President Droupadi Murmu Highlights Indian Diaspora’s Role in Development at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – On Friday, Indian President Droupadi Murmu participated in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD), emphasizing that the Indian diaspora embodies the essence of the nation and plays a vital role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Murmu outlined the goals of the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative, which aims for India to become a fully developed country by the time it marks 100 years of independence. She expressed pride in the contributions of Indians living abroad, noting that they carry valuable knowledge, skills, and the core values that have shaped India’s civilization over centuries.
"The Indian diaspora has made significant strides in various fields such as technology, medicine, arts, and entrepreneurship, earning respect and recognition worldwide," she stated.
The President was present at the valedictory session of the convention, where she honored the recipients of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. She praised the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments, which not only reflect well on India but also inspire countless others globally to push toward excellence.
Additionally, Murmu congratulated Christine Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago, acknowledging her leadership and efforts focusing on women and the Indian community abroad, which she deemed exemplary on the world stage.
Highlighting the importance of the Indian diaspora in the national mission for Viksit Bharat, Murmu invited every Indian, including those living overseas, to actively participate in this journey. "Their global experiences allow them to contribute significantly to India’s development," she added.
In her closing remarks, the President expressed a vision of unity, stating that together, all Indians can build a robust and developed nation that shines prominently on the international platform.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention took place from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the Odisha government. This year’s event marked the first time the convention was held in Eastern India, attracting delegates from over 75 countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the event on January 9.
