he had to and kept what he could.

Apart from the fantasy and everything the movie includes, The Lord of the Rings is a film school.

Read the book and then watch the movie. It will give you an understanding of what parts were excluded from the film more importantly, why Sir Peter Jackson left certain details out. It is a very good lesson in filmmaking.

ITN: Please tell us about your upcoming venture.

AJP: The Web of Life is my recent film that was filmed with Corbin Bernsen and Aaron Douglas as the leads. You might know them from LA Law and Battlestar Galactica. They have appeared in many US shows and movies. The Web of Life is in the editing phase, and the film should be out in July.

Another feature I am working on is supposed to come out in September, but I cannot reveal  much about it now.

ITN: Are you planning to shoot any films in India?

AJP: An upcoming film I am producing is a sci-fi movie. It is in its nascent pre-production stage and will be set in Jaipur. We plan to keep it completely Jaipur based, even away from Mumbai.

Stay tuned to Indo Thai News and enjoy our PBD 2023 exclusive interview series.

Four must-read articles for complete information on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023

Indore — Dressed Up for 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 – Indore Day 1.

The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas— Day 2:A Mixed Day.

17th PBD 2023-Day 3: President of India Graces the Event.

The post You Can Learn a Lot from the Simplest Movies appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

The Indo Thai News was at ground zero to cover the event in all its glory. We brought you the inside stories and the live coverage of the 17^th PBD.

Indo Thai News now brings you exclusive interviews with the movers and shakers shaping the future of India and the world. From filmmakers to businessmen, artists to activists, we delved deep into the minds of the Indian diaspora.

We are excited to share the untold stories behind the headline!  Don’t miss out on the chance to gain unique insights and perspectives on the events shaping our world.

Tune in to Indo Thai News for our exciting series of interviews!

A Brief Background

PBD is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora around the world.

The event attracts many Indian expatriates to revitalize the strong connection to their Indian heritage, which they continue to preserve and celebrate despite being far away from their homeland.

Indian diaspora brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, having worked in various industries and fields, and their participation in the event provides an opportunity for them to network and share their experiences with others.

The 17th PBD 2023 was as grand as it gets: delicious Indore delicacies, soothing music, an innovative exhibition, and streets filled with the vibrancy of locals and Indian diaspora.

Now get the inside scoop on the 17^th PBD with the Indo Thai News upcoming series of interviews.

Follow Indo Thai News for the latest news updates on India, Thailand and the world.

The post Diverse Colours of the 17th PBD 2023: Indo Thai Interview Series appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the third day of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023 held on 10th January 2023. Addressing the expatriates and others gathered at the event, the Indian President said that the Indian diaspora today has become a vital and unique force in the global community.

She added that the Indian diaspora had made stellar contributions in every region and sphere. Many members of our diasporic community have time and now proven their leadership capability and are currently occupying important positions in world political affairs. They have overcome many challenges that come with being an outsider and have proven their resilience, dedication and hard work to achieve excellence in all walks of life.

The President said the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is a unique platform that facilitates a fruitful engagement between the Indian government and its global community.

Talking about the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, the Indian President remarked that the award is the nation’s highest recognition for the members of the Indian diaspora.

The award honours the contribution of the expatriates to the growth, development and propagation of Indian ideals at home and abroad. Through it, we acknowledge their achievements and reflect our faith in their efforts to keep India’s flag flying high worldwide.

(Note: The award considers eminent NRI, POI, or OCI community members who have contributed significantly to philanthropic, welfare, and charitable work in India and overseas.)

She reflected upon the theme of this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal”, and interpreted it as the aspiration of the Indian government to include its diasporic community in the development of the country.

She added that the Indian diaspora would invariably hold a special place in our hearts: as extended family members and responsible stakeholders in India’s development.

Two of Five Plenary Sessions: Held on 10th January 2023

The 4th plenary session with the theme, “Enabling global mobility of Indian workforce— Role of Indian Diaspora,” was chaired by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Indian Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He remarked that the Indian workforce is hardworking, honest and responsible. India can emerge as the global hub of a skilled workforce.

He also reminded us that India was once considered a vishwaguru (world leader) in the intellectual field. With the new skill approach, the Indian government envisioned taking the nation to its former glory.

The 5th plenary session was chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the theme, “Harnessing the potential of women diaspora entrepreneurs towards an inclusive approach to nation building”. She listed infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclusion as the 4 I’s for inclusive growth.

The Valedictory Session

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presided over the valedictory session of the 17th PBD 2023. Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana, respectively, joined her.

A valedictory address by the Indian President, followed by a vote of thanks by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India and Indian National Anthem, brought the 17th PBD 2023 to a close.

Follow Indo Thai News for the latest news updates worldwide and updates regarding SE Asia & world news.

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The second day PBD began with a lot of commotion and confusion. Most of the Indian diaspora was left unattended and denied entry into the Grand Hall of Brilliant Convention Centre, where the conference is being held. They were asked to watch the programme only on the big screens outside, which agitated most of them as they had travelled thousands of miles to attend the event.

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, claimed even though the space was inadequate to accommodate everyone, there was no shortage of love and affection in his heart. However, after today’s ruckus, most of the Indian diaspora felt otherwise.

PM Modi at the Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that after four years, the PBD has returned in all its glory and grandeur. He praised Indore for being a wonderful city and remarked that the city has a distinct identity in the field of cleanliness.

Mentioning the importance of the previous generations of the Indian diaspora, he suggested that there must be a systematic methodology to document their lives as an authentic historic journey.

Talking about the current generation of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi added that the former had been indispensable in developing the nation’s image worldwide. He said a country and its ideals live in its people’s hearts. Wherever you live, carry India with you.

Narendra Modi

Modi added that Indore has excellent cuisines and recommended that the people enjoy the city’s beauty. He also spoke about the divine and grand expansion of Mahakal Mahalok.

The Future of India

Modi pointed out that India is moving towards becoming a cashless economy. The world is pleasantly surprised about the fact that 40% of real-time transactions take place digitally in the country.

India is also making remarkable progress in space technology, scientific development and digital infrastructure.

Today, India has an opportunity to become the skill capital and knowledge centre of the world. Our youth have skills, values, passion and honesty to do good work.

India a Reliable Partner in Regional and Global Matters

Guyana President Highlights the Historical Importance of PBD

He also praised Modi’s Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas and added that India is number one in the world in nurturing talents. We are learning a lot from the programmes India is running for expatriates.

Conclusion

The Indo Thai News team spoke to the Indian diaspora to bring you the ground report.

Most of them were unhappy with the poorly managed event. They felt that the 17th PBD was marred by indifference towards the Indian diaspora. They observed that this year’s PBD paled compared to the much better-managed 2019 PBD held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The post The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas— Day 2— A Mixed Day appeared first on Indo Thai News Channel - Travel l Culture l News & Event l Food.

A sea of people had begun to gather well before the scheduled time, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Prime Minister. A voice emerged amidst the bedlam, and soon the rest joined, waving flags and chanting the Indian PM’s name. The Indian and foreign delegates attending the PBD were waiting for their chance to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

The roar of the crowd reached a crescendo as PM’s convoy appeared on the horizon. Wearing a traditional Indian suit and a broad smile, Narendra Modi stepped out of his car and waved to the crowd, who responded with cheers and applause.

Despite the sweltering heat and the long wait, the crowd remained upbeat, which proved the enthusiasm that the diaspora has in the growth and future of their native land.

PBD is held to honour the compassionate and philanthropic efforts made by the diaspora who spread Indian ideals and significantly contribute to the global community.

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The 17th PBD has brought together the most influential and motivated Indian diaspora. You experience a positive vibe as you get closer to the venue. The streets are spotless and helpful police officers guide you from miles away.

The event is as grand as it comes. At the entry, you are greeted by captivating performances of a talented team of Dhol Tasha (drummers). Their energetic roars set the vibrant tone of the event.

The morning session was inaugurated by lighting the lamp, followed by a welcome speech by the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the long serving Chief Minister of MP, invited people to experience the quality life in MP— to taste not just its mouth-watering food but the culture too.

A cheerful thank you note from Ms Meeta R Lochan, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, marked the end of the first session.

The 17th PBD offered a flavourful food platter of Indore’s delicious cuisine for attendees to savour. From spicy chaats and piquant bhutte ka kees to succulent kebabs, there was something for everyone.

The flavours of Indore’s famous poha, jalebi, and kachoris will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

The Indo Thai News team took the opportunity to indulge in Indore’s culinary delights at PBD 2023.

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One thing that makes Indore special is its unique blend of traditional and modern culture. The city is home to several ancient temples, palaces, and monuments, including the admirable Rajwada Palace and the pious Khajrana Temple.

Indore is also home to many modern shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it an excellent place for tourists and locals to experience the best of both worlds.

The Indo Thai News team took a stroll down the famous streets of Indore to get a taste of its delicious street food. With Chaat, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri and more, Indore has a lot to offer to the hard-core foodies.

Indore is also home to fine restaurants serving various cuisines, from Indian to Chinese to Italian. And what’s more, Indore serves delicious cuisine with an emotional touch.

One thing that has been of great awe to us is Indore’s warm and welcoming people. The locals are amiable and always ready to help. They go the extra mile to reach out and help tourists, making it an excellent place for travellers.

On our way from the airport to the hotel, we interacted with Manoj Sharma, a friendly and experienced driver. The second person who impressed us was our assistant hotel manager Amit Chourey.

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