Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conference in Odisha on Thursday. Talking on the occasion, he additionally highlighted the importance of the event, mentioning that the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj will start in only a few days. He additionally famous the upcoming festivals of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu, emphasising the joyous environment prevailing throughout the nation. In his tackle, the Prime Minister additionally praised Odisha’s profound cultural and historic heritage, noting its important contributions to international commerce and spirituality.
PM Modi additionally remarked on the traditional maritime connections of Odisha, the place merchants travelled to distant areas corresponding to Bali, Sumatra, and Java. He highlighted that the custom of the Bali Yatra remains to be celebrated to honour these historic ties. Referring to Odisha’s non secular essence, he spoke about Dhauli, a logo of peace, the place Emperor Ashoka embraced non-violence after the Kalinga Battle. “In an period when empires had been constructed by the power of arms, Emperor Ashoka selected the trail of peace right here in Odisha. It’s this legacy that conjures up India at the moment to advocate for a future rooted not in struggle, however within the teachings of Buddha,” PM Modi mentioned.
The Prime Minister additional identified the historic significance of January 9, marking the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from overseas in 1915, which laid the inspiration for India’s freedom wrestle. His remarks echoed the festive temper surrounding the occasion, enhanced by the presence of Indian diaspora members from around the globe. As per PM Modi, this version of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, holds particular significance because it coincides with the delivery centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He credited Vajpayee’s imaginative and prescient for the event and success of this program, paying tribute to the previous Prime Minister’s lasting influence on India’s international engagement and outreach to the diaspora.