Bhubaneswar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the inaugural program of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Thursday. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was also present on the occasion. Here PM Modi inaugurated the conference. Addressing the inaugural program of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference, PM Modi said that this is the time of vibrant festivals.
Mahakumbh is starting in Prayagraj in a few days. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Pongal, Lohri are coming. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere. Prime Minister Modi said that the great land of Odisha where you are gathered today is also a reflection of India’s rich heritage. Our heritage is visible at every step in Odisha. Even hundreds of years ago, our traders from Odisha used to travel long distances to places like Bali, Sumatra, Java… Bali Yatra is organized even today in Odisha. He said that when there was a time in the world to expand the empire by the strength of the sword, our Emperor Ashoka had chosen the path of peace here. This is the strength of our heritage with the inspiration of which today India is able to tell the world that the future does not lie in war, but in Buddha. PM Modi said that I have always considered the Indian diaspora as the national ambassadors of India. I feel very happy when I meet all your friends all over the world and talk to you. I can’t forget the love I get. Your love, your blessings always remain with me. We are not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is part of our life. We don’t have to teach diversity, our life itself provides diversity. Wherever Indians go, they connect with the society there. Wherever Indians go, they respect the rules and traditions of that place. We serve that country and that society with full honesty. Along with all this, India also keeps beating in our hearts. He said that the world is watching India’s success today. Today when India’s Chandrayaan reaches Shiv Shakti Point, we all feel proud. Today, when the world is surprised to see the power of Digital India, we all feel proud. Today every sector of India is moving forward to touch the heights of the sky. Today the world listens carefully to what India says. Today’s India not only stands firm on its point, it also raises the voice of the Global South with full force.
‘In the global era, the importance of the expatriate community increases with each year’
Earlier, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that through this conference organized every two years, Indians living abroad are able to see and experience the progress and development taking place in their country. All of you are not only proud of your lifetime achievements, but also feel the growing respect for us abroad. In the global era, the importance of the expatriate community has increased with each year.
‘Contribution of NRIs in building a developed India’
Odisha Chief Minister Majhi said that this time the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is ‘contribution of NRIs in building a developed India’. Today I greet everyone from the land of Odisha.