18th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: Representative from over 50 countries unite to celebrate India's rich heritage

PM Narendra Modi, Odisha governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, CM Mohan Charan Majhi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw gathered on the occassion of the inauguration of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.(Image credit: ANI)

PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora, calling them "Rashtradoots" (ambassadors), praising their ability to integrate into adopted nations while preserving Indian culture, gaining admiration for their values and strengthening India's global presence. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar also reassured overseas Indians of the government's unwavering support during challenges, fostering trust and collaboration.

(Image credit: ANI )

PM Modi during a walkthrough of exhibition at the convention. He highlighted Odisha's historical ties with regions like Bali, Sumatra, and Java and invoked King Ashoka's turn toward peace, aligning it with India's present-day ideology.

(Image credit: PTI)

The PM also inaugrated the exhibition at the convention. He highlighted the diaspora's historical role during India's independence in 1947 and called on them to play a pivotal part in achieving India's 2047 vision of becoming a developed nation, focusing on innovation and global collaboration.

(Image credit: PTI)

Artists performing during the inauguration. PM Modi threw light on India's ability to champion a future rooted in Buddha's teachings rather than conflict. He said, "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)”.

(Image credit: ANI)

PM Modi called India the "mother of democracy," emphasising how democratic values are deeply embedded in Indian culture and daily life. This resonates globally, showcasing India as a thriving democratic model for other nations.

(Image credit: ANI)

With participation from over 50 countries, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention united the global Indian community. It celebrated shared cultural roots while fostering dialogue to drive India's progress on the world stage.

(Image credit: ANI)

Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej, who composed the event's theme song, also performed during the inaugration. The artist said, “I am honoured to have composed a special song for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Performing it in front of the Prime Minister and thousands of people was thrilling. I am overjoyed that the Prime Minister loved it and even mentioned it in his speech."

(Image credit: ANI)

The PM virtually inaugurated the first journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora. Over three weeks, the train will traverse destinations of cultural, historical, and religious significance across India.

(Image credit: PTI)

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan with Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and others during the birthday celebration of external affairs minister S Jaishankar, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas also coincided with Jaishankar's birthday which also falls on 9 January.

(Image credit: PTI)