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PM inaugurates 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore (MP)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on 09 January, 2023. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Government of India that provides an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and to enable the Diaspora to interact with each other. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was organised in partnership with the Madhya Pradesh Government from 08-10 January 2023 in Indore. The theme of this PBD Convention is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”. Over 3,500 Diaspora members from nearly 70 different countries have registered for the PBD Convention.
Shri Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp ‘Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen’ and also inaugurated the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle’to highlight the contribution of our Diaspora freedom fighters in India’s Independence.
The 17th PBD Convention holds significance as it is being organised as a physical event after a gap of four years and the first after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The last PBD Convention in 2021 was held virtually during the Pandemic.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is taking place in all its glory after a gap of four years and highlighted the significance and joy of personal interaction. Welcoming everyone on the occasion on behalf of 130 crore Indians, the Prime Minister said that the event is taking place on the land of Madhya Pradesh which is known as the heart of India and famous for the holy waters of Narmada, the greenery, the tribal culture and spirituality. The Prime Minister mentioned the recently dedicated ‘Maha Kaal Maha Lok’ and hoped that dignitaries and delegates will be able to visit the sacred place. Talking about the host city, Indore, the Prime Minister said Indore is a city as well as a phase, “It is a phase that walks ahead of time while preserving its heritage.” He also mentioned the culinary fame of Indore and its achievement in the Swachata movement.
Shri Narendra Modi remarked that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is special in numerous ways as India completed 75 years of its independence only recently. He also informed that the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ has also been organised which brings the glorious era to the fore once again. Highlighting the significant role of Pravasi Bhartiyas in the next 25 years of the journey of Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister stated that India’s unique global vision and its role in the global order will be strengthened by them.
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’
Shri Narendra Modi observed that when we look at crores of Pravasi Bhartiyas on the global map, myriad images emerge simultaneously which paint the picture of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the feeling of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat comes to the fore when two Pravasi Bhartiyas meet on any foreign land. “ The feeling of pride in being the mother of democracy increases manifold when Pravasis are talked about as the most democratic, peaceful and disciplined citizens in different parts of the world”, the Prime Minister remarked.
World is watching India keenly
Prime Minister Shri Modi remarked that the Pravasi Bhartiyas have another important role to play in addressing the world’s desire to know more about India. He said that the world is watching India keenly with great curiosity and highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the nation in recent years.
The Prime Minister gave the example of the Make in India vaccines and the record inoculation figures of more than 220 crore free doses to Indians.
He also mentioned India’s emergence in the global economy during the current period of instability and becoming the 5th largest economy in the world.
He also gave examples of the rising startup ecosystem and Make in India in the electronics manufacturing sector.
Highlighted Tejas fighter planes, aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and nuclear submarine Arihant and said that it is only natural for the people of the world to be curious about India.
India is creating multiple records
The Prime Minister also mentioned India’s cashless economy and Fintech and said that 40% of the world’s real-time digital transactions are being done in India.
About space technology, the Prime Minister said that India is creating multiple records of launching hundreds of satellites at once.
Also threw light on the software and digital technology industry of India and said that its capability is only increasing with time.
He urged everyone present on the occasion to enrich their knowledge not just about India’s culture and tradition but also about the nation’s progress.
India is taking over G-20 Presidency
G-20 is not just a diplomatic event but it should be turned into a historic event of public participation where one can witness the sentiment of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, the Prime Minister said. He informed that more than 200 meetings will take place as part of the G-20 summit which will take place in different cities in India and said that it will be a great opportunity to establish meaningful connections with the delegates of many countries.
Skill capital of the world
Shri Narendra Modi said that today India has the opportunity to become not only the knowledge center but also the skill capital of the world. He underlined the skill, values and work ethics of Indian youth. “This skill capital can become the engine of global growth”, the PM added. The Prime Minister noted the enthusiasm among the next generation Pravasi Bhartiya Youth. He urged the gathering to tell the youth about their country and also provide them occasions to visit it.
“In the last 8 years, India has tried to strengthen its Diaspora. It is India’s commitment today that wherever you are the country is for your interests and expectations”, he said.
Special Guests of Honour H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and H.E. Mr Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Suriname, Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar, MoS External Affairs Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Shri V Muraleedharan and Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh were those present on occasion among others.