Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention on Thursday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, celebrating the Indian diaspora as the nation’s “ambassadors to the world.”
Emphasizing India’s commitment to democracy, he remarked, “India is not just the ‘mother of democracy’; democracy is deeply embedded in our everyday lives.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister launched the first journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train that is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. This train, which departs from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, will take members of the diaspora on a three-week tour to various religious and tourist sites across India.
The event was attended by notable figures such as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and others. It opened with a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Kej.
Welcoming the diaspora, PM Modi said, “In this sacred land of Lord Jagannath and Lord Lingaraj, I extend a warm welcome to the Indian diaspora from around the globe. Your presence here enhances the joyful atmosphere of this event.”
He also pointed out the historical significance of January 9, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, and acknowledged former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for establishing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas platform.
“This land reflects India’s rich heritage,” PM Modi added, highlighting Odisha’s cultural treasures, including the Konark Temple and ancient ports like Tamralipti.
During the event, he inaugurated exhibitions that celebrate the Ramayana, showcase the diaspora’s contributions to technology, highlight India’s archival heritage, and feature Odisha’s culture.
The convention included a virtual address from Christine Carla Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago. The closing session, scheduled for Friday, will feature remarks from President Droupadi Murmu, who will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was established in 2003 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee to recognize the contributions of the Indian community abroad and has since evolved into a biennial event since 2015.
