Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, on Tuesday (10 January), apologised to Non-Resident Indians (NRI) for any inconvenience caused during the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan, organized in Indore.
The ongoing three-day programme saw 3,500 delegates from across 70 countries pouring into the city of Indore. However, there was a rush to see the inaugural speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but only a few could enter the hall and be seated for the speech.
The incident led to many NRIs expressing their disappointment and the opposition raising the issue, but the Chief Minister handled it in his own unique way.
Addressing the program on the last day, Chief Minister Chauhan said, “We did not leave any stone unturned. But the popularity of Prime Minister Modi was such that the hall proved to be small. I apologise to you with folded hands for any inconvenience caused to you. You should return by keeping our love in your heart and forgive us.”
Chauhan further added, “Today is a rare occasion when Presidents of three nations are present on the same stage. I am very happy, but there is also sadness. Indore has welcomed you, but when you bid farewell, it causes pain.”
The Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan is a biennial event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa, on 9 January 1915.
It celebrates the contributions and achievements of overseas Indians. Currently, there are 4.7 crore Indians living overseas, including 1.35 crore NRIs.
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