LA to host Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas over the weekend

Washington, November 13

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Los Angeles, a famed global hub for entertainment and films, is set to host the latest edition of the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this weekend which will be attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and hundreds of Indian-Americans from across the US.

"There is great deal of excitement related to the holding of Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Los Angeles on the 14th and 15th. There has been a great response not only at the local level, but also from all over the US.

"We are expecting a participation of almost a 1000 people there," Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh told PTI.

To be inaugurated by Swaraj tomorrow, the theme of the two-day event is 'The Indian Diaspora: Defining a New Paradigm in India-US Relationship,' which aims to capture the ethos of the India-US relationship.

Los Angeles is only the second US city to host the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD), after New York.

Previous venues for RPBD events were London, Sydney, Toronto, Singapore, Durban, Mauritius and The Hague.

"There would be very focused discussions related to the policies in India, economic opportunities in India, the plans of the government, measures taken on ease of doing business, make in India, digital India, startup India and various other initiatives – Swachh Bharat Mission... and to see how we can also involve the Indian diaspora in these schemes," he said.

"The External Affairs Minister will also be there at the event. We hope, based on the discussions, we will also work out various follow-up measures," he said.

An eminent Indian-American community leader from Los Angeles and key member associated with the planning of the event, said the objective of the convention is to connect the Indian diaspora with India, to provide a platform to the Indian community and to contribute to the Indo-US ties.

"The members of the Indian community will have opportunity to convey their concerns and aspirations to the Government of India and will explore ways to give back to the mother country," he said.

The Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) of the Confederation of Indian Industry is organising an Indian Diaspora Business Meet, which CII said will offer a platform to meet business leaders of top Indian companies, interact with senior government officials and explore investment & business opportunities in India.

An 11-member delegation comprising senior government officials form Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand and Kerala will participate in the business meet. — PTI