To mark the 14th PBD celebrations, CGI, Shanghai invited Board Members of Indian Associations (IA) from Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu (from the eastern China region which has resident Indian population of nearly 9000 plus) for an interaction at the Consulate yesterday.

2.   Excerpts of PM’s address at the 14th PBD convention in Bengaluru were viewed by them, following which representative of each Indian Association made a detailed presentation outlining their activities conducted in 2016 and plans for 2017. It may be noted that in their Annual Plan of activities for 2017, in addition to organizing regular events/festivals oriented events for Indian community, there is a strong emphasis on charity events targeting local community (including through blood donation camps) and on organizing activities for young children.

3.   The Indian Associations agreed to include the upcoming 3rd International Day of Yoga, along with celebration of Hindi Divas, National Unity Day and Constitution Day, in their plans of activities for 2017 which they warmly welcomed. It was also proposed to initiate a special publication chronicling the history of Indians in China with concrete/authentic content sourced from long term Indian residents, with objective of completion as an E-Book/Special Limited Edition publication by end of 2017.

4.   Members of the Indian community were also encouraged to register with the Indian Consulate, as per the standard template which has been circulated to them. Participants also discussed the possibility of installation of the bust of Mahatma Gandhi ji at appropriate venues in Shanghai, Shaoxing and Yiwu, in consultation with local governments.

5.   It may also be noted that nearly 15 delegates from Eastern China Region, including former President of IA-Shanghai, Mr. Amit Waikar, had registered for the 14th PBD at Bengaluru and participated in the same.

Shanghai
9th January 2017