‘Pravasi GenNext is networking now’

Way back in 1999, JC Sharma knew that the world was becoming a global village. As Consul-General in Chicago at the time, the idea of a congregation of the Indian Diaspora scattered worldwide, appealed strongly to Sharma.
Having analysed the role the Diaspora played in boosting India���s economic, social and cultural growth and bringing the world closer, he knew that an assembly of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) under one roof would be a great morale booster.
Thus was born the concept of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2002. Symbolically held on the 9th of January to coincide with the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India after a long stay in South Africa, PBD as it has come to be known, signals the commitment of the global Indian towards India.
Four years into its existence, the man who started PBD, continues to remain enthused about this global congregation and feels that the optimism the global Indian community exudes is immense. Timesofindia.com caught up with him as he was on his way to attend the 4th PBD in Hyderabad.
What actually brought about the idea of having a 3-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, completely dedicated to global Indians?
The motive was clearly to bring every Indian on a common platform. We also wanted to make India aware of its Diaspora, which was spread in every nook and corner of the world. Since Pravasi was not part of our lexicon, it was time to bring the Diaspora into India���s stream of consciousness.
We also wanted global Indians to see an India on the move ���a nation riding on a mode of economic, thanks to post-liberalisation and reforms. The effort was very clearly aimed at each side seeing the other���s vibrant and rich heritage, without any baggage.
What has the experience been like?
The experience was brilliant as it helped bring people closer. For many, the way they looked at India changed after they visited India and interacted with Indians from the world over. Since there was an emotional element involved, most of them were able to connect instantly.
From entertainment to cuisine to music, it was ensured that everything represented India and every facet of its Diaspora. Imagine the magic that was created when India���s musical doyens Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan came together for the first time at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Although it began with a lot of hype during the NDA tenure, it has not been able to sustain it. What do you think are the reasons?
I don���t agree that it has not been able to live up to the hype generated around it. Being a non-political, non-controversial event, I think that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been successful in displaying the whole Indian ethos to the world and its inhabitants.
Having been a part of the organising committee, I know that numbers have remained more or less constant (1,500 in 2003, around 1,300 in 2004). However, there was a dip in numbers last year, due to tsunami.
There has been some criticism that Pravasi is a waste of money, harping more on nostalgia and less on ground realities? Do people just come, enjoy, see it as a holiday and then go back?
It is one of the best ways to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world, via global citizens. I don���t agree that it is a waste of money as it transforms into very good value for money. Hotel occupancy, revenue earned from shopping, food ��� everything goes up. At the ground level, it helps add to the country���s income.
Overall, the event has been successful in forging a cultural identity for Indians abroad, especially the GenNext, as they are the future. A special Programme of Youth started in 2004 has had 25 youths from different places connected to each other. So, networking among GenNext has started, courtesy Pravasi.
Ideally, what should be the agenda of Pravasi?
The objective of having a dedicated event like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is creating a web-like relationship between India and its Diaspora, rather than having a hub and spoke equation. Both can collectively play roles of mutually reinforcing communities and PBD is an effort in realising that.
Are you happy with this year���s venue?
Absolutely. Hyderabad is a symbol of a city on the move. Thanks to its IT and biotech boom, the city of Charminar has now become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country. It is the only city to have an international convention centre in the country.
The rotation of venues (Delhi, Mumbai and now Hyderabad) itself represents the fact that PBD is an extremely dynamic concept, open to change and improvisation for the greater good.