The High-level committee of Indian Diaspora set up by the Government last year, under the Chairmanship of Dr. L.M. Singhvi, MP has finalized its report and presented the External Affairs Ministry on 20th December 2001. The committee will present a copy of the Report to the PM, at a special function to be held at Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday, 8th January 2002.
The Committee had earlier, in an interim Report recommended that 9th of January each year be observed as “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” to recognize the Diaspora’s Indian connection and its achievements and goodwill towards India. It was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, himself, to become one of the greatest bridge-builders in history. The Government have accepted this recommendation and PM will be making an announcement in this regard during the special function mentioned above.
The celebration of “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” with a number of events/activities revolving around it would go long way in promoting the abiding and cordial bonds that already exist between India and the overseas Indians as well as in establishing linkage between various components of the Diaspora.