AMN / Bhubaneswar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the crucial role of the Indian diaspora in transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention here, Prime Minister praised the diaspora for its significant role in global development and their contribution to India’s growth story. He commended the Indian diaspora for serving as the nation’s “ambassadors to the world.”
He said, the Indian diaspora has excelled worldwide and their accomplishments make the country proud. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the role of Indian values in gaining global respect for the diaspora. He said, that in the last ten years, he met several world leaders. Every leader of the world lauds the Indian diaspora. He said, one of the main reasons for this is the social values, that the Indian diaspora embeds in the societies of the world. Stressing the significance of India’s democratic ethos, Mr Modi said, India is not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is ingrained in our way of life.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that over 25 crore people in India have come out of poverty in the past decade, while the nation is rapidly advancing toward becoming the third-largest economy in the world. He said the country is excelling in all sectors including renewable energy, electric mobility, fighter aircraft manufacturing, metro and bullet trains, and soon, Pravasi Bharatiya will fly back to the country in ‘Made in India’ aircraft.
Mr Modi also highlighted India’s youthful demographic, noting that the government’s primary focus is to upgrade the skills of the nation’s youth to harness their potential.
Prime Minister Modi said the day holds historical significance as it was on this day in 1915 when Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi returned to India returned to India after a long stay abroad. The Prime Minister said, in just a few days, the Mahakumbh will start at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. He said this is a time of vibrant festivals in India, from Makarsankranti to Lohri, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. Mr Modi added that the presence of the Indian diaspora in the country at such a time is adding to the festive spirit of this occasion. The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in establishing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which has evolved into a vital platform to strengthen bonds between India and its diaspora.
Highlighting Odisha’s heritage, Prime Minister Modi said, this land reflects India’s rich legacy, with sites like the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the Konark Temple, and ancient ports such as Tamralipti and Manikpatna. He said these treasures evoke immense pride.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi also virtually flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. Departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, the train will take Indian diaspora members to various religious and tourist destinations across the country over three weeks.
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated several exhibitions, including promotional stalls from various ministries at the Centre and State level, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and economic prospects.
The event was attended also by Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasized that hosting the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention in Odisha reflects the Narendra Modi government’s “Poorvudaya” policy, showcasing the development and cultural richness of eastern India. He said, that in a globalised era, the diaspora has only become more important with each passing year. He said whether it is technology, tourism, trade or investment, the two-way flows they enable are invaluable. He said, the people-centric changes that are promoted in India also benefit the diaspora.
Chief Guest and President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo also virtually addressed the diaspora at the event.
The event began with a performance by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is the flagship event of the Central Government that provides an important platform to connect and engage with the Indian diaspora and enable them to interact with each other. The three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas kick started yesterday with the inauguration of Yuva Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The theme of this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’. A large number of Indian diaspora members from several countries are participating in the Convention.
President Droupadi Murmu will attend the valedictory function of the convention in Bhubaneswar tomorrow. The President will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman upon members of the Indian diaspora to recognise their achievements in various fields.