Modi At Pravasi Divas: Grateful To Diaspora For Raising India’s Image
BHUBANESWAR (ANI) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9 praised the Indian diaspora for their significant contributions during his address at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar. Modi highlighted India’s rapid progress in the 21st century, noting the country’s potential to meet global demand for skilled talent.
During his speech, Modi asserted that the Indian government considers it their “responsibility to help the diaspora during crisis situations.” He stated, “21st century India is progressing at an incredible speed and scale. For many decades to come, India will remain a country with the world’s most young and skilled population. India will fulfill the world’s demand for skilled talent.”
Modi expressed deep gratitude to the diaspora for their support and contributions, acknowledging their pivotal role in enhancing India’s global reputation. He said, “I feel very happy when I meet you all. I will never forget the love and blessings I have received from you. Today, I also want to thank you all, because of you, I get a chance to hold my head high. In the last 10 years, I have met many world leaders, and they all appreciate the Indian diaspora in their respective countries. One big reason behind this is the social values you carry.”
He emphasized, “Friends, we give great importance to your convenience and comfort. Your safety and welfare are our top priority. We consider it our responsibility to help our diaspora during crisis situations, no matter where they are. This is one of the guiding principles of India’s foreign policy today.”
Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train dedicated to the Indian diaspora. The train’s inaugural journey was flagged off in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone for the event.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also spoke at the event, emphasizing the state’s rich cultural heritage and its contributions to India’s classical arts, including Odissi dance and Pattachitra paintings. He highlighted the world-famous handloom fabrics of Sambalpur and the state’s natural beauty.
Modi was received with a grand welcome by CM Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as he arrived for the inauguration. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention serves as a vital platform for engaging with the Indian diaspora and fostering interaction among its members.
The theme of this year’s PBD Convention is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
