Indore: EAM Jaishankar Inaugurates ‘Pravasi Bhartiya Divas’, Lauds Youth for Connecting India to World

Kumar Rakesh

GG News Bureau

Indore, 8th Jan. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM), applauded the Indian youths on Sunday for “connecting India to the world” at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

In his inaugural address to the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, he stated, “Whether it is the startup of technology, the younger generations are at the forefront of connecting India to the world. Our endeavour is to maximise our support for the diaspora. We aim to focus on the redressal of grievances through online mechanisms. I am confident that Indian youth at home and abroad will propel the growth of this country to greater heights. We strive to create a better workplace and non-discriminatory approach.”

Jaishankar said, India has the world’s largest diaspora.

“What’s unique about us is the intensity of bonding among us in the community abroad. This is an era where we’re increasingly confident about our prospects and seek to connect with the international community,” said EAM Jaishankar.

He stated that the country’s relationship with the 34 million Indian-origin people is what brought us here.

“This relationship was very much evident amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognised the tremendous response that we got from PIO. Our bond has become ever stronger as the result of all the trials. The identity of the diaspora is derived from how closely connected,” he added.

In terms of changes in India, he emphasized MADAD, an e-portal that will allow Indian citizens living abroad to file consular grievances online regarding the services provided by Indian Missions and Posts abroad, as well as International Yoga Day.

“Many of our embassies now offer yoga, dance and music classes. It is a matter of pride for us. Within the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged us all to focus on Amrit Kaal. It is important that the Indian community abroad also does the same. India is changing in front of our eyes in a manner that is unprecedented. India has the largest diaspora in the world and most will say the talented one,” said EAM Jaishankar.

“People have spoken about Indore as the cleanest city,” he said of the venue. It is the city of the friendliest people and the most welcoming atmosphere.”

He was also pleased to see Australian MP Zaneta Mascarenhas attend the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.

“We have also gathered here as India marks 75 years of Indian independence and as we move towards 100. I am glad to see that the guest of honour today is from our Quad and Indo-Pacific partner, Australia,” said Jaishankar.

Members of the Indian diaspora were welcomed in Indore by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Madhya Pradesh. This edition’s theme is “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.”

At the event, Australian MP Zaneta Mascarenhas stated, “Indian community is the fastest-growing diaspora in Australia. PM Anthony Albanese is looking to visit India later this year. India is a diverse country. The Indian diaspora seeks to do great things in the world.”

She was amused by the various impressions India gave her.

“There is so much vibrancy and colour here. India is a diverse country. The Indian diaspora seeks to do great things in the world. We get the best aspect of Indian culture,” she added.

“Our nation has a shared perspective,” Mascarenhas said, adding that the Australia-India relationship has never been closer.

“Innovation happens by mixing new ideas with old ways. Indians in the Indian diaspora have tremendous work ethics,” she said.

“Indians from the engineering and technology sectors have achieved greater feats abroad. Many Indians now play a crucial role in these firms abroad. There’s ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Digital India’. Now, India is taking greater strides in development. Now the country has become self-reliant as well under the leadership of PM Modi,” said CM Chouhan at Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.

Meanwhile, Thakur stated that India is a land of thousand-year-old civilisations and provided background information on the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas organization.

“Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa 108 years ago. India is 1/6th of humanity. Indian-origin people have shown pragmatism in a foreign land. Indian diaspora youth have special & unique qualities,” said Thakur.

He also stated that the Indian diaspora is second to none.

“Some of the kindest minds of Indian origin have played a strategic role. Indian diaspora youth have some special and unique properties. The concept and theme of Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is rooted in the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he added.

Today’s celebration, according to Sayeed, focuses on the youth who have been at the forefront, noting that India has the world’s largest youth population.