Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, which is being held here on Thursday to mark the centenary of India's, 'Sarva Sreshtha Pravasi Bharatiya', Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to India.
A traditional welcome was given to a host of national and international leaders who were present on the inaugural occasion by felicitating them.
Besides Prime Minister Modi among those who were present at the dias were Guyana's President , Donald R Ramotar who is the chief guest of this event along with Mauritius Vice Prime Minister Showkutally Soodhun, Guest of honour South Africa's International Relations and Co-Operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli along with Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel among others.
A song of welcome called Swagatam Su Swagatam literally meaning 'Welcome Auspicious Welcome' to express the joy and happiness was sung by the choir of All India Radio, Delhi.
Earlier he also launched the 'Dandi Kutir', a unique exhibition depicting various stages of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Union Urban Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu, who arrived last night was received at the Ahmedabad airport by Gujarat Governor O. P. Kohli and Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, among others.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has already been addressed by several cabinet ministers, including Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs General (Retired) V.K. Singh.
The prime minister is likely to push the programs like 'Jan Dhan Yojana', 'Make-in-India', 'Swachh Bharat', 'Digital India' and 'Smart Cities' among the Indian Diaspora at the three-day conclave held at the Mahatma Mandir complex.
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards tomorrow.
