Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2022 in Kenya was celebrated at Apa Pant Hall on 9th January in a hybrid format.
The Indian-origin community, including representatives of the Hindu Council of Kenya, HSS, Ramgarghia Sikh Board of East Africa, and the Dawoodi Bohra community, attended the celebrations.
In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Dr. Virander Paul welcomed the Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Kevit Desai, Principal Secretary of Department of East Africa Community in Kenyan government, lauded the diaspora in Kenya for their contributions to Kenya and India-Kenya relations, including the ongoing celebrations dedicated to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Chief Guest Dr. Kevit Desai in his keynote address described the historic role played by Indians in Kenya’s freedom struggle and the larger process of nation-building, also highlighting the rich potential for further development of India-Kenya cooperation.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees from Kenya, Dr. Manubhai Chandaria, Mr. Pheroze Nowrojee, Dr. Prakash Heda, and Dr. PV Sambasiva Rao shared good wishes and inspiring anecdotes of India's strong partnerships with Kenya. All spoke of the promise of an even brighter future of India-Kenya friendship.
The noted legal authority of Kenya Mr. Sharad Rao, who has held high positions in Kenya’s judicial system in the past, spoke about the rich history of Indians in Kenya's freedom struggle. Former international cricket captain of Kenya Mr. Aasif Karim talked about strong India-Kenya sporting ties a few decades ago and hoped that more would be done to revive that trend. The event ended with a Vote of Thanks by DHC Mr. Ashish Sinha. The entire event was conducted by senior community representative Ms. Anita Karambalkar.
The event was streamed live on Mission's social media.