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Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel on Monday said that more than four times registrations have already been made by Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in comparison to previous years for the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) to be held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar from January 7-9, 2015.
Addressing newspersons in New Delhi, she said that a world-level exhibition showcasing the cultural diversity of India will be opened on the on the first day of the event.
The exhibitions of the different departments of Union government as well as state governments will also focus on specific schemes and initiatives.
PBD is celebrated every year on January 9 to mark the contribution of overseas Indian community in the development of India. It was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, later leading India’s freedom struggle.
PBD this year will mark the 100th year of Gandhiji's return to India. To pay tribute to Gandhiji, the state government has established a permanent exhibition "Salt Mound" on Gandhi's life journey at Mahatma Mandir, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Cultural programmes organised by the Gujarat government will also be on display for the visiting guests. Additionally, a play on life of Gandhi and his role in independence movement will also be screened at Sabarmati Riverfront on January 9.
