The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention attracted 3,500 diaspora members from almost 70 countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said they are national ambassadors who can upheld India’s heritage and spoke on the convention’s theme: Diaspora: Reliable partners for India鈥檚 progress in Amrit Kaal*.鈥
THE 3-day PBD Convention took place at Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 8th to 9th January 2023.聽Apart from Prime Minister Modi, the event was also graced by Dr. Mohd. Irfan Ali, President of Guyana, who was the chief guest, while the President of Suriname, Chandrikaprasad Santokhi, was the special guest. Other dignitaries at the Convention included Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, and several cabinet members.
PM Narendra Modi set off a rousing note in his inaugural address, while putting the spotlight on the significant role of Pravasi Bhartiyas in the next 25 years of the journey of Amrit Kaal*. 鈥淚ndia鈥檚 unique global vision and its role in the global order will be strengthened by Pravasi Bharatiyas during the Amrit Kaal,鈥 shared PM Modi. The Prime Minister pointed out that Pravasi Bhartiyas are the Rashtradoots (national ambassadors) of India鈥檚 heritage, of “Make in India,” of yoga and ayurveda, of India鈥檚 cottage industries, and of India’s handicrafts. The Prime Minister also reiterated that each and every Bharatvanshi carries all of India with them. 鈥淚n the last eight years, India has tried to strengthen its diaspora.” He continued, “It is India鈥檚 commitment today that wherever you are the country is for your interests and expectations.”
The Prime Minister prevailed upon the diaspora to stay informed about India鈥檚 advancements as well as cultural and spiritual facts so they may promote India to the rest of the world on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
On the occasion the Prime Minster also released a commemorative postal stamp 鈥楽urakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen鈥 and inaugurated the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme 鈥楢zadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle鈥
Singapore Banker Receives Award
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman was awarded during the valedictory session, presided over by the President of India Droupadi Murmu. It is the highest Indian award for Non-resident Indian and Overseas Citizen of India聽(it can also be an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin), to honour exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field/profession. This year Singapore banker, Mr Piyush Gupta, the CEO of DBS bank was one of the receipients of the award.
The PBD conference was signposted by five plenary sessions:.
– 鈥楻ole of Diaspora Youth in Innovations and new Technologies鈥, Chaired by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur. – 鈥楻ole of Indian Diaspora in promoting Indian Healthcare Eco-system in Amrit Kaal: Vision @2047鈥. Chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, 聽Minister of Health & Family Welfare.
– 鈥楲everaging the soft power of India – Goodwill through craft, cuisine & creativity鈥. Chaired by Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi.
– 鈥楨nabling Global mobility of Indian Workforce-Role of Indian Diaspora鈥. Chaired by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
– 鈥楬arnessing the Potential of Women Diaspora Entrepreneurs.鈥 Convened by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The PBD Convention, a flagship event of the Government of India, is an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and enable the diaspora to interact with each other. It has been celebrated on January 9 since 2003 to recognise the contributions of the Indian people living abroad to the growth of India. The day also honours Mahatma Gandhi鈥檚 arrival in Mumbai on January 9, 1915, after travelling to South Africa.
* Amrit Kaal refers聽to the next 25 years of Independent India that will take it towards year 100 of freedom.
