Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, emphasised that the world today listens to India.
Highlighting India’s rich heritage, Modi asserted that the future does not lie in war, but in peace through Buddha.
"Due to the strength of its heritage, India is able to tell the world that the future does not lie in war, but in Buddha (peace)," he said.
Modi stated that India is not only the birthplace of democracy but that democracy is a vital part of people's lives. "India is the mother of democracy, and democracy runs deep within the lives of its people," he said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significant role played by the Indian diaspora.
"We consider it our responsibility to help our diaspora during crisis situations no matter where they are," he said.
Modi added that the diaspora played a pivotal role during India’s independence in 1947 and sought their support to help make India a developed country by 2047.
Modi noted that India is not only a young country but one filled with skilled youths.
"The government is ensuring that whenever Indian youths go abroad, they do so with skills," he said, highlighting the global demand for skilled workers.
Discussing India’s global presence, the PM pointed out the importance of G20 meetings organised in various parts of the country to showcase India’s diversity.
"We don’t need to learn diversity because our lives run through diversity," Modi added.
In a symbolic gesture, Modi remotely flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora.
The train embarked on its three-week journey from Nizamuddin railway station in Delhi, visiting multiple destinations of tourism and religious significance across India.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), being jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Odisha government from January 8 to January 10, focuses on the theme 'Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.'
During the event, the PM inaugurated four exhibitions and took a tour of the exhibitions and promotional stalls of Union and state ministries and departments.
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