Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni, while speaking at the 6^th session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi, said that the children of NRIs must make it a point to visit Indian museums to increase their awareness about Indian culture.

She said that the government is laying special emphasis on Indian museums as they are the best forum to promote and depict the rich culture of the country. Soni pointed out that the government should only act as a facilitator or a coordinator; the people have to take up the responsibility of promoting their culture.

Thanks to the invasion of the internet and the readymade information it provides, said Soni, many people were losing their interest in reading. The government is trying to sustain and encourage the habit of reading by introducing book banks across the country, she said.

The minister lauded the NRI community for expressing an interest in Indian culture and being aware of the country's current affairs. She said that she had received over 1,800 letters from Indians settled in California two days ago, urging her to safeguard the Braj Bhoomi park in Rajasthan.

The minister also appealed to the NRIs to participate in the 150^th anniversary of the first war of Independence. She urged the NRI community to not dismiss the event as a mere political stunt. Instead, Soni said, they should consider at the sentiments involved in it and participate in the celebrations.