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Take India Abroad, says PM Narendra Modi
Stressing the need for connecting the new generation with its roots in India, he urged the delegates to talk about India, its history, its culture, its diversity, and its progress not only with their children but also in their neighbourhoods and workplaces.
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PM Narendra Modi flagging off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist train for the Indian diaspora. / X@narendramodi
Inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian diaspora members to deepen their connection with their roots while fostering global awareness of India's rich cultural heritage.
Speaking to a packed Janata Maidan, the Prime Minister said, "It is time to spread a message about India's rich and cultural heritage. As ambassadors of India, you must also look beyond some major cities and explore small towns and villages that make this country unique."
"Wherever you live in any part of the world, plant a sapling in your mother's name in the new city of your domicile. Spread a message about the philosophy, diversity and rich civilization you come from. Institute awards to commemorate local heroes and Indian missions overseas will extend all possible support. When you come next time for the Pravasi Bharati Divas, bring along at least five people from your new neighbourhoods," Modi said, appealing to the participating delegates to play a proactive role in projecting India abroad.
More than 3000 delegates drawn from around the globe are participating in the biannual event held every year from January 8 to 10 to commemorate the return of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, from his stint in South Africa. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was started in 2003 and has served as a unique platform for overseas Indians to share their achievements and issues with people and governments of the country of their original domicile.
Following the convention's opening, Prime Minister Modi visited numerous exhibitions organized by various departments of the Union Government and the host Odisha government to illustrate the nation's advancements since achieving independence in 1947.
An appeal to our diaspora on ways to preserve and celebrate our history as well as heritage… pic.twitter.com/idFAVr2Wcu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2025
According to Modi's vision for the country, in 2047, when India completes its centenary of independence, it will be a superpower.
The Prime Minister eulogised the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in making it the number one nation in the world for remittances back home. Stressing the need for connecting the new generation with its roots in India, he urged the delegates to talk about India, its history, its culture, its diversity, and its progress not only with their children but also in their neighbourhoods and workplaces. He exhorted them to work as ambassadors of India as the country was making rapid strides in all areas, including technology.
Modi also remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of tourist and religious importance in India for three weeks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry of External Affairs.
He also urged the delegates to visit all places of religious and historic significance, including Prayagraj, to avail themselves of a rare opportunity of attending the “Mahakumbh”.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, and Odisha Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, talked about the importance of the Convention and the role the Indian Diaspora has played in both rebuilding India and its image overseas.
The President of Trinidad and Tobago, the chief guest, addressed the August gathering remotely. She discussed her own journey and that of others in her country who migrated to Trinidad and Tobago over a century ago.
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