The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2019 was celebrated on 9 January in the Chancery premises. Mrs. Talata Rhamatou, Secretary General to the President of Niger’s office, was the Chief Guest to the PBD Program. Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Niger; Members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations in Niamey, Singer and her team from Sogha Group (who re-sung ‘Vaishnav Jan To….’ Bhajan), Friends of India, and members of the Indian Community in Niamey, were invited to the PBD Program. During Ambassador’s Address, the importance of PBD and of Indian Diaspora; large scale preparations underway to welcome millions of people to the Kumbh Mela were duly highlighted. As for bilateral relations, India’s attaching greater importance to Africa as reiterated by Prime Minister Modi during his Address to Ugandan Parliament in July 2018, was also emphasized. The progress on construction of Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre, which is being established with the Government of India Grant assistance of US$ 35.484 million, in Capital Niamey as well as different LoC Projects being executed by India in Niger was also shared among the invitees. A line on XP Division’s bringing out a Coffee Table Book in which profiles of all Singers who have contributed to re-singing of Bhajan, was also included in the Address. Colourful images of Kumbh Mela preparations, Promotional Video on PBD, Video of ‘Vaishnav Jan To….’ and Fusion were also screened to the invitees. Duly framed ‘Appreciation Letter’ signed by the EAM was presented Mrs. Aichatou Ali Soumaila, Singer, for her musical contribution. The Secretary General was appreciated of India’s providing cooperation on the Niger’s enhancing capacity building. She appreciated contribution of Indian community living in Niger. She expressed her thanks to EAM for appreciating the Nigerien Singer and also hoped that Niger-India relations will be further strengthened. The material received from Khadi and Village Industries Commission was also suitably displayed to the invitees. After Vote of Thanks, light refreshments were served to the invitees.
