Delegates Highlight the Role of PBD in Uniting India and Enhancing Its Global Presence on Convention's Final Day
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New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) The concluding day of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention in Bhubaneswar is seeing vibrant engagement from delegates worldwide on Friday.
One of the attendees, Maitri Joshi from Addis Ababa, expressed her pride in participating in this significant event.
She stated, “It is a tremendous privilege for the entire Indian diaspora to gather at this event, where we unite from various regions of the globe. PBD serves as a venue for us to exchange our experiences and cultural heritage. Through this gathering, we aspire to lead the world towards a common goal. By connecting Indians globally, this initiative not only enhances India’s unity but also amplifies its international influence.”
“For us, this is more than just a gathering; it is a celebration of our shared legacy and dreams,” she further remarked.
Thashidaran Tharmar, a participant from Malaysia and a fourth-generation settler, emphasized that this initiative is genuinely a noble cause.
He noted, “This initiative brings together Indians from across the world at a designated location, this year being the culturally vibrant state of Odisha. I feel immense pride in being here and identifying myself as an Indian. The Government of India has done an exceptional job organizing this event in Odisha, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the state’s culture, heritage, and business opportunities.”
“For the Indian diaspora, this convention fosters a deep sense of belonging. No matter how many generations have elapsed in their adopted nations, this assembly serves as a reminder of our origins. This marks my inaugural Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and I feel privileged to represent my country and contribute to its progress.”
The event was organized to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora, offering a platform for cultural exchange, discussions on global issues, and opportunities to fortify India’s connections with its overseas communities.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually on January 9 to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
The 18th edition of this convention commenced on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar with the launch of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Over the last three days, the event has attracted approximately 5,000 delegates from various nations. Plenary sessions tackled key global and domestic challenges, providing insights into sectors such as economic collaboration, technology, and cultural preservation.
The convention reached its pinnacle on Thursday with the official inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Janata Maidan. In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the Indian diaspora in shaping the nation’s future and promoting global unity.
