On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi lauded the Indian diaspora for being the nation’s ‘ambassadors to the world’.
Speaking on India’s democratic legacy, he stated, “India is not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is ingrained in our way of life.”
As part of the convention, PM Modi remotely flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
Departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, the train will take diaspora members to various religious and tourist destinations across India over a three-week journey.
The event saw the participation of key dignitaries, including External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The opening ceremony featured a musical performance by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.
EAM S Jaishankar highlighted the significance of hosting the convention in Odisha. He called it a testament to the government’s ‘Poorvudaya’ policy, aimed at promoting the development and cultural richness of eastern India.
Welcoming attendees, the Prime Minister asserted, “In this sacred land of Lord Jagannath and Lord Lingaraj, I welcome the Indian diaspora from across the world. This is a time of vibrant festivals in India, from the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to Makarsankranti, Lohri, Pongal, and Magh Bihu.”
“9 January also holds historical significance as it marks the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 after a long stay abroad. Your presence here adds to the festive spirit of this occasion,” PM Modi further added.
The Prime Minister recognized former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s role in founding the PBD. The PBD is now a key platform for fostering ties between India and its diaspora.
“Together, we celebrate India, Indian-ness, our culture, progress, and our roots,” PM Modi further noted.
Showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage, the Prime Minister remarked, “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. These treasures evoke immense pride.”
Extending gratitude to the diaspora, PM Modi said, “I have always considered diaspora members as our nation’s ambassadors. The love and respect I receive from you worldwide remain unforgettable.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the global admiration for Indian values, which strengthen the diaspora’s influence abroad.
“In the last ten years, I met several leaders of the country. Every leader of the world lauds the Indian diaspora. One of the main reasons for this is the social values, that you embed in the societies of the world. We are not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is a part of our life; our way of living. We do not have to teach diversity, but our life goes along with diversity,” stated PM Modi.
The convention included the inauguration of four exhibitions by PM Modi:
- Vishwaroop Ram: The Universal Legacy of Ramayana by ICCR,
- Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology by MEA,
- Bharat Bharatiya: Swadesh Pardes – Abhilekhiye Virasat by the National Archives of India, and
- Heritage and Culture of Odisha by the Odisha government
The event however featured a virtual address by Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, as the Chief Guest.
Afternoon and evening sessions focused on themes like:
- Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills chaired by Shobha Karandlaje
- Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw
The convention will conclude with the valedictory session on Friday. President Droupadi Murmu will deliver closing remarks and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
Established in 2003 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has grown into a biennial platform to strengthen ties between India and its diaspora. It fosters discussions and networking opportunities for the global Indian community.
Also Read: PM Modi Flags Off Pravasi Bharatiya Express For Indian Diaspora
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