At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, PM Modi asserted that India would fulfill global demand for skilled talent, emphasizing the importance of the Indian diaspora. He proclaimed India’s advancements and its potential role in peace, urging expatriates to share India’s rich history. The celebration commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India, while they launched initiatives including the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, aiming to strengthen ties with the global community.
During the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s role in supplying skilled talent globally, citing the nation’s youthful demographic. He stated, “For many decades to come, India will remain a country with the world’s most young and skilled population. India will fulfil the world’s demand for skilled talent.” Modi heralded India’s advancements and its authority on global matters aligned with peace, insisting that the future must embrace understanding rather than conflict. The occasion also commemorated the contribution of the Indian diaspora, celebrating its impact on India’s evolution and calling upon expatriates to influence India’s growth into a developed nation by 2047.
The event commenced in recognition of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India on January 9, an emblem of the beginning of India’s freedom movement. With approximately 3,500 delegates from 50 nations in attendance, Modi inaugurated the convention by highlighting India’s progress in the 21st century, underscored by cultural exhibitions showcasing the diaspora’s contributions.
In his address, Modi praised the diaspora as the “ambassador” of India and urged members to share India’s rich history with their respective societies, which remains largely unknown to current generations. He promoted the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special train designed to foster tourism among the Indian diaspora, extending a platform for them to connect with their heritage and explore India’s historical significant sites. Modi also commented on India’s remarkable economic ascent, positioning it as the fifth largest economy, soon to become third, and lauded achievements, such as lifting 250 million individuals from poverty within the last decade.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed similar sentiments about the diaspora’s role in enhancing India’s global stature and the importance of maintaining cultural ties in this global era, highlighting the government’s commitment to support expatriates through improved services and infrastructure.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an annual event celebrated since 2003 to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora globally. The significance of January 9 stems from Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, symbolizing the beginning of his role in the struggle for India’s independence. The event gathers Indian expatriates and fosters discussions on topics such as economic development, cultural outreach, and strengthening ties between India and its global citizens. This year’s celebration further integrated themes of peace, cultural heritage, and technological advancement, showcasing India’s trajectory in the global arena.
In conclusion, the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas served as a platform for reaffirming India’s commitment to nurturing its skilled population to meet global demands, alongside recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora. Prime Minister Modi’s address encapsulated India’s aspirations for peace and progress, while highlighting the vital role of expatriates as cultural ambassadors. The emphasis on cooperation and shared history between India and its diaspora points toward a future driven by mutual respect and collaboration, aiming for transformational growth by 2047.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
