During his address at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the Indian diaspora’s presence in India, especially during festive occasions, and praised their seamless integration into global society while preserving Indian values. He also noted the festive atmosphere in India, with events like Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and Makar Sankranti celebrations, adding that the diaspora’s presence at such times contributes to the country’s festive spirit.
PM Modi underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the diaspora in times of crisis, stating that their welfare is a priority for India’s foreign policy. He mentioned that India has expanded its global consular services, opening 14 embassies and consulates in the past two years and extending the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card to the seventh-generation descendants of Mauritius’ Indian-origin population.
Referring to the influence of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, PM Modi celebrated the event’s role in strengthening the bond between India and its diaspora. He described diaspora members as “Rashtradoot” (ambassadors of the nation) and praised their contributions to their respective countries while maintaining a deep connection to India.
The Prime Minister also flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train dedicated to the Indian diaspora, to facilitate their connection with India. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held from January 8-10 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, serves as a key platform to engage with the Indian diaspora and celebrate their contributions to India’s development.
