Indian PM Modi opens 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore

Agencies | New Delhi

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday opened the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, calling Pravasi Bhartiyas as India’s “brand ambassadors” on foreign soil.

Modi further stressed that Pravasis have a significant role to play in the country’s journey as its enters the “Amrit Kaal” of the next 25 years.

"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," Modi said.

The GenNext Pravasis are also curious to know about the country of their parents' origin," he said.

He also urged Indian universities to document the contributions made by the diaspora in their respective nations for the benefit of students.

The event was streamed live at Indian Embassy in Bahrain in the presence of Indian community members and Ambassador Piyush Srivastava.

A 100 member delegation from Bahrain is at Indore for the convention, where they had discussions with V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs of India, on Sunday.

Modi yesterday also opened the first ever digital PBD Exhibition on the theme AzadiKaAmritMahotsav - Contribution of Diaspora in Indian Freedom Struggle.

President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the special guest of honour 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 at the event, praised Modi for his efforts during the pandemic. 

"When globalisation failed during the pandemic, Modi showed that it exists," he said.

Calling India an important strategic partner, Irfaan Ali recalled how the country helped it with COVID-19 vaccines and medicines in its time of need. 

He further said there are massive opportunities for India's private sector in Guyana.

"I visited this country earlier and studied here before becoming the president (of Guyana) and felt the love of Indian people," he added.