Trivandrum: This year Proud to Be an Indian will launch on 24th January 2020, this is the 8th edition of this programme initiated by the Asianet News Group.
Right from its inception nearly a quarter century ago, Asianet News has maintained the warmest of relations with the Malayali diaspora of the Gulf region. We cherish the proud privilege of having brought for the first time through television medium the fragrance and warmth of their home land to the millions of Malayalis living far away from their near and dear. This has made us a part of their families and ensured us a permanent niche in their hearts.
Asianet News’s prestigious Proud to Be Indian (PTBI) is an extension of this intimate mutual relationship. PTBI, which provides a rare opportunity for the children of the Non-Resident Indians (NRI) in GCC to know their own country so closely, has become the most sought after program for the Indian diaspora.
Talking on the initiative Frank P. Thomas, Director Asianet New, said, ‘the programme was started in 2013 to make the Indian students in the Middle East more aware about the Indian traditions, culture, history and diversity. The selected students of the PTBI programme come to India on a 7 day journey, they witness the Republic Day parade and also the Beating the Retreat Ceremony. We also try to arrange for meetings with luminaries like the President, Vice-President, Defense Minister. Also in the agenda is a visit to some landmark places and institutions. What started with 15 students today in its eighth year has 30 students and 10 teachers. We have also tied up with Air India as our travel partner. We feel this programme helps the selected students to become better human beings, and also make a mark in their life’.
Asianet news also has the whole programme shot and its telecast as a 5 part series. The selected children once back to their schools are given a warm welcome.
Families and schools eagerly look forward every year to PTBI contest. Students enrolling for PTBI Entrance tests have grown from a few hundred in the beginning to many thousands now. If it had the participation of only Malayali students then, today PTBI attracts enthusiastic children from the entire Indian diaspora. Many schools in UAE begin special preparations to join PTBI from the beginning of the academic year.
