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Press Release The Embassy of India in Muscat celebrated the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

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The Embassy of India in Muscat celebrated the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 11 January 2017 at the Embassy, which was attended by over 300 NRIs and PIOs, including Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees from Oman, Businessmen, Academics, Cultural personalities, media persons and representatives of Indian Social Club Oman and its various Linguistic Wings. The celebration began with rendition of National Anthem followed by screening of a film produced by Ministry of External Affairs of India on the theme of ‘redefining the engagement of the Government of India with Indian diaspora’. Excerpts of Prime Minister’s inaugural address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2017, on 8 January 2017, were screened, conveying key aspects of the Government of India’s commitment to the welfare of Indian diaspora as enunciated by PM. Ambassador made a power point presentation on key elements and outcomes of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2017. He underlined that the Government has revised the concept of PBD Convention to make the participation of NRIs and PIOs and deliberations at the Convention meaningful and result-oriented. Presenting the key outcomes of 13 Plenary Meetings held at the PBD Convention 2017 on various topics, Ambassador stressed that the Government, a staunch believer in accountability, used the Plenary Meetings to present the action taken by it on the recommendations made by the invited experts at the meetings convened by External Affairs Minister in 2015-16 to discuss those topics. Ambassador also outlined the outcome of various other activities and meetings organized at PBD 2017 and emphasized that the Government of India is keen on participation of diaspora in growth and development of India. It is also keen to deepen its engagement with the young Diaspora to help them know more about their roots and connect with India. Ambassador also explained the mandate of India Development Foundation for Overseas Indians (IDF-OI) and encouraged NRIs and PIOs to adopt projects and contribute to their implementation. He also elaborated on the Government’s new initiatives for the benefit of the Diaspora. He presented to the audience the recent initiatives taken by the Embassy to enhance access and connect with the community. He appreciated the efforts made by social workers and volunteers towards the welfare of the Indian community in Oman and mentioned the MigCall App, which was launched by Embassy in Oman in 2015 to connect Indian migrants in distress in Oman and other GCC countries. Ambassador then invited inputs and suggestions from the community, enabling the Embassy to deliver its services efficiently and promptly. He assured the community that the Embassy, as always, will continue to work with the community and the Government of Oman to promote the welfare of the Indian community in Oman.