Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four exhibitions as part of the ongoing 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Earlier in the day, PM flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train dedicated to the Indian diaspora.
Sharing the moment on X, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote, “Dekho Apna Desh. PM @narendramodi Ji flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist Train for the Indian diaspora.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who joined the Prime Minister at the event, expressed his delight and highlighted the key takeaway from the convention—a vision of India that is confident, modernizing, and inclusive. “Delighted to join PM @narendramodi, Governor Hari Babu, CM @MohanMOdisha, other dignitaries, and our Pravasi friends at the inaugural session of the 18th #PravasiBharatiyaDivas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha,” Jaishankar posted on X.
He added, “The takeaway from #PBD2025 will clearly be a Bharat that is confident, modernizing, and inclusive, where tradition and technology go hand in hand. Extend my best wishes for a productive convention.”
During his address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, PM Modi emphasized India’s rapid progress in the 21st century, highlighting its potential to meet the global demand for skilled talent. “21st century India is progressing at an incredible speed and scale. For many decades to come, India will remain a country with the world’s most young and skilled population. India has the potential to fulfill the world’s demand for skilled talent,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian diaspora for their unwavering support and contributions to enhancing India’s global reputation. “I feel very happy when I meet you all. I never forget the love and blessings I have received from you. Today, I also want to thank you because, because of you, I get a chance to hold my head high,” he added.
Acknowledging the role of the diaspora in carrying Indian values worldwide, PM Modi said, “In the last 10 years, I have met many world leaders, and they all appreciate the Indian diaspora in their respective countries. One big reason behind this is the social values you carry.”
PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of the diaspora, terming it a guiding principle of India’s foreign policy. “Your safety and welfare are our top priority. We consider it our responsibility to help our diaspora during crisis situations, no matter where they are,” he added.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accorded a warm welcome to PM Modi as he arrived in Bhubaneswar for the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held in partnership with the Odisha government, celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora. This year’s theme, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” has attracted participants from over 50 countries. The convention, scheduled from January 8 to 10, serves as a platform to connect the diaspora with India’s developmental goals.
(Inputs from ANI)
