To mark the 15th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention, which is scheduled to be held in Varanasi from January 21 to 23, the High Commission of India in Lagos celebrated the event on January 12. The celebrations of Vishwa Hindi Divas also coincided with the programme.

The event, which was attended by 300 eminent Lagos-based Indians, was organized in association with the Indian Professionals’ Forum (IPF), Indian Cultural Association (ICA), and the Indian Women’s Association (IWA). The celebrations were kicked off with the recital of Indian and then Nigerian national anthem.

In his opening address, Second Secretary (Consular) Subbu Ramesh revealed that the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is held every year on January 9 to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915. Highlighting the achievements of the Indian diaspora in Nigeria, he said, “They play a pivotal role in building links between India and Nigeria and make a valuable contribution to the host government by providing employment opportunities being the largest foreign employer in Nigeria.” Indians in Nigeria have also been contributing to social causes both in Nigeria and back home, he said, especially mentioning ICA’s contribution towards the Kerala Relief Fund.

Addressing the gathering, IWA president Geetika Tandon said, “IWA has been holding various events to generate funds for charitable causes to help the underprivileged of our host country.” While thanking the donors, she also sought their support in future for the benevolent causes for which the organization works. She also announced the plans to hold gala celebrations to mark 50 years of IWA in Nigeria in April.

Atul Kshetry, the president of Indian Professionals’ Forum, asserted that the IPF has been immensely contributing to the development of Africa. “Indian businessmen and professionals have been partners and investors rather than being traders and businessmen. Indians in Nigeria are holding many key positions, not only in Indian-owned enterprises but other firms as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, ICA general secretary Sanjeev Tandon put forth the idea of inviting prime minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria. “It will not only strengthen the relation of two countries but will also increase Indian business in Nigeria,” he said, adding that “we should also propose names of Indians based in Nigeria for the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman, an award constituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to honour exceptional and meritorious contribution of NRI’s in their chosen field.”

On the occasion, he hailed a few Indian organizations for their commendable charitable activities like ICA, IWA, IPF, Geeta Ashram and Vama Foundation. In his speech, Tandon also named Kewalram Chanrai Foundation, a 150-year-old organization that runs in hospitals across Nigeria; Tulsi Chanrai Foundation; Ishk Tolaram Foundation. In other fields, he mentioned Springfield Ago Ltd (agricultural); Chanrai Nigeria Ltd (automobile); African Industries (iron & steel); Kewalram Chanrai Group (export/ import); Indorama(fertilizers); Dana Airlines (airlines); Gee & VeePee Industries (plastics); Sunola Foods (food); Tolaram Group (food) for providing employment to thousands of Nigerians.

Nari Gwlani, chairman Poly Products, who was the guest speaker, was all praise for the good-natured Nigerians. He added that in the 60 years that he has spent in this African giant, he’s experienced great rapport between Indians and Nigerians.

While highlighting the role of Indian Language School (ILS), principal Sonali Gupta said, “It is because of our school that Indian professionals can bring along their families to Nigeria without having to worry about their kids’ education. Besides it is cheaper than other international schools, ILS is a better choice for Indians as it is affiliated to the CBSE.” She also sought financial support from the Indian community in the construction of a new building for the junior wing.

Besides the eminent Indians, Engineer Ben Chukwura also spoke about his experience in India as a student. He spoke at length about the Sanatan Dharam and the culture of the country.

The addresses were followed by a colourful cultural programme put up by students of ILS. After the kids regaled the audience with their dance and skit, Attaché (PS & Cons) Rekha Juyal read out a message from prime minister Narendra Modi on Vishwa Hindi Divas.

Highlighting the importance of Hindi, ILS vice-principal Ishita Yadav noted that earlier people used to look down upon those speaking in Hindi, but now things have changed. “With time our mother-tongue is attaining the respect with which it should be treated,” she added.

On the occasion, Hindi extempore competition was held which saw eight people contest. Besides the three winners, one Mr Senapati was specially awarded for speaking well in Hindi, despite hailing from Bengal.

After poem recital by ILS student Lavanya Dalmia, Dinesh Rathi presented the vote of thanks, which was followed by cocktail and dinner.

Direct flights may soon connect Nigeria, India

The High Commission of India, Abuja, also celebrated the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and Vishwa Hindi Divas with the newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria Abhay Thakur addressing the gathering on January 9. He hailed the Indian diaspora in Nigeria for contributing to the economic development of both Nigeria and India.

On the occasion, Thakur had announced that India and Nigeria are going to sign the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that would create an opportunity for direct flights between India and Nigeria. According to a tweet by Nigeria minister of state for aviation Hadi Sirika, he signed the pact with Indian civil aviation minister Suresh Prabhu on January 14.

Besides Indian Cultural Association, Abuja, former president KP Ray Chaudhary, Chief Robin Njoku, president of All India Universities Alumni Association of Nigeria, and Auwal Yusuf Konami from Dostana Association Kano, also addressed the gathering. A Nigerian singer, Ado Abdulkadir Yakasai, spoke in Hindi about the importance of Hindi language and their affinity towards it.