Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention on Thursday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, lauding the Indian diaspora as the nation’s “ambassadors to the world.”
Highlighting India’s democratic ethos, he said, “India is not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is ingrained in our way of life.”
The Prime Minister also flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. Departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, the train will take diaspora members to religious and tourist destinations across India over three weeks.
The event, attended by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other dignitaries, began with a performance by Grammy-winning artist Ricky Kej.
Welcoming the diaspora, PM Modi said, “In this sacred land of Lord Jagannath and Lord Lingaraj, I welcome the Indian diaspora from across the world. Your presence here adds to the festive spirit of this occasion.”
He reflected on the historical significance of January 9, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India in 1915, and praised former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee for initiating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas platform.
“This land reflects India’s rich legacy,” PM Modi said, highlighting Odisha’s heritage, including the Konark Temple and ancient ports like Tamralipti.
During the event, he inaugurated exhibitions celebrating Ramayana, diaspora contributions to technology, archival heritage, and Odisha’s culture.
The convention also featured a virtual address by Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo. The valedictory session, scheduled for Friday, will include closing remarks by President Droupadi Murmu, who will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
Established in 2003 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas recognizes the overseas Indian community’s contributions and has evolved into a biennial event since 2015.
(Inputs from IANS)
