Live Blog: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas kicks off

13:00 (IST) PM Modi proposed a quiz competition – Bharat Ko Jaano (Know India) as he concludes his address to the Indian diaspora at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.

13:00 (IST) I once again extend my greetings on ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ to all: Modi 

12:57 (IST) PM Modi speaks in Sanskrit: Yastu sancharate deshaan sevate yastu Panditaan. Tasya vistaaritaa budhistailabindurivaambhasi.

(Translation: A person who frequently travels to different countries and remains in the service of learned people, his scope of intelligence is very wide, just like a drop of oil which spreads over a wide area of water).

12:55 (IST) I invite you, to come forward with whatever it is that you possess and join us in this endeavour: Modi

12:54 (IST) The way cleanliness drive for river Ganga is an environmental matter, same way it can be the source of economic activity for people: Modi

12:51 (IST) There is one more issue that I am sure you are concerned about and that is the rejuvenation of Maa Ganga: Modi

12:49 (IST) Everything is not measured in dollars or pounds.The relationship we have with Pravasis is beyond that. Its a bond: Modi

12:48 (IST) There is a different strength when we meet our own people and share our joys, sorrows. It is a source of great energy

12:48 (IST) When there was a quake in Gujarat, there would not have been a single person of Indian origin across the world who didn’t shed tears: PM Narendra Modi to the Indian diaspora

12:47 (IST) I know the problems you faced. That is why visa on arrival facilities are being made available for several nations

12:46 (IST) PIO and OCI have been merged. Everyone will get the same benefits: Modi tells the diaspora

12:43 (IST) The world is ready to embrace India. We have so much to offer, what is needed is confidence in ourselves: Modi

12:35 (IST) 177 countries supported my proposal (World Yoda Day) as co sponsors, including around 40 Muslim countries: Modi

12:32 (IST) The Indian community is admired all around the world. It is not due to the money they have, but the values that they live with: Modi

12:27 (IST) The more the entire world gets to know about Mahatma Gandhi, it will be better. It has the strength to guide everyone. India is waiting for NRIs with open arms: Modi

12:25 (IST) I have met more than 50 world leaders in the short span that I have been given this new responsibility. All the world leaders I met expressed desire to partner with India. Such opportunities do not come easily in a nation’s life: Modi

12:23 (IST) People used to leave our country in pursuit of aspiration and opportunities. Those opportunities are present in India today. Times have changed very quickly: PM Modi

12:22 (IST) Indian nationals are there in over 200 countries. They have taken India there with them: PM Modi

12:20 (IST) World is looking at us with immense hope and optimism: Modi

12:17 (IST) I welcome all of you & say that there are several opportunities waiting for you in India. Times have changed very quickly: Modi

12:15 (IST) 100 years ago,one ‘NRI’ returned to India & today one Gujarati NRI welcomes entire overseas Indian community:PM Modi

12:14 (IST) ​Prime Minister Narendra Modi released stamps of Rs 5 & Rs 25 denominations and also released coins of Rs 10 & Rs 100 denominations. 

12:12 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.

12:10 (IST) Re-affirm my government’s support for your candidature for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council: President of Guyana, Doland Ramotar.

12:10 (IST) India must play an important role in confronting challenges of climate change: President of Guyana, Doland Ramotar.

11:54 (IST) It is with great humility and pride that I stand here to participate in this annual meeting. Today is a day of symbolism for you as well, PM Modi – returning to the state of your birth and presiding over this event: President of Guyana, Doland Ramotar.

11:52 (IST) It is no secret that your leadership played a key role in transforming Gujarat: President Ramotar to PM Modi

11:54 (IST) President of Guyana, Doland Ramotar addresses the gathering at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.

11:51 (IST) The bond between South Africa and India is formed by our  two people. South Africa is today home to the largest community of Indians outside India: South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

11:49 (IST) This year we’re celebrating 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India: South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

11:48 (IST) Today is the exact day when the African National Congress, the party of Nelson Mandela, was founded in 1912: South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

11:42 (IST) ‘Namaste’ says Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. 

11:41 (IST) This year we’re celebrating 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India: Gujarat Chief Minister.

11:35 (IST) I remember our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, due to whose efforts the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being celebrated since 2003: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.

11:30 (IST) I welcome you all to the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, Anandiben Patel.

11:29 (IST) Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel addresses the gathering at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.

11:27 (IST) Doors of my Ministry are always open to you all. I welcome your suggestions: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to NRIs.

11:27 (IST) Successful and prosperous diaspora is an asset to India. We will work closely with the Indian diaspora. PM has taken lead to reach out to them: Sushma Swaraj

11:25 (IST) I welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi without whose guidance and leadership the event would not be possible at this scale: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

11:24 (IST) We look forward to taking India-Guyana relations to greater heights: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to President Donald Ramotar.

11:22 (IST) Let me extend my warm welcome to you all: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.

11:21 (IST) External Affiars Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses the gathering at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.