Suriname's President emphasises on creating 'Hindi language institute' in Caribbean
While speaking at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in Indore, Suriname's President stated that different countries should focus on learning Indian traditions and culture.
President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, said on Monday that there could be a Hindi language training institution in the Caribbean region, as well as an academy to support diaspora youth in showcasing their talent in Yoga, Ayurveda, and spirituality. While speaking at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, Suriname's President stated that different countries should focus on learning Indian traditions and culture.
“A diaspora fund should be created for diaspora projects and programs in the region. Founding of training centres, schools in different places of our countries should be initiated to learn the Hindi language, also learning about religions, culture and our tradition,” said Suriname's President.
“Today, it is my great privilege to set foot on the soil of mesmerising Indore and beautiful MP, known as the cleanest city in India and evolving as one of the smart cities, to speak as your Spl Guest of Honour at this august Pravasi Divas,” he added.
Suriname's President began his speech by greeting the crowd in Hindi, — in particular to PM Modi and also expressed condolences on the demise of Modi's mother. He also drew attention of the crowd by saying the Sanskrit proverb about mothers, “Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi” (Mother and motherland are Superior to heaven).
He further said that the establishment of a Caribbean high-tech training institution in modern technology would be beneficial to diaspora nations. “My country Suriname is willing to host one of those institutions,” President Chandrikapersad added.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others, including the chief guest, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, along with external affairs minister Jaishankar, Madhya Pradesh Governor Governor Mangubhai Patel, and chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ (PBD) commemorates the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora to the development of India. It is observed on January 9, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. It was first celebrated in 2003 and organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The theme of this year's PBD convention is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal.” Over 3,500 diaspora members from 70 countries have registered for the event, which was held in person for the first time since 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention was held virtually in 2021.
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