PM address diaspora

After inaugurating the 18th PBD on January 9, PM Modi expressed confidence that the inauguration song would be played in future in various Indian diaspora events, across the globe. He lauded the Grammy award winning artiste Ricky Kej and his team for the wonderful rendition which captured the emotions and feelings of the Indian diaspora.

Thanking the Chief Guest, H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, for the warm and affectionate words in her video message, the Prime Minister remarked that she was also talking about India’s progress and her words left an impact on all of them present at the event. He added that there was a joyful atmosphere everywhere as within a few days of the PBD the Maha Kumbh would commence in Prayagraj and the festival of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal and Maag Bihu were also coming up. He added that there was a joyful atmosphere everywhere. Recalling that it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi returned to India after a long stay abroad, Mr Modi remarked that the presence of the diaspora in India at such a wonderful time added to the festive spirit. He did not forget to mention that the PBD was held within a few days of the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision was instrumental to PBD. “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become an institution to strengthen the bond between India and its diaspora”, he said.

He mentioned that together we celebrate India, Indianness, our culture and progress along with connecting with our roots. “The great land of Odisha, where we have gathered, is a reflection of India’s rich heritage”, he said. At every step, he added, we are able to witness our heritage in Odisha. He expressed hope and confidence that everyone would be filled with pride when visiting the historical caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, or the magnificent Sun temple of Konark or the ancient ports of Tamralipti, Manikpatna and Palur.

Noting that hundreds of years ago, the traders and merchants from Odisha  undertook long marine voyages to places like Bali, Sumatra and Java, the PM said that Bali Yatra is celebrated even today in Odisha in their memory. Dhauli, a significant historical site in Odisha, represented the symbol of peace. Samrat Ashoka had chosen the path of peace here while the world was expanding empires through the power of the sword. This formidable legacy inspires India to tell the world that the future lies in “Buddh and not in Yudh,” he said.

He especially emphasised that he considered the Indian diaspora as ambassadors of India. Expressing his joy in meeting and conversing with fellow Indians around the world, he said that the love and blessings he receives from them are unforgettable and always stay with him. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian diaspora and thanked them for giving him the opportunity to hold his head high with pride on the global stage. Over the past decade he had met numerous world leaders, all of whom have praised the Indian diaspora for their social values and contributions to their respective societies.

He noted that Indians naturally embrace diversity and integrate seamlessly into the societies they join, respecting local rules and traditions. Indians serve their host countries with honesty, contributing to their growth and prosperity, while always keeping India close to their hearts. They celebrate every joy and achievement of India with great enthusiasm.

Highlighting the incredible speed and scale of development in 21st century India, the Prime Minister remarked that in just 10 years, India had lifted 250 million people out of poverty and has risen from the 10th to the 5th largest economy in the world. He expressed confidence that India will soon become the 3rd largest economy.

Emphasising India’s achievements, such as the Chandrayaan mission reaching the Shiv-Shakti point, and the global recognition of Digital India’s strength, Shri Modi  stressed that every sector in India is advancing to new heights, breaking records in renewable energy, aviation, electric mobility, metro networks, and bullet train projects. He highlighted that India is now manufacturing “Made in India” fighter jets and transport aircraft. He envisioned a future where people will travel to India for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in “Made in India” planes.