Democracy ingrained in our lives: PM Modi at PBD convention
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention Thursday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and commended the Indian diaspora for serving as the nation’s “ambassadors to the world.
Highlighting the significance of India’s democratic ethos, he remarked, “India is not just the ‘mother of democracy,’ but democracy is ingrained in our way of life.”
PM Modi also remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana. Departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi, the train will take Indian diaspora members to various religious and tourist destinations across the country over three weeks.
The event was attended by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, among other dignitaries. It began with a performance by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.
EAM Jaishankar emphasised that hosting the PBD in Odisha reflects the Modi government’s “Poorvudaya” policy, showcasing the development and cultural richness of eastern India.
Afternoon and evening sessions included themes such as “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills,” chaired by Shobha Karandlaje, and “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development,” chaired by Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The valedictory session on Friday will feature closing remarks by President Droupadi Murmu, who will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
Established in 2003 under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community. Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennial event, offering opportunities for focused discussions and networking among the global diaspora.
