Three prominent Fijian social media influencers have been chosen to represent their nation at the upcoming 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Odisha, India. The High Commission of India in Suva recently organized a pre-departure briefing for these influencers: Shania Singh, who is well-known as a content creator and former television personality, Shaheel Shermont Flair, a TikTok sensation with a considerable following and connections to Bollywood celebrities, and Ashwani Vasist Deo, who has also garnered attention for his popular TikTok content.
The influencers will immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and vibrant traditions during the convention, which is scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. One key highlight of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), observed annually on January 9 since 2003, is to honor the contributions of the Overseas Indian community in advancing India’s development.
This specific date was chosen to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915, marking him as a pivotal figure in India’s freedom movement and a symbol of change for thousands of Indians. Since 2015, the convention has shifted to a biennial format, incorporating theme-based conferences that engage experts and policy-makers from the overseas Indian diaspora.
The PBD conventions serve as a critical platform for dialogue between the Overseas Indian community and the Government of India. They offer a unique opportunity for networking, experience-sharing, and fostering collaboration towards mutually beneficial initiatives while celebrating the cultural legacy that connects the diaspora to their ancestral roots.
As these influencers embark on this journey, they not only represent Fiji but also embody the spirit of connection, sharing, and cultural exchange that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas fosters. Their participation underscores the importance of bridging gaps between communities and engaging in meaningful dialogue for a shared future.
This significant event not only strengthens ties between countries but also encourages global collaboration, highlighting the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to the progress and cultural richness of their homeland.
Leave a comment