Former American astronaut and United States Naval officer Sunita Williams, who holds the record for longest single space flight by a woman, will attend the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrations to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat's capital Gandhinagar.
Senior Minister of Anandiben Patel Cabinet, Saurabh Patel informed that Williams, whose parents are from Gujarat, would attend Youth PBD event on January 7. "Sunita William will accompany Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the inaugural ceremony of Youth PBD, which would take place a day before the inauguration of PBD on January 8," said Patel, adding that a plenary session on 'Bharat Ko Jano' (Know India) and 'Bharat Ko Mano' (Believe in India) as well as deliberation on 'Thoughts of Gandhi in 21st century referring to youths' will be part of Youth PBD. On January 8 Modi will inaugurate the main event of PBD. He will also inaugurate 'Dandi Kutir' near Mahatma Mandir - the venue of the PBD.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being celebrated every year since 2003 in memory of Mahatma Gandhi's arrival to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. Giving details of the preparations made for the celebration of the PBD, Patel said that Gujarat has prepared to relive that century old historical day at the Mahatma Mandir, and to fulfill Indian cultural tradition of offering 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is equivalent to God) treatments to all the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) guests.
He termed the occasion as an opportunity to connect Indian diasporas' knowledge and skill with the nation's development. A special plenary session will be organised about various opportunities in India. Discussions on various subject including Namami Ganga, Smart Cities and Urban Development, Skill Development and Tourism Development will be part of PBD. Besides, a session on 'Success of Indian Diaspora' and 'Soft Power in India's Global Engagement' will also take place.
Contemplation on "Presentation of Gandhi Thought in the Century" will take place during PBD oration. A colourful cultural programme - 'Navrang Bharat' - will be organised at Kankaria in Ahmedabad on January 8 as well. At least 10 Chief Ministers of various States from India will brief NRI guests about the investment opportunities in their States. Parallel sessions of various States will take place.