Pravasi Bharatiyas are 'brand ambassadors' of India on foreign soil: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Indore on Monday to attend the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan received him at the airport.

Indore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Monday, said that the Pravasi Bhartiyas are "brand ambassadors" of India on foreign soil, who have a significant place in the journey of the country as it enters the 'Amrit Kaal' of the next 25 years. He was speaking after inaugurating the event, which was also attended by Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who was the chief guest.

"I consider Pravasi Bharatiyas as brand ambassadors of India on foreign soil. Your role is diverse. You are the brand ambassador for yoga, Ayurveda, cottage industry, handicrafts, and also millets. The GenNext Pravasis are also curious to know about the country of their parents' origin," Modi said. The PM also asked the universities in India to document contributions made by the diaspora in their respective nations for the benefit of students.

Praising the state and the city, Modi said Madhya Pradesh has a number of natural sites, including the Narmada river, and the recently developed Mahakal Lok at the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, and urged the diaspora to visit them. "Indore is ahead of its time not only in cleanliness but also takes care of its heritage. The delicacies of Indore are mouth-watering and the people who taste them once will never turn to anything else," he said.

President of the Republic of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who was the special guest of honor at the event, said India has proven to be a reliable partner on regional and global platforms. "Suriname has sought partnership (with India) in various fields including health, financial sectors and strengthening cultural ties by setting up institutes for Hindi language promotion in the Caribbean country," he said.

Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the chief guest, in his address said that it was Modi who showed that globalization still exists even when it failed during the pandemic. He recalled India's help in providing COVID-19 vaccines and medicines to various countries and termed India as an important strategic partner. He said there are massive opportunities for India's private sector in Guyana. He also termed Guyana's economy as one of the fastest growing in the world. "I visited this country earlier and studied here before becoming the president (of Guyana) and felt the love of Indian people," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Indore earlier today while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan received him at the airport. The 3-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention started on Sunday, and will be concluded on Tuesday. This year's theme for the convention is 'Diaspora: Reliable partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal'. It is for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic, that the convention has been organized at a physical venue.

The organizers also released a commemorative postal stamp titled 'Surakshit Jaayen, Prashikshit Jaayen' on the occasion to underscore the importance of legal, secure, and skilled migration. More than 3,500 diaspora members from 70 countries had registered for the event.

PM Modi notified about his arrival in the city through Twitter earlier on Sunday. "Looking forward to being in the vibrant city of Indore tomorrow, 9th January to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This is a great opportunity to deepen the connect with our diaspora, which has distinguished itself globally," a tweet posted through the PM's official Twitter handle read.

The convention was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday, on the occasion of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Indore, marking the start of the 17th edition of the three-day event. Chouhan in an address at the venue in Indore welcomed delegates to India’s heartland, saying the state had rolled out carpets of flowers as an invitation.

He also encouraged participants to avail themselves of the spirit of hospitality of the people of his state. Shivraj Singh Chouhan who was also seen singing songs at the grand further said that the Indian youth have innovative ideas. However, to make a successful innovation, they need to create a roadmap, work hard on the roadmap, learn to sail against the tide, and have the courage to take risks. Then only an innovative idea can be converted into a successful venture, he added.