The Narrative of India: Optimism Echoes at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) event held on Thursday at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar has drawn a remarkable crowd, with delegates from around the globe enthusiastic to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many participants have shared their appreciation for his leadership and vision for a Viksit Bharat.
Sobhana Jaya Madhavan, a delegate hailing from Canada, expressed her excitement for the event, stating, “I am thrilled to be present at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. As someone of Indian origin from Canada, it is exhilarating to connect with individuals from around the world. The participation of the Prime Minister, along with other esteemed guests, adds to the excitement. The Indian narrative, for me, symbolizes hope, illustrating the outcomes when a nation unites to strive for excellence.”
Mukund Purohit, a recipient of the 2017 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, noted, “This represents a wonderful opportunity for the Indian diaspora to unite on a single platform, to network, and to engage with our Indian culture.”
Kiran Asher, another delegate from Oman, remarked, “As part of the Pravasi Bharatiya community, I have witnessed vibrant events since 2013. The ambiance today is exceptional. I eagerly anticipate hearing from PM Modi Ji. It’s a fantastic day here, and we wish the organizers all the best.”
Alkesh Joshi, also from Oman, emphasized the deep-rooted relations between India and Oman, stating, “We are gathered here to commemorate 5,000 years of ties between Oman and India. PM Modi's initiatives to enhance India's global stature are indeed commendable. We are confident that the upcoming decade, and indeed this century, will be India’s. Our alignment with India will not only strengthen our bond but also foster mutual growth.”
The atmosphere at Janata Maidan is electric, with participants eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's address. Several attendees disclosed that they registered for the event the moment they learned about it, expressing admiration for PM Modi's leadership qualities. Many credited him for addressing India's leadership gap and guiding the nation toward progress and global recognition.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention commenced on Wednesday with the launch of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Delegates engaged in various plenary sessions on the first day, discussing crucial issues concerning the diaspora and India's growth.
Prime Minister Modi is also set to inaugurate four exhibitions at the venue and visit promotional stalls established by various Union ministries and state governments, including Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
On January 10, President Droupadi Murmu will deliver the concluding address, marking the end of the three-day convention. She will also present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to honor distinguished members of the diaspora.