EAM S. Jaishankar said hosting the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Odisha "reflects the Modi Sarkar's 'Poorvudaya' policy," underlining the development and prominence of eastern India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 18th PBD Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the presence of EAM Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, among other dignitaries.
The event started with a performance by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.
Addressing the gathering, EAM Jaishankar said with pride that the achievements of the Indian diaspora are truly remarkable. "You all not only feel proud of your achievements but also enhance India's global respect."
"In a globalised era, the diaspora becomes more important with each passing year. Whether it is technology, best practices or resources, be it tourism, trade or investment, the two-way flows you enable are invaluable. As we strive to make a global workspace, this will be even more so in the times to come," he said.
These are people-centric changes," he said, highlighting the ease of doing business, living, and traveling in India.
He referred to the use of digital technologies in diaspora welfare measures, including facilitation of issuance and renewal of passports, improving consular services, grievance redressal platforms, and more responsible embassies and consulates.
"Most importantly, in times of difficulty, you can be confident that the Modi Sarkar has your back," he added.
He lauded Odisha for its rich historical and cultural heritage, referring to the Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Konark Temple, and many other attractions.
"Hosting PBD in Odisha is a reflection of Modi Sarkar's 'Poorudaya' Policy. In so many ways, Odisha represents the full richness of our history and culture," Jaishankar said.
He also drew a parallel between the state’s famous Bali Yatra and the Indian government’s ‘Act East’ policy. “When we define ourselves as an Indo-Pacific nation, we do so from the eastern sea border of Odisha,” he said.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing confidence, modernisation, and inclusiveness, where tradition and technology coexist.
He encouraged the diaspora to contribute to the journey of building a “Viksit Bharat.”
The PBD Convention, which the Central government has organized in association with the Odisha state government, will take place from January 8 to 10. More than 50 countries have sent delegates for the three-day event, themed "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was established in 2003 by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community. It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs, showcasing the diversity and progress of different Indian regions.
Since 2015, the PBD Convention has been held as a biennial event with theme-based conferences in intervening years. This format enables focused discussions on specific areas of interest and provides an opportunity for networking for the global Indian diaspora.
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