Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India on 9 January 2023. In addition to launching the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition with the topic "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle," he also unveiled a commemorative postal stamp in their honour.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the Government of India's premier event and that provides a platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and enable the diaspora to interact with each other. This year the theme was 'Diaspora: Reliable partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal'. Over 3,500 members of the diaspora from nearly 70 different countries registered for the PBD Convention.
It also hosted the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) on Tuesday 10 January, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad. CB Patel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies was received an award for his contributions in Media, presented by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu and Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar.
Receiving the award CB said, "I feel humbled and honoured to have been conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar newsweeklies have been serving the community in the UK, telling the stories of the 'living bridge' for the last 50 years as well as providing active and participatory services. This award is dedicated to the continuing support of readers, the ABPL team and my family.
"Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has been a brilliant initiative and an excellent effort to engage with the large, expanding and increasingly influential Indian Diaspora, as they play a significant role in the bilateral relationships between India and other countries."
A significant number of British Indians attended the PBD Convention, including representatives from diaspora organisations such as FISI-UK (Friends of India Society International), Sardar Patel Memorial Society, IISFA (Indian International Student Federation), Indian Diaspora in UK (IDUK), UPCA (Uttar Pradesh Cultural Association), to name a few.
Strong presence of the diaspora
Welcoming everyone on the occasion on behalf of 1.3bn Indians, the Prime Minister said that the event was taking place Madhya Pradesh, a region renowned for greenery, tribal cultures, and spirituality. He mentioned the recently dedicated ‘Maha Kaal Maha Lok’ and hoped that dignitaries and delegates were able to visit the sacred place. Talking further about the host city, Indore, the Prime Minister said, "It is a phase that walks ahead of time while preserving its heritage.” He also praised the culinary fame of the city and its achievement in the Swachata (clean India) movement.
PM remarked that this PBD was particularly special as India completed 75 years of its independence. He also informed that the first-ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' had been organised which brought the glorious era to the fore once again. Speaking about the world, PM Modi applauded the Indians, highlighting how they lived across the globe among different cultures and traditions, yet found ways to unlock the gates of prosperity through business partnerships.
The Prime Minister noted that when he looked at thousands of Pravasi Bhartiyas(overseas Indians) on the world map, numerous images simultaneously emerged that painted the picture of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, and the sentiment of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat".
"The feeling of pride in being the mother of democracy increases manifold when Pravasis are talked about as the most democratic, peaceful and disciplined citizens in different parts of the world", the Prime Minister remarked. Every Pravasi Bhartiya, according to the PM, served as an ambassador for India on a global scale, as an example of a strong and capable India. "You are the Rashtradoots (national ambassadors) of India's heritage, of Make in India, of Yoga and Ayurveda, of India's cottage industries and handicrafts", Modi continued, "At the same time, you are also the brand ambassadors of India's millets."
He remarked that the Pravasi Bhartiyas had still another crucial role to play in addressing the world's curiosity about India. He emphasised India's remarkable recent accomplishments and stated that the entire world was closely monitoring the country with great interest.
“The message of India has its distinct importance”, the Prime Minister said as he remarked that the strength of the country is only going to get a boost in the future. He asked everyone in attendance to increase their awareness of both India's progress and the culture and traditions of the country.
He noted the enthusiasm among the next generation Pravasi Bhartiya Youth. He urged the gathering to tell the youth about their country and also provide those occasions to visit it. “With traditional understanding and modern approach, these young Pravasis will be able to tell the world about India more effectively. With increasing curiosity about India among the youth, tourism, research and glory of India will enhance”, he said.
PM Modi suggested that there should be an ongoing endeavour to use universities and research organisations to chronicle the lives, the struggles, and the accomplishments of Pravasi Bharatiyas for their different countries. The Prime Minister added that each and every Bharatvanshi(Indian) carried the entire India with him or her. “In the last 8 years, India has tried to strengthen its diaspora. It is India’s commitment today that wherever you are the country is for your interests and expectations”, he said.
Special Guests of Honour included H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and H.E. Mr Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Hon’ble President of the Republic of Suriname. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Patel, UnionMinister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, Ministers of States, Meenakshi Lekhi, VMuraleedharan and Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh were some of the other key guests present.
Make efforts to collaborate with Indian businesses, says Finance Minister Sitharaman
The Indian society, which has changed to be aspirational now, offers numerous options to the diaspora, unlike in the past, up until the economy was opened up in 1991, according to Finance Minister and Corporate Affairs of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, who spoke at a plenary session on Tuesday during the PravasiBharatiya Divas Convention in Indore. Ms Sitharaman hailed the Indian diaspora in her opening remarks, calling the group a "exemplar" for contributing locally while maintaining ties to their roots.
In her opening remarks, the Ministerpraised the Indian diaspora, saying the community has emerged as an “exemplar” by making contributions where they live, while holding on to their roots. “You have been a community which has made India very proud,” she said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that Indians living abroad serve as the nation's brand ambassadors, Ms Sitharaman said the diaspora must look into newer avenues to contribute to India's development trajectory and call attention to weaknesses in administrative policies in order to achieve higher standards.
The Ministry of External Affairs estimates that as of December 25, 2021, there were 32mn NRIs and PIOs living abroad as of December 31, 2021. The finance minister also urged the expatriate community to collaborate with Indian companies, “small, medium, big or nano”.
“So that India in the next 25 years gets your potential for the entrepreneurial skills that you may have. So that Indian businesses here get that advantage from you and together we develop the country by 2047,” said Ms Sitharaman.
Dr S Jaishankar connects with UK diaspora
Speaking with the British Indians at the event, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar highlighted the Government of India's vision in handling the challenges of migration and mobility.
"Today, where there is a need for talent and abilities isn't always where resources are readily available. So the demographic mismatch of demand and talent is a big challenge, and it is a challenge which will grow with time. Because, by definition, the more developed societies are, the birth rate also drops. So automatically, there is a certain shortage, which is inbuilt. Therefore, we have attempted to negotiate what we refer to as migration and mobility partnership agreements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government," he said.
The minister explained his reason for bringing this topic up with the diaspora, as he sought their participation in making the vision successful.
"Now, why am I referring to this now? Because what we do not want is a market situation that is not addressed comfortably, legally and sustainably. If this situation is addressed through illegal migration, there is a double problem. The people who are taken are not treated fairly. In the system where people receive that, they also resent it. You also do not necessarily get the right talent," he explained.
"You guys will not benefit from it in terms of reputation or standing. Therefore, it is in everyone's interest for the present to ensure that the global economy is functioning more effectively. And where there exist human resources with the necessary skills and abilities, they are legally directed toward the industries in high demand," he added.
President addresses the valedictory session and bestows Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards
Droupadi Murmu, the President of India graced and addressed the valedictory session of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and conferred Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards to the diaspora.
While addressing the event, she stated that “The Indian diaspora today has become an important and unique force in the global system. It has grown into an energetic and confident community in every region, and is making stellar contributions to world affairs in leadership positions. Our Diaspora has exhibited extraordinary dedication and hard work, and has overcome many challenges to achieve excellence in all walks of life – including art, literature, politics, sports, business, academics, philanthropy, science and technology. Your achievements give us immense pride and joy.”
She added that the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards represented the highest national honour for diaspora residents' achievements to India and their home countries. These awards are significant as they not only to show our appreciation and acknowledgment of the achievements of the Pravasis, but also reflect our faith in their resolve to keep India’s flag flying high in the world. Even after winning the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, prior recipients have gone on to accomplish greater heights and receive accolades for their excellent work.
While reflecting the custom of commemorating ties with diaspora members, President remarked that “Over the last two decades, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention has served as a unique platform to enable fruitful engagement between the Government, people of India and the diaspora. We started this tradition of celebrating our bonds with the Diaspora on 9th January, to mark the day when Mahatma Gandhi, a pioneer among Pravasis, embarked upon the revival of India’s Freedom Movement against colonial rule on returning to India.”
Madhya Pradesh’s CM gave emotional speech at PBD
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, delivered an emotional speech at the state's 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. He stated he felt emotionally overwhelmed, with unlimited joys, but there was also a bitter sweet pain, likening the occasion to a daughter's wedding.
"We had your company for three days. Indore became one with you. Truly, Indore prepared to host the convention as one prepares for a daughter's wedding. But the daughter's vidai pains the heart too. Three days of hope and festivities went by so quickly. Now, the heart is heavy thinking you will leave...arey yahin reh jaona (please stay back)," he said.
“I invite you to innovate, invest and initiate your ideas in India”
Addressing at the event, Anurag Thakur, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of India said,“Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is about celebrating everything that makes us Indian, not only discovering one's ancestry. It is as much about your story and the story of rising India. It is an opportunity to reconnect and re-imagine new possibilities. And it is a network to drive change, discover new ties and develop new ideas.”
The Minister elaborated further, “Today, I can say with confidence and practicality that young people from India and the diaspora have made outstanding advancements in the fields of technology, business, politics, creativity, and innovation worldwide…
“Indians be it in India or abroad have always held their heads high and hearts open to lead the world into the bold and bright future that awaits us. So, I invite you to innovate, invest, and initiate your ideas in India”
