PRESS RELEASE
Handing over of the PravasiBharatiyaSamman Award
to the Indian Cultural Association, Lagos
(20 August 2021)
The PravasiBharatiyaSamman Award (PBSA) 2021, conferred by Hon’ble President of India on the Indian Cultural Association, Lagos (ICA Lagos) at the PravasiBharatiyaDiwas in January 2021, was handed over by the High Commissioner of India Shri Abhay Thakur to ICA Lagos today, at a gathering of over 100 leading members of the Indian community at the Office of the High Commission of India in Lagos. The PBSA was conferred on ICA Lagos in recognition of their outstanding achievement in the field of community service, their valuable contribution to promoting the honourand prestige of India and in fostering the interest of overseas Indians.
With its motto of “Brotherhood through Culture”, ICA Lagos has been striving to build closer ties between India and Nigeria. It has been organizing cultural events and has embraced various community welfare works and charities. It provides a platform for both Indian community to celebrate Indian festivals and also to Nigerians to promote cultural integration between India and Nigeria. It has contributed in creating awareness of the cultural heritage of India and has been actively contributing in enhancing India’s image among the host communities in Nigeria.
High Commissioner highlighted the contributions of the Indian community to the country of their residence and also towards their compatriots, andappreciated them for their goodwill and support to further strengthening India-Nigeria ties. He lauded members of Indian community for their resilience and significant contribution to building bridges of friendship with the people of Nigeria. He appreciated their local welfare activities, including food and medicine donations and healthcare support to Indian and local communities alike. High Commissioner also highlighted the several steps being taken by the Government of India to deepen its connect with the 30 million strong diaspora worldwide. These include Vande Bharat Mission, Indian Community Welfare Fund, Bharat koJaniye quiz, Know India Programme, Scholarship Programme, SWADES skill mapping initiative, simplifying passport/visa applications and other consular services.
Congratulating the Indian community organizations and prominent community members on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence, or Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, High Commissioner requested for the continued support of all community associations and businesses for realizing the true potential of AtmaNirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India, through promotion of Indian exports, and for boosting India-Nigeria trade-investment cooperation.
On the occasion, High Commissioner also handed over a booklet on “PM Modi and His Government’s Special Relationship with Sikhs” in three languages (Hindi, Punjabi and English) as well as a Four-volume English translation of the Guru Granth Sahib. Thereafter, in connection with the forthcoming Raksha Bandhan on 22 August 2021, eco-friendly bamboo Rakhis made by tribal artisansfrom Indiawere handed over to leading Indian community organizations. The Rakhis were handed over together with a Special messageby Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, bringing out the importance of Rakhi, a sacred thread tied by a sister on the wrist of her brother, a symbolic binding, with the brother taking a vow to protect and defend his sister.
Earlier, students ofthe Indian Language School, Lagos performed Indian classical dances and gave a rendition of patriotic songs. The ICA President and its Executive Committee members, senior community leaders and past Presidents of ICA Lagos shared their experiences and thanked the Government of India for the prestigious PBSA recognition, a first to an Indian diaspora organizationin Nigeria.The event concluded with a Reception hosted by the High Commissioner.
20 August 2021
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