The screening was graced by Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, who delivered an insightful address that highlighted the cultural significance of the films and their ability to promote key values such as teamwork, unity, and national pride. He expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the unique connection between cinema and cricket, which has become a vital part of India’s cultural identity.

“Film, as you know, is India’s most favoured form of entertainment. Cricket, of course, is religion—that’s the state of the film. A film that brings together cricket and storytelling is a winner in and of itself,” Doraiswami remarked in his speech. He further elaborated on the rich tradition of storytelling in India, noting that the country was one of the earliest to embrace cinema as a medium for narrating stories.

“The process of telling stories is a critical part of the human experience. Everything we do, even our religious traditions, is an essence of telling stories,” he said. “Films in India bring together storytelling, music, dance, and provide a cathartic experience in two and a half to three hours.”

The High Commissioner also discussed the significant impact of Indian cinema’s ability to transcend language barriers, with Bollywood emerging as a global powerhouse in film production, despite India’s linguistic diversity. Doraiswami further touched on the increasing collaboration between the Indian and UK film industries, underscoring how the UK’s creative sectors, including film studios, animation, and gaming, have played an integral role in the success of Indian films.

“The film industry is one of the big potential drivers of a future partnership between India and the UK,” Doraiswami stated, highlighting the growing utilization of UK studios in the production of Indian films and the importance of creative convergence between the two countries.

Looking to the future, Doraiswami announced that the inaugural World Audio Visual Summit (WAVE) will take place in Mumbai in February, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event. The summit will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creators from both India and the UK to discuss further collaboration.

The evening’s screening featured three films that celebrate India’s sporting triumphs and the unifying power of sport.

’83’, directed by Kabir Khan, recounts India’s historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The film captures the underdog journey of the Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, as they defied the odds to defeat the West Indies and claim their first-ever World Cup title. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev received widespread acclaim, bringing the historic moment to life.

’Dangal’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a biographical drama based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film traces Phogat’s determination to train his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers while challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes. Aamir Khan stars as Mahavir Singh Phogat, with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portraying Geeta and Babita, respectively. The film is a powerful exploration of female empowerment and the importance of breaking barriers.

’Chak De! India’ (2007), directed by Shimit Amin, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former hockey player who becomes the coach of India’s women’s hockey team. The film focuses on the team’s journey to overcome personal and national challenges as they unite to win the World Cup, offering an inspiring message of resilience and teamwork.

The screening not only celebrated the power of Indian cinema but also served as a reminder of the growing cultural and creative ties between India and the United Kingdom. As both nations look to build on this collaboration, the creative industries stand poised to play an increasingly vital role in fostering bilateral relations in the years to come.

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Speaking on the occasion, Shekhawat reflected on the importance of a nation’s ability to connect with its diaspora, quoting Mahatma Gandhi, who famously stated that a nation’s strength lies not only in its resources and geography but in its ability to maintain relationships with its people, wherever they may be. “This idea resonates throughout the cultural and economic ties that bind India and its diaspora,” he said, underlining the vital role of the global Indian community in strengthening India’s standing on the world stage.

Shekhawat also spoke with pride about the Indian diaspora’s contributions to diverse fields worldwide. He highlighted how Indian scientists are making significant advancements in quantum computing and climate solutions in European research institutions. In the UK alone, Indian-owned businesses contribute to the creation of over 100,000 jobs, with similar success stories emerging across the globe, according to the minister.

Furthermore, Shekhawat addressed India’s growing influence through soft power, pointing to the nation’s rich cultural diversity. He emphasized that India’s soft power—rooted in traditions such as yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine, and art—has gained global admiration. “Our culinary heritage, while evolving, has remained true to its roots. My heart swells with pride when I witness Diwali celebrations at Times Square and Holi festivities at Trafalgar Square. India’s soft power is leaving a lasting impression across continents,” he added.

In his remarks, Shekhawat extended a warm invitation to the Indian diaspora for the upcoming Mahakumbh festival, one of India’s largest spiritual celebrations, taking place from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is a key event organized by the Government of India, offering a platform for the Indian diaspora to connect, engage, and exchange ideas. This year’s 18th edition of the convention, hosted in partnership with the State Government of Odisha, is being held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10. The theme of the convention, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” attracted participation from over 50 countries.

Through this event, Shekhawat emphasized the growing importance of the Indian diaspora in India’s journey toward progress, prosperity, and global leadership.

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During his address, Jaishankar pointed out that women-led development had already been incorporated into India’s foreign policy. He emphasized the necessity of involving women in all societal spheres, which is central to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. He also noted that during India’s chairmanship of the G20 Summit, the country strongly advocated for the concept of women-led development, ensuring its inclusion in the G20’s conceptual framework. This advocacy was also highlighted during the Summit of the Future.

Jaishankar elaborated on India’s development cooperation with nations, particularly in the Global South, where the country engages in various projects and capacity-building efforts across 78 countries. He remarked that many of these initiatives focus on gender-sensitive issues, women’s equality, and opportunities, illustrating how these goals are deeply embedded within India’s foreign policy.

The External Affairs Minister also linked the advancement of women to the broader goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat, stressing that a modern, industrial, and tech-centric society could not overlook half of its talent. He emphasized the importance of addressing traditional and societal barriers to women’s participation in the economy and development.

Jaishankar further discussed the role of women role models, emphasizing the need to make these examples not just visible but also trends that can be internalized and replicated across society for broader transformational change.

In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar pointed out that while economic metrics such as GDP and infrastructure are often used to measure the progress of a nation, true development must also consider the human side of progress—an aspect that includes ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held annually, serves as a significant platform for the Indian government to engage with the global Indian diaspora. This year’s 18th edition, organized in collaboration with the Odisha state government, took place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10. The theme of this year’s convention, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” reflects India’s focus on leveraging the diaspora’s support in shaping the nation’s future. Over 50 countries are represented by diaspora members who have registered for the event, underscoring the global significance of the gathering.

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During his visit, PM Modi linked the aspirations of Indian workers to his vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047″ (Developed India 2047). He highlighted that the Indian workers, despite being far from home, dreamt of making significant changes in their local villages, even envisioning the construction of international airports. “This aspiration is the strength of my country,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister also praised the hard work and dedication of Indian farmers and laborers, emphasizing that their tireless efforts motivate him. “I keep thinking the whole day about how hard our farmers work, how hard our laborers work in the fields,” he said. He added that the determination of these workers drives him to work harder for the nation. “When I see all these people working hard, I feel that if they work for 10 hours, then I should also work for 11 hours; if they work for 11 hours, then I should work for 12 hours.”

PM Modi shared his personal motivation during the interaction, comparing his dedication to the workers’ commitment. “Do you work hard for your family or not? I also work for my family. There are 140 crore people in my family, so I have to work a little more,” he said.

The Prime Minister also touched upon India’s advancements in digital connectivity, noting that India now offers the cheapest data rates globally. This, he explained, has made communication much more accessible, allowing people to stay in touch with their families easily. “If we want to talk online anywhere in the world or even in India, the cost is much less. Even video conferences cost very little, and people have great convenience in connecting with their families every evening through video calls.”

PM Modi is currently on a two-day official visit to Kuwait, invited by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

Upon arrival, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by Kuwait’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with the country’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and other high-ranking officials.

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s address at the ‘Hala Modi’ community event at the Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex, the Indian diaspora in Kuwait expressed immense excitement and enthusiasm, looking forward to the event with great anticipation.

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