The 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention was organized online on 9 January, under the theme “Contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs, which provides an important platform to engage and connect with the overseas Indians.
Many NRIs from different parts of the world participated in the session online. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with a speech, wherein he stated, “There is a tradition to honour all the colleagues who have enhanced the pride of Mother Bharati all over the world with the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ every year. About 240 dignitaries spread over 60 different countries have been honoured since the journey, which began under the guidance of Bharat Ratnalate ShriAtalBihari Vajpayee ji.”
Congratulating the winners, he remarked, “The past year has been a year of many challenges for all of us. But amidst these challenges, the way our Indian Diaspora has done the work and discharged its duty around the world is a matter of pride for India as well. This is our tradition and these are the customs of this land. There is a strong trust in Indian-origin colleagues all over the world for social and political leadership from here.”
Discussing the coronavirus vaccines made in India, he said, “Today, India is ready to protect humanity with not one but two ‘Made in India’ Corona vaccines. Being the world’s pharmacy, India has delivered essential medicines to every needy in the world in the past and is still doing it. The world is not just waiting for India’s vaccine today, but is keenly watching how India runs the world’s largest vaccination program.”
President of Suriname, H.E. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest of the day. This was followed by an address at the Plenary Session by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on ‘Role of Diaspora in Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
In his speech, he pointed out, “Let us note that India is consistently making it easier to do business today, both for domestic and global players. Our objective may be to increase our own trade, investments and services; but they will surely contribute to a larger global rebalancing. An India with greater capacities can be an additional engine of growth for the global economy. It will also be a trusted partner and a reliable supplier, in line with global norms and practices.
He added, “I look forward to listening to insights, ideas and suggestions that this session will surely bring out. Pravasis have been intrinsic partners to our national growth and modernization. I am sure that their vantage point will bring a greater richness into the conversation that we are having on this important subject today.”
A second Plenary session was on ‘Facing Post Covid Challenges – Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations’, which was spearheaded by Minister of Health and Minister of State for External Affairs. Both Plenaries featured panel discussions inviting eminent diaspora experts.
Finally, President of India Sri Ram Nath Kovind delivered the Valedictory Address, stating, “I convey my heartiest congratulations to all the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees. I appreciate their efforts to promote better understanding of India abroad, contribute to social & humanitarian causes, and build closer links between India and their adopted countries. Their contribution in enhancing India’s prestige deserves high praise.”
During the speech, he praised the Indian Diaspora around the world, saying, “India has one of the largest diaspora populations of nearly 30 million, residingin every corner of the world today. It has been aptly put that ‘the sun never sets on the Indian diaspora’. Known as the ‘model minority’, diaspora Indians have an impressive presence in the fields of science & technology – specially ICT & medicine – entrepreneurship, trade & commerce, academics, art, literature and sports. Some of you have reached leadership positions in administration and politics. You have spread the soft power of India and made your mark on the global stage.”
He added, “Your continued emotional attachment to India, its culture and traditions makes all of us very proud of you. You have been contributing to the growth and development of the countries of your residence and, at the same time, you have been carrying your Indianness in your hearts.”
Continuing his speech, Kovind said, “India believes in the philosophy of ‘vasudhaiva kutumbhakam’,the world is one family. We have ensured that our development is shared with other countries. To this end, we look forward to engaging more meaningfully with you and seek your recommendations for providing further boost to our initiatives. We want you to actively participate in the making of ‘New India’.”
He then extended the distinguished honor to the winners of the prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards.
The award is the highest honor conferred by the President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conventions on a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO), and organization or institution established and run by NRIs or PIOs.
Among the 30 NRIs, and Indian-origin people and organizations given the awards is Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Curacao Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath and New Zealand minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
There are no NRIs from Kuwait among the awardees this year, while in previous years, Kuwait based NRI Sri Rajpal Thyagi and Indian Doctors Forum were bequeathed the Pravasi Bharateeya Awards.
“The awardees represent the vibrant excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields. Several countries have been represented for the first time among the awardees,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.