Bhubaneshwar: The Prime Minister inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, today. Welcoming delegates and members of the Indian diaspora from across the world, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the inaugural song would be featured in future Indian diaspora events globally. He praised Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Kej and his team for the beautiful rendition that captured the emotions of the Indian diaspora.
 

The Prime Minister extended his thanks to the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, for her warm words in her video message. He noted that her remarks on India’s progress had a lasting impact on those present. With the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal, and Maag Bihu, he noted the joyful atmosphere in India. He also highlighted that on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India after his long stay abroad and that the presence of the diaspora during such a significant time added to the festive spirit.
 

The Prime Minister remarked that this edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was special for another reason: it was held shortly after the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision was instrumental in establishing PBD. He said that PBD has become an institution that strengthens the bond between India and its diaspora.
 

Emphasising Odisha’s rich heritage, the Prime Minister spoke about the state's historical significance, including the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the Sun temple at Konark, and ancient ports like Tamralipti, Manikpatna, and Palur. He noted that Odisha’s merchants had once sailed to places like Bali, Sumatra, and Java, a tradition celebrated today in the Bali Yatra. The Prime Minister also highlighted Dhauli, a symbol of peace, where Emperor Ashoka embraced non-violence. He expressed that this legacy should inspire India to advocate for peace worldwide.
 

The Prime Minister further emphasised his belief that the Indian diaspora serves as ambassadors of India. He expressed gratitude for the love and respect he receives from them, noting that their contributions have earned global recognition. Over the past decade, the diaspora has been praised for their social values and contributions to their host societies.
 

India’s remarkable development was another focus of the Prime Minister's address. He pointed out that India had lifted 250 million people out of poverty in just ten years and had become the fifth-largest economy in the world. He expressed confidence that India would soon be the third-largest economy.
 

Highlighting India’s achievements, including the Chandrayaan mission and the global recognition of Digital India, the Prime Minister noted that India is excelling in various sectors, including renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, and metro networks. India is also manufacturing "Made in India" fighter jets and transport aircraft. He envisioned a future where people would travel to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on "Made in India" planes.
 

The Prime Minister acknowledged India’s growing global role and stressed that India is not only asserting its own position but also amplifying the voice of the Global South. He mentioned the unanimous support for India’s proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G-20.
 

He also highlighted the recognition of Indian talent globally and praised the efforts of professionals who contribute to global growth. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to those receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman from President Droupadi Murmu, emphasizing India’s commitment to skill development and global opportunities for Indian youth.
 

Addressing the diaspora’s comfort and safety, the Prime Minister assured that India’s embassies and consulates worldwide have become more responsive, addressing issues like long travel times to access consular services. He mentioned the opening of fourteen new embassies and consulates in the past two years and the expansion of the scope of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
 

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of documenting and sharing the diaspora’s inspiring stories, such as the 250-year-old journey of Gujarati families in Oman. He also highlighted the "Girmitiya" legacy and proposed creating a database to trace their origins and experiences, which could be showcased through films and documentaries. He suggested establishing a university chair to research this legacy and organising regular World Girmitiya Conferences.
 

The Prime Minister also spoke about India’s heritage, mentioning events like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the establishment of Thiruvalluvar Culture Centers. He noted that the first Thiruvalluvar Culture Centre had started in Singapore, and a Thiruvalluvar Chair was being established at Houston University in the USA.
 

India’s focus on heritage tourism was highlighted by the Prime Minister, who mentioned the Ramayana Express and Bharat Gaurav trains that connect important heritage sites. He also launched the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora. This unique train journey, which will carry around 150 people, will span three weeks and visit seventeen destinations related to tourism and faith, further strengthening the connection between the diaspora and India’s cultural roots.
 

The Prime Minister recognised the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s independence and development, noting that India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances. He encouraged the diaspora to contribute to India’s development by supporting the GIFT City ecosystem and promoting "Made in India" products.
 

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister appealed to the diaspora to plant a tree or sapling in the name of their mother or mother earth, as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative. He wished everyone a prosperous 2025 and encouraged them to continue strengthening their connection with India.
 

The Governor of Odisha, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Union Ministers, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
 

BI Bureau