Washington: The transformational role played by the Indian-American community in the development of India-US relations and its future potential were underscored by India's Ambassador to the US Arun K. Singh.

Opening an event to celebrate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at the Indian embassy here on Friday, he also highlighted the importance of the day.

The event was well attended with enthusiastic participation by the Indian American community members representing various sectors including the government, business, professionals, artists, journalists and students.

Swadesh Chatterjee, a Padma Bhushan awardee from North Carolina, gave a talk on "Building Bridges: How Indian Americans Brought the US and India closer together".

Chatterjee recently published a book highlighting the contribution of Indian Americans in various fields including energy cooperation.

Satyam Priyadarshy, president of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), which has 61 chapters across 17 countries, spoke on "India's Flagship Projects and Indian Americans: Promising Possibilities".

He also underscored the ways in which the Indian-American community can contribute to the India's organically connected flagship projects like Smart City Mission, Skill India, Digital India, Make In India and Swachh Bharat. (IANS)