NRI PROGRAMME TO BEGIN IN VARANASI TODAY
VARANASI: The temple town of Varanasi is set to roll out the red carpet for non-resident Indian (NRI) guests arriving here for the threeday Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) programme beginning Monday.
This year’s PBD celebration, being organised in the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is based on the theme ‘Role of Indian diaspora in building New India’.
According to officials, a total of 4,150 NRI delegates from 85 countries will attend the event and approximately 1,000 of them will be staying in the tent city, specially built for them.
Though the programme will begin on January 21 with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath welcoming the guests, the PM will formally inaugurate the event on January 22.
President Ram Nath Kovind will attend the programme on the last day -- January 23.
On the opening day, information and broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will meet around 700 NRI guests. In the evening, the guests will hold a discussion with BHU students on various issues.
UP sports minister Chetan Chauhan will host their dinner.
On January 22, the PM will address the NRIs and have lunch with his Mauritius counterpart and chief guest of the event Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and 53 special NRI dignitaries.
A special hexagonal table has been prepared at the PM’s lounge at Deendayal Upadhyay Trade Facilitation Centre.
Jugnauth has his roots in Uttar Pradesh as his ancestors belonged to Rasra village in Ballia district. According to officials familiar with the event, Jugnauth will also travel to his ancestral village during his stay in India. “The event is aimed at helping the NRIs connect with their roots. It also aims to draw investment in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, to give momentum to growth,” a senior officer, who did not wish to be named, said.
District magistrate Surendra Singh said, “All preparations have been completed. Over 700 guests have already reached Kashi. A comprehensive plan for the event is in place and the guests will be given a grand welcome.”
Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Suresh Rao Anand Kulkarni said, “Tight security arrangements have been put in place for the PBD. We are ensuring round-the-clock patrolling around the tent city.”
He said specially trained police personnel in formal attire had been deployed in the tent city to receive guests and ensure their security. The Aindhe village tent city has 1,450 tent houses, including 100 family cottages and 50 Kashi villas, equipped with all the facilities. Over 350 guests have chosen home stay option extended by about 200 families of Varanasi. Vice-chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and in-charge of tent city and NRI accommodation Rajesh Kumar said: “The tent city has been developed in such a way that it reflects the heritage of Kashi. We will provide best possible accommodation with Banarasi cuisine to NRI guests.”
TEMPLE TOWN DECKED
Kashi wore a festive look to give a rousing welcome to NRI guests from across the globe.
Ghats have been illuminated with façade lighting and roads, lanes, dividers and intersections have also been beautified as part of preparations for the event.
A special laser show has already begun for NRI guests.
Though pbd, a biennial event since 2015, is held on or around January 9, the date for this year’s gathering was changed so that participants could experience the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj and the Republic Day parade in Delhi on January 26.