Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Jan 9: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 18th “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas” convention, a conglomeration of Non-Resident Indians, at the Odisha capital city of Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
This significant event, celebrated once every two years, honoured the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. The theme for this year was the “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat.”
Mr Modi called for documenting the history of the Indian diaspora, highlighting their journeys across different eras to various countries, their remarkable achievements, and their contributions to the societies they became a part of.
Asserting that the world today listens to India, Mr Modi said due to the country’s heritage, it was able to tell the international community that the future does not lie in war but in Buddha.
He also said the “Government is trying to ensure that whenever Indian youths go abroad, they go with skills.” He said “India is not only a young country but also a country of skilled youths.”
President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo said India and its people have made some “greatest contributions to the development of the world.” While addressing the convention virtually as the chief guest, she said, “India’s contributions to the world’s development are remarkable. The world’s first university was established in Takshashila in 700 BC.” “Algebra, trigonometry and calculus were also first developed in India,” she added.
The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government from January 8 to January 10. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention kicked off on Wednesday, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling upon NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin to actively participate in the quest for a ‘viksit Bharat’.
Acknowledging young diaspora’s role in enhancing perception of India globally, the country has started its journey towards ‘viksit Bharat’, Mr Jaishankar said.
Guests who came to Odisha from abroad to take part in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention here enjoyed the signature Odia dishes – from pulses and curries to sweetmeats – that were served to them, they said. Though North Indian and continental food were also arranged for the guests, the NRIs expressed happiness after tasting the Odia platter.
Mr Modi also inaugurated four exhibitions at the PBD convention showcasing India’s cultural heritage, traditions and the contributions of its diaspora. The first exhibition, titled ‘Vishwaroop Ram,’ highlighted the universal legacy of the Ramayana. It presented the timeless epic through a blend of traditional and contemporary art forms, emphasising its relevance across cultures.
The second exhibition focused on the Indian diaspora’s contribution to technology and the vision of viksit Bharat. It acknowledged the contributions of NRIs to the development of technology across the world.
The third exhibition highlighted the spread and evolution of the Indian diaspora with special focus on the migration from Mandvi in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman. It featured rare historical documents showcasing the journey and impact of Indian migrants. The fourth exhibition celebrated the heritage and culture of Odisha, showcasing a glimpse into the state’s rich traditions, art, and crafts, while emphasising its cultural legacy.
Asserting that Odisha was a land of limitless opportunities, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called upon the Indian diaspora to participate in the state’s growth journey. Speaking at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas inaugural function, Mr Majhi said, “Odisha is not just about its glorious past and natural beauty; it is a land of limitless opportunities for the future.”
Highlighting Odisha’s investor-friendly environment, the CM said the state now stands as one of the most welcoming destinations for investments in India. “With rich mineral resources driving key industries, along with rapidly growing IT, agro-processing, and renewable energy sectors, Odisha is charting a robust development path,” he said.
Mr Majhi also highlighted Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, calling it the home of Jagannath culture. “From the architectural magnificence of the Sun Temple in Konark to the spiritual grandeur of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the state is a testament to timeless traditions,” he remarked. He described Odisha as “a holistic hub of diversified cultures and historical excellence, where dreams can be woven in the eyes and hues of harmony painted in hearts.”
Mr Modi also remotely flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the diaspora. The will train start its three-week journey from the Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi. This train will travel to multiple destinations of tourism and religious importance across the country.
