Jaipur, Jan 7 (IANS) Non-resident Indian delegates, who have arrived in Jaipur to participate in the ongoing Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) are excited to be in the city. They say they want to make their three-day stay in Jaipur a life-long memory.

“I am thrilled to be in Jaipur. PBD gives a platform to people like us to meet others from all over the world and discuss our issues,” said Balaji Chandramohan from New Zealand.

Most delegates arrived at the Jaipur international airport on Friday evening. Before heading to their hotels, many took a round of the city and were amazed to see the development.

“Jaipur has managed to keep its culture alive despite all the modernity,” Ibrahim Shah, a business man from Malaysia, told IANS.

Some delegates had business on their mind, but most of them were in a mood for fun and were trying to grasp Rajasthan’s rich and ancient culture.

“I won’t forget the way we were received at the airport and the preparations for our welcome. Rajasthan’s hospitality is amazing. It seems it is the right time for investment in the hospitality sector in Rajasthan,” said K.K. Mehta, a New York hotelier.

“The hospitality is amazing. PBD gives us an opportunity to come back to our roots, meet our friends here and also talk on various issues,” said Kanchan Banerjee, from the US.

“Jaipur has changed, but its heritage is still a major draw for people across the globe,” said Naveen C. Shah, president and CEO of the Navika Group. He is also one of the six founding members of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA).

About 1,500 delegates from 65 countries are taking part in the PBD being organised at the Birla Auditorium in Jaipur Jan 7-9.