Bhubaneswar served as the venue for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored that the event exemplifies the Modi government’s ‘Poorvudaya’ initiative, which aims to elevate the development and significance of eastern India. The convention was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, with notable attendees including EAM Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, among other esteemed guests. The proceedings began with a captivating performance by the three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej. In his address, EAM Jaishankar conveyed a sense of pride regarding the accomplishments of the Indian diaspora, stating, “You all not only feel proud of your achievements but also enhance India’s global respect.” He further articulated the increasing significance of the diaspora in today’s interconnected world, noting that their contributions are becoming more critical with each passing year. He emphasized that the diaspora plays a vital role in facilitating the exchange of technology, best practices, and resources, which encompass areas such as tourism, trade, and investment. Jaishankar remarked that the reciprocal flows enabled by the diaspora are invaluable, and as the world moves towards a more integrated global workspace, their importance will only continue to grow in the future.
Prime Minister Modi officially opened the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar.
