President Ramotar visits Valsad Sugar factory - impressed with its operations
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, January 14, 2014, Source - GINA
President Donald Ramotar gets a red carpet welcome on his arrival at the Valsad sugar factory in Gujarat, India
President Donald Ramotar, during his six-day official state visit to India to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration, paid a visit to Valsad Sugar Factory in the state of Gujarat on Friday last.
The Guyanese Head of State was given a red carpet welcome and was eagerly greeted by staff on arrival at the factory. He was impressed with the factory and lauded the officials there for the use of state-of-the-art technology to crush the sugarcane in order to make the sugar crystals.
Officials at the plant briefed the Guyanese President and his team of officials regarding the sugar production technology they have adopted.
Workers of the Valsad sugar factory eagerly greeting President Donald Ramotar
President Ramotar was given a tour of the entire factory where he witnessed from testing, crystallisation and bagging of Valsad’s white crystal sugar.
Before leaving Gujarat, he was entertained by Gujaratis in one of their traditional dances and was encouraged to join in by the colourfully attired dancers.
President Donald Ramotar interacting with workers and Government officials during his tour of the Valsad Sugar Factory
President Ramotar was the Chief Guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ceremony, which was held at Gandhinagar, India from January 8 to 9. Also during his visit, the President was bestowed with the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ award, which is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and people of Indian origin (PIOs).
President Donald Ramotar seeking a clarification from a Valsad Sugar Factory staff on final molasses, one of the by-products of sugar refining
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on January 9 every year in India. The event is also known as ‘Non-Resident Indian Day’ as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in the year 1915 on January 9, and acknowledges the contribution of the Indian community living abroad in the development of India.
President Donald Ramotar engaging Gujarati dancers