VISITS OF DELEGATION FROM MALAYSIAN INDIAN CONGRESS TO NEW DELHI
ON 6-9 JANUARY 2014
A total of 150 delegates from the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) led by YBhg Dato’
Seri Utama S. Samy Vellu, Special Envoy of YAB PM to India and South Asia for
Infrastructure, was on a visit to New Delhi to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark
the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. The date
was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that
Mahatma Gandhi, returned to India from South Africa to lead India’s freedom struggle.
PBD conventions have been held every year since 2003. These conventions are also
very useful in networking among the overseas Indian communities residing in various
parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields. The
event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.
During this yearly event, individuals of exceptional merit were also honoured with the
prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) to appreciate their role in India’s
growth in a special Valedictory Session. Among the recipient of the PBSA previously
also include YBhg Dato’ Seri Utama S. Samy Vellu. Aside from YBhg Dato’ Seri
Utama S. Samy Vellu, YB Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, Minister of Environment and Natural
Resources, also attended the 2014 PBD in the capacity of Chief Guest and Speaker.
Other VIPs representing Malaysia in the recent PBD include YB Dato’ Seri S.K.
Devamany, Speaker of the Perak State Assembly, YB Datuk M. Saravanan, Deputy
Minister of Youth and Sports, and YB P. Kamalanathan, Deputy Minister of Education.
