Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17th three-day Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Sammelan on Monday, along with a digital exhibition on the role played by the diaspora in the freedom struggle in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A special stamp in honour of the event was also set to be issued by PM Modi.
The day known as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) or NRI Day is observed in India to celebrate the contribution of the community of Indians living abroad to the development of India.
At the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, PM said that the Indian diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world. In his address, he called all Indian diaspora as the brand ambassdors of India.
“Your role as India’s brand ambassador is diverse. You are a brand ambassdor of Make in India, Yoga and Ayurveda, Indian cottage industries and handicraft, millets”, he said.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, stated during his speech at the event that “We are giving the Next Generation of youth who are born and brought up abroad many opportunities to know about our India”.
PM Modi at the event asked universities in India to document contributions made by diaspora in their respective nations for benefit of students.
“India not only has the capability of becoming a knowledge center but also a skilled capital. Our youth has skills, values and honesty & determination toward work. Our skilled capital can become the world’s growth engine”, PM Modi said.
While addressing the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, “You all are ‘Rashtradoots’. Your role as India’s brand ambassador is diverse. You are a brand ambassador of Make in India, Yoga, Handicraft industry and at the same time of India’s millets”.
It is my request that every Pravasi Bharatiya knows about India’s progress. India has also taken the presidency of G20 which is a great opportunity to show India’s sustainability goals and become an example of Jan Bhagidari for the world, PM Modi added.
This Pravasi Bharati Divas is special in so many ways, the nation has entered ‘Amrit Kaal’. To the Indian diaspora, PM Modi remarked, “Our Pravasi Bharatiyas have a significant place in India’s journey in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ and India’s global order will be decided by you people.
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan was also present in the event. He said that “Under PM Modi’s leadership, a new India is truly rising – a prosperous, glorious and a powerful India. Today, the entire nation is standing behind him. He added, ‘Swachh Bharat’ & entire nation picked up broom. Indore picked it up in a manner that it hit a 6 in cleanliness.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar said on the occasion that “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) aims to refresh boundings, boost energy & add more phases to it. I believe under PM Modi’s leadership India will surely emerge as a leading power. Along with that, the global standing of those with India will also grow”.
During the event, President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, said, “today, it is my great privilege to set foot on the soil of mesmerising Indore and beautiful MP, known as the cleanest city in India & evolving as one of the smart cities, to speak as your Spl Guest of Honour at this august.
“Looking forward to being in the vibrant city of Indore tomorrow, 9th January, [Monday] to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This is a great opportunity to deepen the connect with our diaspora, which has distinguished itself globally,” Modi tweeted on Sunday.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the government is working with many countries to develop better workplaces for Indians and NRIs abroad with a more secure travel experience and to ensure a non-discriminatory environment.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the Sammelan in Indore, Jaishankar said India has the largest and the most talented diaspora.