December 10th, 2020 -- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Antar Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad (Diaspora Research and Resource Centre), New Delhi, organized the Pre-Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Conference on “Role of Diaspora in Promotion of Indian Culture Abroad” on 9 December 2020.
The conference aimed at creating cultural bonds and an ecosystem for cultural propagation among the diaspora. Indian diaspora and various diaspora organizations have played a very important role in spreading Indian culture in different parts of the world. This conference brought together eminent diaspora personalities and associations involved in propagation of Indian culture to discuss innovative ways of leveraging the diaspora to enhance India’s soft power. India’s partnership with Indian diaspora for cultural preservation and promotion has worked very well. Building on this strength, it is high time to explore the new ways of enhancing the diaspora’s role in further deepening and expanding the Indian culture abroad and also establish a better connect with the millennials.
Indian diaspora represents valuable bridges of goodwill for strengthening the Indian connect with the world, as full partners in the process of growth and development for wider well-being and prosperity. With its civilizational values of peace, plurality and universal fraternity in the true spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India has traditionally been a pivot of soft power exercise for promoting global peace and progress, and the diaspora has played that role to its true meaning.
Hon. Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana addressed the gathering remotely as Guest of Honour enumerating the rich cultural legacy of India in Guyana, the extravagance of Holi and Diwali celebrations, the enduring romance of Indian dance, music, vocal languages in Guyana, she emphasized the need to build an “art/culture network” across the globe and to promote inter-cultural dialogue. The virtual conference had eminent speakers from more than 15 countries from all over the world along with speakers from India who shared their experiences and suggested ways and means to (i) promote Indian culture abroad and role of diaspora (ii) improving cultural exchanges between India and other countries (iii) projection of India’s soft power abroad and (iv) engaging the youth.
Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. V. Muraleedharan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the Conference and addressed the Inaugural Session. (The Hon’ble Minister’s speech is attached below). Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR delivered the Welcome Address.
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