Suresh Shah
CHICAGO: Smt. Swati Singh, the Minister of State (I/C), NRI Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh was on a day long visit to Chicago on July 18 to promote the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2019 being organized at Varanasi. She called on NRIs and Indian Americans to include the Kumbh Snan in Allahabad, the Republic Day Parade and Know India Program also in the package.
Swati Singh was accompanied by S.P. Goyal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Joint Secretary (OIA-II), MEA, Deepak Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi, and Arun Kumar, Special Secretary, NRI Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh
The Indian Consulate in Chicago had organized a “Meet and Greet” session at its premises during which the delegates interacted with community leaders, tour operators and Indian diaspora members
Consul General Neeta Bhushan welcomed the delegation and all the community members. She invited all the guests to attend the PBD in Varanasi. She said that this was an opportunity also to be part of the Kumbh Snan and Republic Day Parade at the same time.
In her address, Smt. Swati Singh invited everyone to attend the 15th PBD. She assured full security to all delegates. She also notified about the One District One Product (ODOP) to facilitate easy exports. She invited all to visit India.
Special Secretary Arun Kumar in his speech invited members of the audience to the 15th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas being organized from January 21 to January 23 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He said that PBD will give a chance to participate in the biggest spiritual carnival of the world, the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. It also will provide an opportunity to witness the strengths and cultural diversity of New India at the 70th Republic Day Parade.
Deepak Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Varanasi invited all the Chicagoans to visit India and participate in PBD 2019 by registering themselves online. He said infrastructure in Varanasi as been in the swing. The state has declared zero tolerance towards crime and criminals. The state will take care of all the Pravasis visiting during the period by organizing conducted tour of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, Ganga Aarti, tour of Somnath, sale of local specialty items, and food.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Joint Secretary (OIA-II), MEA spoke about the logistical arrangement during PBD and other social issues related to India in general. He said to ensure proper flow of traffic and connectivity between cities there will be increased number of flights to Varanasi and 10 special trains from Allahabad to New Delhi will also be run. Audience was informed about ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ Quiz and different categories of the Know India Program.
S.P. Goyal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh elaborated on the 20 investor friendly policies of Uttar Pradesh Government.
The informative speeches were followed by audience questions to the delegates. Post lunch the Minister and other delegates interacted with the media and answered specific questions related to security, transportation, health, emergency services, accommodation facilities during the PBD, Kumbh Mela and Republic Day Parade.
