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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
The government of India, in cooperation with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry celebrated the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (A Global Indian Family get together) in New Delhi during January 9-11, 2003. About 1800 delegates from all over the world attended. It was the first time that India showed respect to the people who have been migrating from their roots for centuries. It was one of the best welcomes NRls (Non Resident Indians) and PIOs (People of Indian Origin) have ever received in the land of their forefathers. The function was organized in an elegant manner. Thanks go to Mr. JC Sharma, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. Government of India and to Dr. L.M. Singhvi, MP, the Chair of the event. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Mauritius and several dignitaries attended the three day event.
Among the invited speakers was Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National President of AIA who spoke on "Developing Human Capital: Advantage India." Dr. Agrawal reminded the audience of the numerous opportunities that India offered to develop Human Capital of unparalleled quality and quantity. He said: "The field of technology has proven the potential of young engineers and computer scientists of India who have earned a name for India abroad. There are many such opportunities where India can engage in developing Human Capital of the highest caliber. However, a word of caution is needed that this effort has to be serious and not confined to the classroom only. Most schools and colleges provide hardly a fraction of education which is mostly confined to academics. Academic studies are the core of the human experience but they do not prepare people tor the real world. There is an old saying that it takes a whole village to educate a child. This means that everyone needs to participate in the noble cause of Developing the Human Capital. Stakeholders include parents, educators, politicians and the media."
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Dr. Agrawal also warned of the unceasing influence of McCauley's thought and the western influence on Indian education, even after 55 years of freedom.
Reception by
the US Ambassador to India, the Honorable Robert Blackwill
At the initiative of AIA with the State Department, the US Ambassador held a reception at the Embassy in honor of the visiting dignitaries from USA at the occasion of Pravasi Bharaliya Divas on January 11. 2003.
Dinner Hosted by
Mohanlal Mittal of Mittal Steel and Dr. BK Modi of the Modi Group
AIA National President and a select group of dignitaries were guests at a dinner hosted by these two industrialists on January 11, 2003 at the Oheroi Intercontinental in New Delhi. Hon'ble Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat was the Chief Guest.
Pravasi Samman Samaroh
January 12, 2003. The Rajyasabha member, Honorable Premchand Gupta hosted a sumptuous lunch in honor of AIA President Piyush C. Agarwal and other prominent NRIs from USA at his residence. More than 100 guests attended the lunch. Among the attendees were several members of Parliament, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Mr. Vijay Goel, various business and industrial dignitaries including the owners of Zee TV and Sahara TV.
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