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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
This Gandhian is also a karate teacher. He has students from all over India. “I always come to India to teach Karate. I have students in Pune, Baramati, Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore,” he said.
Octogenarian NRI Mohanlal Hira shares his first name with Bapu but it’s his unmistakable zeal to take the Gandhian thoughts in the hinterlands of Africa that win hearts instantly.
As he ensconced himself modestly on a chair, tied to his prestigious award — Hira was one among 27 NRI awardees at the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas in Indore — he could barely hide his fulsome smile — the one of gratification while sitting on a turf where his ancestors couldn’t fulfil dream of a free India.
“I left India in 1947. Just before independence, I was gone. My father, my uncle were activists. I was 9-years old when I went to South Africa. But in my mind I carried the impressions from the freedom struggle. When I was young, I would shout Vande Mataram, there will be Gandhi Raj soon,” he said in an exclusive chat with The New Indian at the 17th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
This Gandhian is also a karate teacher. He has students from all over India. “I always come to India to teach Karate. I have students in Pune, Baramati, Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore,” he said.
Talking about PM Narendra Modi’s leadership he said, “He will take India to the greatest heights in the world. India will be a mighty power in every field.”
He is engaged in the renovation of Tolstoy Farm. The Tolstoy Farm was a commune established by Mahatma Gandhi in Johannesburg during his stay in South Africa.
The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held at Indore in Madhya Pradesh during January 8-10. The awards will be conferred by the President during the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on January 9.
The theme of this year’s PBD is Diaspora – reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrtikal. “In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of creating an Atma Nirbhar bharat, Diaspora to play key role in the growth trajectory of India in the next 25 years,” Sayeed said
This PBD is being organised in its physical form after four years due to Covid restrictions. PBD is held every two years. Presidents of Guyana and Suriname will be the chief guests as these countries have a considerable Indian population.
