Indian diaspora serves as nation’s ‘ambassadors to the world’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday emphasized the crucial role of the Indian diaspora in transforming the country into a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention at Bhubaneswar in Odisha, the Prime Minister praised the diaspora for its significant role in global development and their contribution to India’s growth story. He commended the Indian diaspora for serving as the nation’s “ambassadors to the world.” He said, the Indian diaspora has excelled worldwide and their accomplishments make the country proud. 

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the role of Indian values in gaining global respect for the diaspora. He said, that in the last ten years, he met several world leaders. Every leader of the world lauds the Indian diaspora. He said, one of the main reasons for this is the social values, that the Indian diaspora embeds in the societies of the world. Stressing the significance of India’s democratic ethos, Mr Modi said, India is not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is ingrained in our way of life.”

The Prime Minister highlighted that over 25 crore people in India have come out of poverty in the past decade, while the nation is rapidly advancing toward becoming the third-largest economy in the world. He said the country is excelling in all sectors including renewable energy, electric mobility, fighter aircraft manufacturing, metro and bullet trains, and soon, Pravasi Bharatiya will fly back to the country in ‘Made in India’ aircraft.

Mr Modi also highlighted India’s youthful demographic, noting that the government’s primary focus is to upgrade the skills of the nation’s youth to harness their potential.

Prime Minister Modi said the day holds historical significance as it was on this



day in 1915 when Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi returned to India returned to India after a long stay abroad. The Prime Minister said, in just a few days, the Mahakumbh will start at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. He said this is a time of vibrant festivals in India, from Makarsankranti to Lohri, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. 

Mr Modi added that the presence of the Indian diaspora in the country at such a time is adding to the festive spirit of this occasion. The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in establishing the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which has evolved into a vital platform to strengthen bonds between India and its diaspora.

Highlighting Odisha’s heritage, Prime Minister Modi said, this land reflects India’s rich legacy, with sites like the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the Konark Temple, and ancient ports such as Tamralipti and Manikpatna. He said these treasures evoke immense pride.

 

The event was attended also by Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Jual Oram, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar emphasized that hosting the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention in Odisha reflects the Narendra Modi government’s “Poorvudaya” policy, showcasing the development and cultural richness of eastern India. He said, that in a globalised era, the diaspora has only become more important with each passing year. He said whether it is technology, tourism, trade or investment, the two-way flows they enable are invaluable. He said, the people-centric changes that are promoted in India also benefit the diaspora.