Modi Sarkar has your back: Jaishankar at PBD convention

by IANS |

Bhubaneswar, Jan 9 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted that hosting the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Odisha "reflects the Modi Sarkar's 'Poorvudaya' policy," emphasising the development and prominence of eastern India.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th PBD Convention on Thursday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in the presence of EAM Jaishankar, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, among other dignitaries.


 


The event commenced with a performance by three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej.


 


Addressing the gathering, EAM Jaishankar expressed pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora. "You all not only feel proud of your achievements but also enhance India's global respect."


 


"In a globalised era, the diaspora becomes more important with each passing year. Whether it is technology, best practices or resources, be it tourism, trade or investment, the two-way flows you enable are invaluable. As we strive to make a global workspace, this will be even more so in the times to come," he said.


 


Jaishankar highlighted the "people-centric changes" introduced in India, such as improving ease of doing business, living, and travel.


 


He mentioned the application of digital technologies for diaspora welfare, including simplified passport issuance and renewal, enhanced consular services, grievance redressal platforms, and more responsible embassies and consulates.


 


"Most importantly, in times of difficulty, you can be confident that the Modi Sarkar has your back," he added.


 


He lauded Odisha for its rich historical and cultural heritage, citing the Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Konark Temple, and other attractions.


 


"The hosting of this PBD in Odisha is reflective of Modi Sarkar's 'Poorudaya' Policy. In so many ways, Odisha represents the full richness of our history and culture," Jaishankar said


 


He also drew a parallel between the state's famous Bali Yatra and the Indian government's 'Act East' policy. "When we define ourselves as an Indo-Pacific nation, we do so from the eastern sea border of Odisha," he said.


 


Jaishankar highlighted India's growing confidence, modernisation, and inclusiveness, where tradition and technology coexist.


 


He encouraged the diaspora to contribute to the journey of building a "Viksit Bharat."


 


The PBD Convention, organised by the Central government in collaboration with the Odisha state government, is being held from January 8 to 10. Delegates from over 50 countries have registered for the event, themed "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat."


 


The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was first established in 2003 under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a platform to recognise and engage with the overseas Indian community. It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs, showcasing the diversity and progress of different Indian regions.


 


Since 2015, the PBD Convention has evolved into a biennial event, with theme-based conferences held in intervening years. This approach facilitates focused discussions on specific areas of interest and offers networking opportunities for the global Indian diaspora.

Latest News
AAP candidates' poaching: ACB sleuths not allowed to enter Kejriwal's house Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 05:01 PM
Insult to humanity: DK Shivakumar condemns 'shackling' of Indian deportees by US Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:49 PM
Plane with 10 onboard missing in Alaska Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:47 PM
Railway to start running electric trains in southern Assam and Tripura soon Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:44 PM
Pakistan: Security forces harass farmers, forcibly collect electricity bills in Punjab province Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:43 PM
Sensex, Nifty end lower as investors assess RBI MPC decision Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:40 PM
Four killed, several injured in firecracker factory blast at Bengal's Kalyani Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:19 PM
Gujarat govt withdraws sedition cases against Patidar leaders Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:07 PM
AAP will secure victory in over 50 seats, says Gopal Rai Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:26 PM
Warmth, hospitality by Prez Droupadi Murmu made my Rashtrapati Bhavan visit special: Sachin Tendulkar Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:23 PM
59 cases of HMPV reported from 11 states in January: Prataprao Jadhav Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:18 PM
RBI defers rollout of LCR norms by a year in big relief to banks Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:14 PM
UN announces 15 innovation hubs to fuel digital transformation in Kenya Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:08 PM
Zambia assures stable HIV drug supply despite US funding halt Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:07 PM
NDA MPs from Bihar thank PM Modi for budget bonanza, gift him Madhubani paintings Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:06 PM