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 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

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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.

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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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External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan jointly launched the official website https://pbdindia.gov.in/ for the 17th PBD Convention, which is being organized in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh. PBD Convention is a flagship event of the Government of India and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indian Diaspora.

The Indo Thai News team will attend this prestigious congregation of the Indian Diaspora. Online registration for participation in the PBD Convention has commenced. The members of Indian Diaspora in Thailand are encouraged to show their presence in large numbers by registering on the website https://pbdindia.gov.in/register-now. Leaders of the Associations are responsible for encouraging members to participate, compiling the registered persons’ list and coordinating with the Embassy.

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The Government of India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) in recognition of 75 years of independence. The event was held in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols. Prominent Indian diaspora members and academics were present. Ambassador of India to Thailand H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai inaugurated the event. She honored the prominent members of the Indian diaspora and Pravasi Bharatiya for promoting ties between India and Thailand. The Ambassador also provided updates on the Indian Government’s people-centric initiatives, welfare schemes, and COVID-19 updates.

The event included a speech of the young entrepreneur Mr. Sulabh Dhanuka on the contributions of NRI’s to India. Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Thai students presented a skit and a dance named “Bharat darshan”. Members of the Indian Association of Thailand also presented bhajan. A video clip of Minister of State H.E. Mr. V. Muraleedharan during the Youth PBD conference was shown. The topic of the speech was “Role of Diaspora Youth in AKAM – Innovation and New Technologies”. There was also a photo exhibition that was organized in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.

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