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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 9 January 2025 inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Welcoming all the delegates and diaspora from various parts of the world, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the inauguration song would be played in the various Indian diaspora events, across the globe, in future.
Thanking the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago for the warm and affectionate words in her video message, the Prime Minister remarked that she was also talking about India’s progress and her words left an impact on all of them present at the event.
On this day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India
Recalling that it was on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhiji returned to India after a long stay abroad, Shri Modi remarked that the presence of the diaspora in India at such a wonderful time added to the festive spirit. Remarking that this edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was special for another reason, he said, the event was held after a few days of the birth centenary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision was instrumental to PBD. “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora”, he further added. Shri Modi highlighted that together we celebrate India, Indianness, our culture and progress along with connecting to our roots.
The great land of Odisha, where we have gathered, is a reflection of India’s rich heritage, said Shri Modi. He added that at every step we could witness our heritage in Odisha.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he has always considered the Indian diaspora as ambassadors of India. Expressing his joy in meeting and conversing with fellow Indians around the world, he said that the love and blessings he receives from them are unforgettable and always stay with him.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian diaspora and thanking them for giving him the opportunity to hold his head high with pride on the global stage, Shri Modi highlighted that over the past decade, he had met numerous world leaders, all of whom have praised the Indian diaspora for their social values and contributions to their respective societies. India is not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is an integral part of Indian life, he said.
Highlighting the incredible speed and scale of development in 21st century India, the Prime Minister remarked that in just 10 years, India had lifted 250 million people out of poverty and has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy in the world. He expressed confidence that India will soon become the 3rd largest economy.
India’s achievement
Emphasising India’s achievements, such as the Chandrayaan mission reaching the Shiv-Shakti point, and the global recognition of Digital India’s strength, Shri Modi stressed that every sector in India is advancing to new heights, breaking records in renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, metro networks, and bullet train projects. He highlighted that India is now manufacturing “Made in India” fighter jets and transport aircraft. He envisioned a future where people will travel to India for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in “Made in India” planes.
World Girmitiya Conferences
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of studying and researching the Girmitiya legacy and urged organizing regular World Girmitiya Conferences and directed his team to explore these possibilities and work towards advancing these initiatives.
The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri S. Jaishankar, and others were present among other dignitaries at the event.