Bhubaneswar, 8 January (H.S.): The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas officially commenced on Wednesday at Janata Maidan in the Temple City of Bhubaneswar. The first day of this three-day event began with the grand celebration of “Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas,” inaugurated with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp amid vibrant chants and an enthusiastic atmosphere. Dignitaries in attendance included Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pavitra Marserita, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhl Khadse, and Newsweek (USA) CEO Dr. Dev Pragada.

During the event, Chief Minister Shri Majhi welcomed the overseas Bharatiya community, expressing that this inaugural celebration in Bhubaneswar would create unforgettable memories and further strengthen ties. He took pride in the extraordinary contributions of over 30 million Indians residing in 200 countries worldwide, who serve as cultural ambassadors, reflecting India’s glory across the globe.

The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements of notable diaspora personalities, including industrialists Gopichand Hinduja and L.N. Mittal, corporate leaders Indira Nooyi, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, scientist Venkat Ramakrishnan, and fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra, all of whom have enhanced India’s global reputation. He invited overseas Indians to participate in Odisha’s development journey, highlighting opportunities in technology, renewable energy, infrastructure development, education, and tourism. Shri Majhi urged the diaspora to invest in these sectors, engage in cultural exchange, and collaborate for mutual growth.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar remarked that overseas Indians have always maintained an emotional connection with their homeland and remain eager to contribute to India’s advancement. He noted that diaspora Indians are excelling in fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, drones, academic research, technical expertise, and space exploration. Their involvement will be crucial in realising the vision of a developed India.

In his address, Dr. Jaishankar praised Odisha, stating, “This state offers a tremendous opportunity to personally experience much of what we will be discussing throughout the PBD. Its cultural festivals and religious and archaeological sites remind us of why we in India consider ourselves a civilisational society.”

He further emphasised that Odisha is a living testament to progress in all dimensions of development. The optimism and energy of the youth are clearly evident in the state, whether in educational institutions or in daily interactions.

According to Jaishankar, the new India, with over 90,000 start-ups and more than 100 unicorns, Atal Tinkering Labs, and nano fertilisers, is radiating hope and ambition. An ambitious vision requires strong foundations to be realised, and it is essential to invest in youth to help them reach their full potential. We also frequently welcome visits from PIO journalists to India. On behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I would like to encourage you to promote India as a tourism destination. If young Indian PIOs bring their equally young friends from abroad to explore our uniquely rich and diverse heritage and culture, this will undoubtedly become a lifelong habit for them, he stated.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri L. Mandaviya, drew parallels between the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi, who returned to India from South Africa 110 years ago, and the potential of today’s diaspora to contribute their experiences and expertise towards building a developed India.

He urged the Indian diaspora to leverage their experiences and expertise to further India's development as a prosperous nation. He highlighted that the diaspora acts as cultural and economic ambassadors of India abroad, playing a crucial role in the country’s advancement.

Expressing gratitude to the diaspora for their efforts and contributions, Mandaviya acknowledged that their hard work and innovation have bolstered India's image on the international stage. He encouraged them to share the knowledge and experiences they have gained in their respective fields with India and to inspire the youth of the country.

He stated, Our goal is to make India a developed nation. This is not solely the responsibility of the government but the duty of every Indian. Each of you can play a significant role in India’s progress through your experiences and resources.

The Union Minister also emphasised the need to enhance the participation of the Indian diaspora in sectors such as health, education, science, and technology. He remarked that their contributions towards making the nation self-reliant would elevate India to new heights on the global stage.

At the conclusion of the event, Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the Indian diaspora. The conference saw significant participation from the diaspora and was considered an inspiring occasion.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pavitra Marserita, remarked that this convention would help foster global knowledge and skills among the youth and effectively implement the roadmap for a developed India.

Dr. Dev Pragada, CEO of Newsweek (USA), shared his success story, highlighting how his organisation achieved global recognition through innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. He praised the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a platform that strengthens ties between India and its diaspora.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhl Khadse, expressed gratitude to all participants.

This event was attended by thousands of overseas Indians, intellectuals, researchers, social workers, and entrepreneurs from across India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda