Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Indian expatriates express gratitude towards PM Modi

Bhubaneswar, Jan 8 (NationPress) Numerous delegations from the Indian diaspora representing over 50 countries are preparing to take part in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, which will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

This convention is part of the ongoing three-day Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which commenced on Wednesday in the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that participants from more than 50 nations have signed up for the PBD Convention. This flagship event of the Indian government serves as a crucial platform for the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage and engage with each other.

This marks the first occasion that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention is being held in Odisha. The state has made extensive arrangements to showcase its rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage.

In a conversation with IANS, Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo expressed sincere thanks to Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for entrusting Odisha with the honor of hosting this prestigious event.

“According to the ‘Look East’ policy, the Prime Minister has affirmed that until the east rises, India will not advance. Under this policy, he has provided this opportunity to Odisha. I believe that through this, not only India but Odisha will also thrive,” Singh Deo stated.

On Wednesday, several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, among others, delivered their addresses.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja indicated that over 5,000 NRIs are anticipated to attend the event. Delegates will explore 21 selected locations across Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur to promote Odisha as a prime destination for international tourism.

In discussions with IANS, various members of the diaspora shared their enthusiasm and appreciation ahead of the event.

Amit Kumar, a delegate from the Bhojpuri Association of Singapore, mentioned, “I am an Indian and have resided and worked in Singapore for the past 16 years. It is heartening that the Prime Minister’s message reached us, and I am confident this message is spreading worldwide. The government’s vision is transparent and reaches grassroots, which is uncommon.”

Revathi Pillay from South Africa expressed, “I would like to convey to every Indian that I am immensely proud of you. When I hear about India's advancements in IT and technology, it motivates me. India will always be my motherland.” She added that Prime Minister Modi's narrative has inspired her to engage with youth as a leader.

Mohammed Farooqui, a delegate from the USA, praised the convention for its role in uniting NRIs globally. “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas allows us to highlight the achievements of Indians living abroad,” he stated.

Daljit Singh, another delegate from the USA, expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for initiatives that benefit the Sikh community, such as the elimination of GST on Harmandir Sahib and the establishment of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

Surender Ahlawat from Qatar emphasized the significance of consistent governance policies.

“The current path indicates progress. Maintaining these policies for at least another decade will reinforce their effects,” he noted.

Amma Haider, representing the UAE, underscored the emotional importance of this event.

“A mother whose children are dispersed all over calls them back home. This event feels like that,” she stated.

Sarabjit Singh Dhillon from Australia remarked, “This is my first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Over the last decade, since PM Modi took office, I have witnessed India’s evolution. It inspires me to consider returning to India.”

The PBD Convention, themed 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,' will also include a virtual address by Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as the Chief Guest.

Following the inauguration, PM Modi will virtually launch the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora. The train will depart from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and will visit various tourist and religious sites in India over a period of three weeks.

President Murmu will oversee the closing session on January 10, during which the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2025 will be awarded to 27 distinguished diaspora members from 24 countries. The awards honor their accomplishments and contributions across diverse fields, both in India and abroad.