Kumar Bahukhandi
PM Modi addressing the inaugural program of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference in Bhubaneswar –Odisha – Photo ANI
Prime Minister Modi said that the great land of Odisha where you have 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 and businessmen from Odisha used to travel long distances to places like Bali, Sumatra, Java…Bali Yatra is organised in Odisha even today.
Bhubaneswar – Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the inaugural function of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Thursday January 9, 2025 . Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was also present on this 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. Maha Kumbh is starting in Prayagraj in a few days. Festivals like Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Pongal, Lohri are about to come. There is a joyful atmosphere everywhere.
Prime Minister Modi said that the great land of Odisha on which you have 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 in Odisha even today.
He said that when there was a period of expanding empires on the strength of swords in the world, then our emperor Ashoka chose the path of peace here. This is the same strength of our heritage due to 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 India’s ambassadors. I feel very happy when I meet all of you friends across the world, talk to you. I cannot forget the love I get. Your love, your blessings are always with me. We are not just the mother of democracy, but democracy is a part of our lives. We do not have to teach diversity, our lives themselves provide 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, that society with full honesty. Along with all this, India also keeps beating in our hearts.
He said that today the world is seeing India’s success. 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 firmly establishes its point, but also raises the voice of the Global South with full force.
Flagged off Pravasi Bharatiya Express
The Prime Minister flagged off the special tourist train ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Express’ for the NRIs. The train started its journey from Delhi’s Nizamuddin Railway Station. This train will take the NRIs to many tourist and religious places across the country for three weeks.
‘The importance of the NRI community has increased with each year in the global era’
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that through this conference, which is held every two years, Indians living abroad are able to see and experience the progress and development taking place in their country. All of you not only feel proud of the achievements of your life, but also experience the growing respect for us abroad. The importance of the NRI community has increased with each year in the global era.
‘Contribution of NRIs in building a developed India’
Odisha Chief Minister Majhi said that this time the theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is ‘Contribution of NRIs in building a developed India’. Today I greet everyone from the land of Odisha.
