The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas needs to be scaled up. It was started by the BJP Government. It is time once more to ensure that the numbers that attended the first PBD, about 4,500, are restored. Over time, those attending the PBD have come down…

It is a matter of taste and liking. Numbers have dwindled since those people have not been able to get a taste and liking for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. They did not feel like coming. They felt there is very little use for them at such an event. They come, listen to lectures for three days, meet one another and go away. Now we will tell people that PBD has a big role, and big benefits. Also, if someone is attracted, he comes. If there is no attraction, he stops coming. Now, they will once again feel the essence of what the initial PBD had provided. They will be there in large numbers. You will see how many more people attend the PBD. It will be a very purposeful meet.

You said there will be more people attending the next PBD. Now Gandhi Ji, once a Pravasi Bharatiya, returned from South Africa to India in 2015. January 9 will mark the centennial of Gandhiji’s return to India. He landed in Bombay, but he is from Gujarat. Where do you think the PBD will be held?

We have yet to decide. But there is a possibility that it can be held in Gujarat.

Next year in Gujarat one will also have the Vibrant Gujarat function…

That is different. Let’s not mix Vibrant Gujarat with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Vibrant Gujarat is a state-specific event. MoUs are signed with businesses that relate to the state. It relates to those who want to invest, set up industry and businesses in Gujarat. The PBD is different. This time it will be well thought out.

So you are assuring that this time PBD will be on a very large scale…

It is definitely going to be so. There has been an air of expectation for many years. They have been expecting this Government to come, and then they have been waiting to renew their engagement with India with fresh energy, and vigour.

How much time you will be able to dedicate to this Ministry, given that you will holding the position of Minister for External Affairs as well, and will be on the move…

I will be here regularly. I will be sitting here. It is not as though I will be sitting in the Foreign Ministry and doing the work of this ministry from there. I will come here. I will be meeting the MPs here only. That ministry has its own importance, as I said earlier. We have to meet leaders and improve relations with other countries. I will have to travel for that. But it does not mean that I will, in any way, be ignoring this ministry. This ministry will be given due importance. This subject is close to my heart. There will be no deviation from this. This Ministry is for our people who are overseas.